Jay F. Hemdal’s introduction to miniature aquariums (essentially home aquariums that contain 8 gallons, or 30 liters, of water or less) begins with choosing a mini-aquarium from the many options available today and getting started with the right equipment (lighting, filters, heaters, decorations, and so forth). The author offers step-by-step instructions for installing the mini-aquarium and establishing the biological filtration system as well as maintaining the tank. Mini-Aquariums devotes a chapter to water, giving sound advice on water changes, sea water, maintaining the necessary chemical levels, and water quality. Deciding the contents of the mini-aquarium—tropical fish, plants, corals, and invertebrates---is looked at in two chapters devoted to marine mini-aquariums and freshwater mini-aquariums. There is also a special chapter on mini-container ponds and mini-ecosystems. Resources and glossary included.

For beginning aquatic fancier looking to start out right with fish, Freshwater Aquariums by David Alderton is the ideal primer. A vertebrate that breathe primarily by means of gills and swim by means of fins is the author’s lead-in to the first chapter called “What are Fish?” Alderton builds the reader’s confidence by providing solid information about what fish are anatomically speaking, how they evolved, how they breathe, how they move, where they live, and how they behave. The new fancier’s aquarium begins in chapter two with instructions on setting up the tank, including selecting the right size, figuring out how many fish, setting the tank, equipment, substrate, heating, lighting, filtrations, plants, water chemistry, assembly, and more. Choosing the freshwater fishes that appeal to the reader is the subject of “Introducing the Categories of Fish,” which schools readers in seven categories: Cyprinids (e.g., goldfish, minnows, and barbs), Characins (e.g., tetras), Cichlids (e.g., oscars, angelfish, and discus), Anabantoids (gouramis, bettas/Siamese fighting fish, and paradise fish), Toothcarps (guppies, swordtails, platies, black mollies, and killifish), Catfish, and others (loaches and Chinese algae eaters). The purchasing, maintenance, and feeding of fish are described in considerable details, and the author gives a basic overview of breeding and keeping fish healthy as well. Resources, glossary, and index conclude the book.

An easy-to-understand look at setting up and maintaing a successful mini-reef aquarium.

They don't require allergy shots, expensive pet sitters, or diamond-studded collars. Desktop fish are the perfect pets and will always be there to entertain you, even if you forget to feed them for months on end! Following on the heels of underwater mania following Finding Nemo and Shark Tales, and the popularity of virtual pets, this desktop aquarium will be a fun addition to the workplace. It also makes a great gift for animal lovers. Kit includes two magnetic fish, magnetic wand to make fish swim, plant, gravel, 4 playful backgrounds, and 32-page booklet.

Give your underwater pets the best aquatic life ever! Aquarium fish are one of the most popular pets in America, with close to 150 million fish owned in nearly 13 million households. They seem like easy pets to care for, but there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to keeping your freshwater friends healthy and happy! Inside, you’ll find basic information to start your own freshwater aquarium, purchase and maintain healthy fish and plants, and find tips and tricks on how to introduce new fish and systems into your aquatic family. Understand the best aquarium set-up practices Build the luxury tanks of your dreams Maintain a thriving aquatic environment Discover many different ways to expand your hobby Perfect for beginner hobbyists and longtime aquarium enthusiasts alike, Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies makes it easier than ever to set up and take care of a freshwater aquarium—and the fish within it.

Covers the latest aquarium gadgets Design a dazzling underwater environment with this bestselling guide! Setting up your first freshwater aquarium can be a daunting task. This friendly guide answers all your questions, from setting up your tank and selecting fish to the water, chemicals, plants, and much more. There's also expanded guidance on combining different species of fish, maintaining a tank, cleaning gravel, and dealing with common problems such as algae. Discover how to * Choose the right aquarium * Select the best fish * Get good deals on equipment * Maintain a clean, healthy environment * Handle tank pitfalls * Breed your fish