8 June 2008
Home Aquarium
Fishes undoubtedly constitute the most colourful of animals, perhaps next only to birds. They are graceful in their shape, body form and movement just like plants and flowers adding beauty and charm to homes. Keeping of home aquaria has now become a very popular pastime all over the world. It is a hobby appealing to young and old. An aquarium can be a simple glass bowl with a gold fish set on a drawing room table or in verandah or in the foyer of large office. Making of a tank and procuring of fishes are not so expensive. More fanciful varieties can be bought from the market. Fishes can not live in isolation in an aquarium. They thrive best in the company of other animals and plants who go to form the requisite biotic conditions. In natural conditions, fishes coexist with a large variety of aquatic animals. In an aquarium, small animals should be introduced carefully. Crustacean water fleas like daphnia and cyclops and shrimps are desirable as they provide natural and nutritious food to aquarium fishes. Small water snails are recommended as they feed on the algae which tend to grow on the side of the glass and thus act as scavengers. On the physico-chemical conditions, the prime requirement for a living organism is oxygen. It is therefore important that an adequate supply of oxygen is ensured in the aquarium – as fishes can only breathe the dissolved oxygen in water. Light is another factor; only moderate light is necessary. Light is also essential for the plants in the aquarium for their photosynthesis during which process they take in carbon-di-oxide from the air and give out oxygen. Temperature is another important requirement in the maintenance of an aquarium. In cold places or in severe winter, it is advisable to keep a lighted electric bulb to give sufficient heat. The tank should be kept on a stand or table at a convenient spot which has just enough light.Based upon the fancy of fish-lovers, the choice of fishes varies. Over-crowding should be avoided at all costs. In feeding, don’t over feed fishes. Left out food will decay leading to putrefaction which is unhealthy to these fragile creatures.