Tropical
Aquarium Equipment
Setting up an aquarium
to create a healthy, natural environment your aquarium inhabitants will
thrive in is a combination of art and science.
Four Considerations
when Setting Up an Aquarium:
- Your experience
level with tropical aquariums.
- The type and number
of fish and other living creatures including invertebrates, live rock,
live coral and plants you want to have in your aquarium.
- Your budget.
- Compatibility:
all of the tank elements must work together, including the living creatures,
aquarium, filtration, heater, lighting, pump and all other aquarium
variables.
It's easier
to create a successful, easy to manage system when you have an expert
at your side who can advise you as choose your components. Every Blue
Sierra Exotics employee has at least 10 years experience as a tropical
aquarium hobbyist plus receives on-going aquarium equipment training.
You'll get information and suggestions you can trust.
| Aquariums |
| • |
Glass |
| • |
Acrylic |
|
|
Glass
and Acrylic Aquariums
Aquariums are typically made of glass or acrylic, each has its own advantages.
Glass Aquariums
are:
- Less expensive
in smaller thicknesses and sizes (under 100 gallons).
- More scratch resistant.
Acrylic Aquariums
are:
- Less expensive
in larger thicknesses and sizes (over 100 gallons).
- Can be made into
various shapes without losing their strength.
- Seamless. Each
aquarium is a one-piece unit.
- Flexible –
if bumped they are more likely to flex than break. If they break they
will crack slightly, not explode.
- 48% lighter than
glass.
| Fresh
Water Filtration |
| • |
Hang
on Back |
| • |
Canisters |
| • |
Sumps |
| • |
Wet
Dry Filters |
| |
| Salt
Water Filtration |
| • |
Hang
on Back |
| • |
Canisters |
| • |
Protein
Skimmers |
| • |
Refuguims |
| • |
Wet
Dry Filters |
| • |
Sumps |
|
| Types
of Heaters |
| • |
Glass |
| • |
Titanium |
|
| Types
of Lighting |
| • |
Metal
Halide |
| • |
Power
Compacts |
| • |
VHO
(Very High Output) |
| • |
T-5's |
| • |
Standard |
|
| Types
of Pumps |
| • |
Air
Pumps |
| • |
Water
Pumps |
| |
- Submersible |
| |
- External |
| • |
Powerheads |
|
|
Learn more about acrylic
and glass aquariums.
Filtration
Filtration helps keep your tank clean and promotes a healthy environment.
The right filtration can reduce the amount of maintenance your aquarium
requires.
There are three types
of filtration: biological, chemical and mechanical. Biological filtration
promotes healthy bacteria, helps breakdown harmful ammonia and reduces
tank maintenance. Chemical filtration purifies the water and can remove
specific toxins or medications. Mechanical filtration aids in the physical
removal of waste and debris from the water and helps maintain water clarity.
Heaters
Heaters maintain the correct environmental temperature for your fish.
Not all fish thrive in the same temperature water – you'll
get suggestions to help you choose fish that are most compatible with
each other. Glass heaters are inexpensive, yet fragile. Titanium probe
heaters are unbreakable and last longer, yet are slightly more expensive.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of your aquarium. It simulates
a real environment for your tropical animals, corals and live rock. The
correct lighting intensity is necessary for corals and invertebrates to
survive as they require light for photosynthesis. We're happy to
suggest the best lighting options for your tropical animals. Lighting
can also enhance the beauty of your aquarium.
Air
Pumps
Air pumps oxygenate aquarium water and provide some water flow. Some types
of air devices, such as bubble wands add a wall of bubbles and add to
the beauty and health of your aquarium.
Water Pumps/Powerheads
Powerheads circulate water inside the aquarium. Water Pumps move water
through your filtration. Choose a pump size and style based on your tank
and livestock. Some tropical animals require more or less water flow to
thrive in captivity.
Stands
and Cabinetry
Aquarium stands come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Choose
from a variety of simple metal and wood stands to fit your budget and
décor. Or select a beautiful furniture quality custom made solid
hardwood cabinet to match your colors and décor. All aquarium cabinetry
varies on price and style depending on what fits your style, décor
and budget.
Make it easier to
create and maintain your own thriving aquarium with helpful, accurate
information and suggestions from an experienced, trained specialist at
Blue Sierra Exotics. Come in or call
for suggestions and excellent selection.
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