Dabbling

Welcome

Welcome to Dabbling Aquarium Supplies!

Aquarium Live

Thanks for dropping by our site. We welcome you to browse our website and we hope you find what you are looking for. Here are some questions that we are often asked:

Why is the choice of tank for a home aquarium important and how does filter equipment affect choice?

The reason for the many different tank shapes is design. The best for the fish is your basic rectangular tank. This gives the most surface area thus producing the most oxygen exchange with the surface. Depth vs length is an issue depending upon what type of fish you have, usually a longer tank that holds is better because it gives both more surface area and more swimming room for the fish. But what size tank you get really depends on what you plan to put in it.

Filters are almost a preference issue. The basic hang-on-the-back filter works great for most people while others dislike it. If you don't have room to have a filter outside the tank then you have to go with an internal canister. Each has it's pros and cons. We recommend whatever you choose to use at least 50% more filtration than the tank calls for. Also, always cycle your tank before using it for your fish.

Is saltwater or freshwater better to maintain for starters of a home aquarium?

Freshwater is much easier and cheaper than saltwater, and is the best choice for a beginner. You'll still have to do a fair amount of maintenance with freshwater, but it's a lot simpler. Make sure to do plenty of research and pick compatible fish that won't outgrow your aquarium.

How often should the water of a small home aquarium be changed?

It depends on the types of fish and substrates you have. Never overcrowd your tank. You can manage with a 10% water change every week and a tank clean once every 2 months. You can extend that 2 month period with live plants and good gravels that absorb dirt and 1-2 catfishes.

Feed your fishes only as much as they can consume. Stand by, feed, watch them finish, then feed again if needed. Food is the main source of dirt for the tank. Keep the food lid tight.

Do not have direct sunlight on your tank unless the species demands it. Think extremely careful before you introduce something into tank, be it a fish or food or plant or decoration or even water or light. Everything affects the composition of the tank. Most beginners make this mistake. When you want to put in a fish, don't pour the water in. Pour it out and just filter the fish and introduce only the fish into tank. As long as you introduce the very minimum into your tank, and have a watch on what goes in and when, you shouldn't have a problem with disease or algae or unclean water. If you're planning to make water changes, tap the water overnight and treat for chlorine, etc. Never hose it directly from the tap.

How do you heat a Small Aquarium without a heater? I've just moved from a tropical climate to a cold climate. I had some tropical fish back home. I got some swordtails today. The weather here has changed drastically. How do you heat a tank without a heater?

Until you can buy a heater, you can heat your tank using light. You can put 3 or 4 60 Watt light bulbs over a 10 gallon tank to heat it in emergency situations. Trouble is that when you turn the lights out to go to bed, the aquarium will cool off. The heating/cooling action can cause a great deal of disease and stress in fish just like the rapid changes of weather that you are describing. It would be best that you purchase a proper heater.