The Complete Guide to a Home Aquarium🐠

If you're thinking about furnishing your home with an aquarium, this article is for you! You'll discover answers to the questions every beginner asks, with practical advice from Animal Instinct Roma , your trusted store.

1. What is the right aquarium to start with?

At Animal Instinct, we recommend a 60–100-liter freshwater tank, ideal for beginners with little experience. It's easier to maintain and offers stability for fish and plants.

2. Size and shape: what to choose?

A larger tub means a more stable environment and less room for error. Avoid tubs that are too small or poorly shaped: a classic rectangular shape is often the best choice.

3. Temperature: the heart of balance

The temperature depends on the type of fish. Measure it with a heater and thermometer. Be careful of sudden changes in temperature caused by windows, heating systems, or lights: they can stress the inhabitants.

🐟 Tropical fish

• General range : 24–28°C, with an acceptable range of 22–28°C
• Neon tetra : 24–28 °C
• Discus : 26–30°C (approximately 28°C optimal)
• Guppies, Angelfish, Tropical Cichlids : ~24–28 °C

🐠 African cichlids (e.g., Malawi, Mbuna, Demasoni)

They require slightly high temperatures:

• Rhodes of Malawi : 24–28 °C
• Demasoni : 24–26 °C
• Mbuna : 24–28 °C (sometimes up to 29 °C in natural habitats)

💧 Cold water fish (Cyprinidae, Carassius, koi)

Goldfish and koi : They can adapt from 5°C up to 35°C, but the ideal range is:

• Goldfish: 15–25°C (often 18–27°C)
• Koi: 15–25°C; below 10°C slows metabolism/immunity .

4. Filtration: three levels of cleaning

A good filter includes:

• Mechanic (removes debris)
• Organic (promotes beneficial bacteria)
• Chemical (e.g. activated carbon)
  Find the right filter for your aquarium with us.

5. Nitrogen cycle: wait before adding fish

Don't introduce fish right away! Wait 2–4 weeks for the bacteria to establish themselves in the filter. If you want to speed things up, ask Animal Instinct for a starter bacteria .

6. Checks and water changes

Regularly check pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates . Change 20–30% of the water every 1–2 weeks : this will keep the water clear and healthy.

7. Algae: how to prevent them

Limit artificial light to 8–10 hours a day, avoid direct sunlight, keep the tank clean, and consider adding live plants that compete with algae.

8. Nutrition: the right food at the right time

Feed your fish small portions , 1–2 times a day. Choose food suitable for omnivorous, herbivorous, or carnivorous species and alternate with live or freeze-dried foods.

9. Mistakes to avoid

– Overcrowding : respect adequate space.
– Ignore the parameters : keep them under constant control.
– Low maintenance : glass, bottom, water and filters must be cleaned regularly.

10. Acclimatization and quarantine of new arrivals

When you buy a fish:

1. Place the whole bag in water to stabilize the temperature.
2. Pour a little water from your aquarium into the bag every 5 minutes for 30 minutes.
3. Use net to transfer it to the tub, discarding the store water.
4. Quarantine recommended for 2 weeks to protect other residents.

Setting up an aquarium at home is a rewarding experience: it decorates, relaxes, and stimulates observation. By following these 10 tips—from purchase to daily maintenance—you can enjoy a balanced ecosystem teeming with life. At Animal Instinct Rome, you'll find everything you need: tanks, equipment, fish, plants, and expert support.

📞 Come visit us or contact us: our staff will guide you step by step into the wonderful world of aquariums.