Setup Your Goldfish Aquarium
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Step #2 : The Equipment and Decorations
The four major pieces of equipment are the heater, filter, air pump, and hood (cover & light fixture). You will also want to add interest to your aquarium with decorations.
The heater
Goldfish are "cool water" fish and can even survive the winter in ponds. While goldfish can live in a wide temperature range, they require a steady water temperature. A temperature range of 70º - 75ºF/21 -24C. is suitable for a goldfish aquarium. Fluctuating water temperature stresses fish, making them more vulnerable to disease. High quality aquarium heaters minimize water temperature fluctuations. Select a RENA® Excel Aquarium Heater based on the size of your aquarium.
SIZE OF AQUARIUM |
Heater Wattage Required |
| Up to 15 gallons/57 liter |
50 Watt |
| Up to 30 gallons/113 liter |
100 Watt |
| Up to 45 gallons/170 liter |
150 Watt |
| Up to 75 gallons/283 liter |
200 Watt |
| Up to 100 gallons/378 liter |
300 Watt |
The filter...
Another important component of your aquarium is the filter. Aquarium filters keep the water clean by removing suspended debris and harmful dissolved pollution. They also agitate the water surface which increases the oxygen level in the water. Three common types of aquarium filters are: external power filters, canister filters, and internal filters. The external power filter hangs on the back of the aquarium. Canister filters sit beneath the aquarium. Internal filters are fully submerged inside the aquarium. Filters have cartridges or compartments that hold filter material, and keep the aquarium water clean and clear. Examples of filter material are Activated Filter Carbon and Ammo-Carb®.
The air pump
Air pumps are used for bubbling ornaments, bubble wands, and air stones. When the bubbles agitate the surface of the water, oxygen is added to the water. For a very quiet and powerful air supply, use a RENA® Air aquarium air pump.
- For a 10-gallon/ 40-liter aquarium with several bubbling ornaments and air stones, we suggest the RENA Air 50 or RENA Air 100 pump.
- RENA Air 200, RENA Air 300 and RENA Air 400 are ideal for larger aquariums. The size of the pump is dependent on the number of ornaments and the depth of the water in your aquarium. Refer to the pump box to guide you in your selection.
The hood
An aquarium hood should consist of a cover and a light fixture. The hood looks attractive and helps reduce evaporation of the water. It also reduces the chance of losing fish since it keeps them from jumping out. Select a hood that has a fluorescent light to illuminate your aquarium. Fluorescent lights generate less heat and are more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
Decorations
The pet shop has a variety of aquarium gravels and decorations. Plan on adding about one pound (about ½ kilogram) of gravel per gallon (4 liters) of water. Decorations allow you to create a nice home for your goldfish. The gravel and decorations you choose should come from a pet store to make certain that they are safe for your goldfish.