EIGHT DIFFERENT TYPES OF FRESHWATER FISH
TANK SETUPS
Just as there are different
types of fish, there are different types of aquariums. The purpose for which a
tank is being setup can affect the system as much as will the types of fish
being included. Some of the following setups are unlikely to be first tanks, but
all of them could be.
Any division of aquarium types is going to be arbitrary to the extent that many
people want to have tanks that serve several functions. The following list of
fish tank types is meant to present the various options and functions as
independently as possible. The list can be mixed and matched.
1. Decorative Tanks
The most common fish tank, a decorative tank is an aquarium designed to be an
ornamental addition to a home's decor. Every aquarium can be setup to function
as a decorative aquarium. Breeding and fry-raising tanks, however, tend to be
less decorative in nature. A typical decorative tank is designed and organized
to look decorative and beautiful in the home or office.
One person’s idea of beautiful may be another's idea of hideous, but that is
true in tastes in paintings, wallpaper, and many other things. What is most
important in designing an ornamental aquarium is ensuring that the components
selected please your sense of aesthetics and also combine to produce a healthy
aquatic environment.
2. Theme Tanks
A "theme" aquarium combines elements around a central idea. You can organize
your tank around a colour theme or a decorative theme. The possibilities for
other types of themes are endless. Some effective tanks focus on a particular
geographical region, and are called biotope tanks.
Besides colours, what other theme ideas can you use to setup an aquarium?
Another option is to focus on a particular type of fish. Or a tank in which all
the fish are long or striped or catfish and more. A thematic community tank is
the most popular, including the fish which appeal most to the fish tank's owner.
3. Biotope Tanks
Many aquarium fish enthusiasts enjoy trying to recreate a very specific natural
environment. This is known as a biotope aquarium. The tank can be organized
simply as, for example, "plants and fish from Asia" or more specific as fish and
plants from Sri Lanka. For a first tank, the easiest approach is to be somewhat
less specific.
Fish can be kept as only a single species in a tank. This is especially true,
and preferred, when the fish can be killed by or kill other fish. Many fish
don't necessarily have to be kept separate, but can be shown off better when
kept by themselves. This is the case with schooling species, where the
appearance behaviour of the school is as fascinating and interesting as those of
individual fish.
5. Instructional Tanks
Aquariums, sometimes with just a few goldfish are used for educational purposes
in elementary classrooms, sometimes playing role in the curriculum. Fish tank
setups in schools and marine aquariums are tailored to the students at different
levels. High school science classes are enhanced when they include one or more
aquariums for specific instructional purposes. At the university level,
aquariums of various types are used in conjunction with studies in ecology,
oceanography, genetics, and various other fields.
6. Breeding Tanks
Most tropical fish are bred on fish farms in Florida and Southeast Asia. Some
are wild-caught. Breeding tanks are an important part of many aquarists’ setups.
The term "breeding tank" is reserved for a tank established expressly for the
purpose of propagating a particular species of fish. Many species of fish,
however, will breed regularly in any tank. In the community setting, though, few
if any of the fry will survive. A breeding tank is set up to maximize the chance
of spawning and the chance of survival for the young fish.
7. Fry Rearing Tanks
Fry tanks are normally utilitarian in design, often containing only a filter,
the fish, and water. High feeding rates and frequently required water changes
facilitate a lack of substrate and decor, which could trap food and waste
particles.
These tanks don't have to be so sparse. Fry will flow very well in planted tanks
- even planted community tanks, provided all the fish placed together are of
similar sizes. Many fish species can be purchased as very young juveniles at
discounted prices. When only the fry are placed into a tank, the spaciousness of
the tank will contribute to rapid growth of the entire group.
8. Pet Tanks
It may be surprising, but many fish become tame pets that can interact with
their keepers. It is not unusual for such fish to mope when the owner is away
and they are cared for by someone else, or to show excitement when the owner
returns.
Cichlids are the most popular pet type of fish, but many large catfish can be
kept this way also. Goldfish, Koi, pacu and other large species can be kept as
single pets in a big aquarium. Many of these fish school naturally, but as lone
pets they will accept the human companion into their school.
Whatever type of
tropical fish tank you choose, you must select the proper fish to fit into
your plan. There are several ideas for stocking themes to consider.
