Freshwater aquaria

David Pool

doi:10.22233/9781910443538.6

Freshwater aquaria

British Small Animal Veterinary Association , 37 (2001); https://doi.org/10.22233/9781910443538.6

/content/chapter/10.22233/9781910443538.chap6

Freshwater aquaria

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Author: David Pool
From: BSAVA Manual of Ornamental Fish
Item: Chapter 6, pp 37 - 44
DOI: 10.22233/9781910443538.6
Copyright: © 2001 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
Publication Date: January 2001

Abstract

THIS MANUAL HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM SALE. IT REMAINS AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY PURCHASED ACCESS. INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS MAY STILL BE PURCHASED

Keeping fish in an aquarium is a popular pastime around the world. Freshwater aquaria may be divided on the basis of the temperature of the water they contain. This chapter examines the requirements in setting up and maintaining a freshwater aquarium such as tanks, captive species, aquarium maintenance and holidays.

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Figures

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Figure 6.1

Goldfish bowls are only suitable for a few small fish. Severe fluctuations in water quality may result from the lack of filtration. The bowls should be only partially filled with water, so as to provide a greater surface area for gas exchange. © 2001 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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Figure 6.1 Goldfish bowls are only suitable for a few small fish. Severe fluctuations in water quality may result from the lack of filtration. The bowls should be only partially filled with water, so as to provide a greater surface area for gas exchange.

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Figure 6.2

Showpiece tropical freshwater aquarium. These are often heavily stocked with a variety of fish species and plants to simulate a natural environment. Regular maintenance and efficient filtration systems are required to ensure good water quality. (© W.H. Wildgoose.) © 2001 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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Figure 6.2 Showpiece tropical freshwater aquarium. These are often heavily stocked with a variety of fish species and plants to simulate a natural environment. Regular maintenance and efficient filtration systems are required to ensure good water quality. (© W.H. Wildgoose.)

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Figure 6.3

Foam filter. (a) These basic systems use a stream of fine air bubbles to draw water gently through the foam cartridge and through the uplift tube to the top of the aquarium. (b) A commercially produced foam filter is connected to an air pump by an airline. (© W.H. Wildgoose.) Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission. © 2001 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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Figure 6.3 Foam filter. (a) These basic systems use a stream of fine air bubbles to draw water gently through the foam cartridge and through the uplift tube to the top of the aquarium. (b) A commercially produced foam filter is connected to an air pump by an airline. (© W.H. Wildgoose.) Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission.

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Figure 6.4

Undergravel filter. (a) Water is drawn through a gravel bed and into a void beneath the perforated plate by a current created from a stream of rising air bubbles in the uplift tube. (b) This commercially available unit has a small cartridge containing activated carbon at the top of the uplift tube. (© W.H. Wildgoose.) Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission. © 2001 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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Figure 6.4 Undergravel filter. (a) Water is drawn through a gravel bed and into a void beneath the perforated plate by a current created from a stream of rising air bubbles in the uplift tube. (b) This commercially available unit has a small cartridge containing activated carbon at the top of the uplift tube. (© W.H. Wildgoose.) Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission.

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Figure 6.5

Gravel cleaner. The wide-bore tube is attached to a length of tubing and uses a siphon principle to remove light sediment and mulm from the bottom of the aquarium. This unit is self-priming and has a loose plastic flap that acts as a one-way valve. (© W.H. Wildgoose.) Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission. © 2001 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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Figure 6.5 Gravel cleaner. The wide-bore tube is attached to a length of tubing and uses a siphon principle to remove light sediment and mulm from the bottom of the aquarium. This unit is self-priming and has a loose plastic flap that acts as a one-way valve. (© W.H. Wildgoose.) Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission.

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Figure 6.6

Power filter. (a) An electric pump draws water through the media. The inner compartments can be filled with one or more types of medium. (b) An external unit, disassembled to show the lid with integral pump, the three chambers for the filter media and the outer casing. (Courtesy of Wildwoods Ltd, © W.H. Wildgoose.) © 2001 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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Figure 6.6 Power filter. (a) An electric pump draws water through the media. The inner compartments can be filled with one or more types of medium. (b) An external unit, disassembled to show the lid with integral pump, the three chambers for the filter media and the outer casing. (Courtesy of Wildwoods Ltd, © W.H. Wildgoose.)

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Figure 6.7

Hang-on filter. (a) The unit hooks on to the wall of the aquarium. Water is drawn up through the inlet pipe, into the pump chamber, then around the back into the filter box. Water permeates through the disposable carbon filter pads and returns to the tank over the outlet flap. (b) A double-chambered hang-on filter unit for home aquaria. (Courtesy of Tetra, © W.H. Wildgoose.) Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission. © 2001 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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Figure 6.7 Hang-on filter. (a) The unit hooks on to the wall of the aquarium. Water is drawn up through the inlet pipe, into the pump chamber, then around the back into the filter box. Water permeates through the disposable carbon filter pads and returns to the tank over the outlet flap. (b) A double-chambered hang-on filter unit for home aquaria. (Courtesy of Tetra, © W.H. Wildgoose.) Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission.

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Figure 6.8

Trickle filter. Discus are often considered difficult fish and are frequently kept in sparsely furnished tanks. They require very specific and stable water conditions, namely soft acidic warm water. In this system, water is pumped into a homemade trickle filter that is situated above the main tank. (© W.H. Wildgoose.) © 2001 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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Figure 6.8 Trickle filter. Discus are often considered difficult fish and are frequently kept in sparsely furnished tanks. They require very specific and stable water conditions, namely soft acidic warm water. In this system, water is pumped into a homemade trickle filter that is situated above the main tank. (© W.H. Wildgoose.)

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Figure 6.9

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Figure 6.9 Common freshwater species suitable for home aquaria: (a) cardinal tetra; (b) guppy; (c) discus; (d) goldfish.