10 Gallon Fish Tank Setup
Rearing fish has been considered as an adventure, especially by those who have reaped several benefits from it.
They, therefore, do everything possible to keep up with the activity.
And one of the most common, though crucial is always to subscribe to an aquarium.
The 10-gallon tank is, in most cases, preferred by many individuals because of its suitability for a household.
They are also cost-friendly and accompanied by number of equipment that is required to make the aquarium at work.
This detailed guide will see you through on the various steps that ought to be taken into account to come up with a perfect tank setup.
Why Choose a 10 Gallon Fish Tank?
The fish tank of this kind tends to be a bit small in size, but it’s worth it since because of;
- The container is in two varieties, the acrylic and glass.
- The10 gallon fish tanks are affordable; hence, those that may be new in fish keeping, won’t have to dig deep into their pockets.
- At the initial level, the tanks are readily marketable. They’re then shared as a pie of a kit, which incorporates all the requirements or a complete setup. These include the lights and the filters.
- Cleaning may not be that hectic as some of them are lid-hinged, thus ease the process of cleaning.
- It’s a good quality tank that functions effectively and at the same time, very tranquil.
Fish Species You Can Keep in the 10 Gallon Aquarium
There are several types of fish species that are common to the 10-gallon aquarium, and these comprise of;
1. Dwarf Georama
It is also known as the Colisa Lalia.
Their peaceful nature makes them be the most ideal for those who had previously have been keeping fish.
These types ought to be kept in an environment that is free from loud noise because the noise scares them.
It’s, therefore, advisable to keep them amongst other fish that posses the peaceful nature, the likes of five Neon Tetras.
The females are silvery blue-grey with some faint vertical stripes that are yellowish.
The males, on the other hand, are orange-red with blue vertical stripes.
2. Celestial Pearl Danios
These with a scientific name of Celetichthys margaritas are easily scared because of their peaceful nature.
The most appropriate number of this kind of fish in a 10-gallon tank is 10. This high number is because they only grow a maximum of one inch.
They possess a deep blue metallic body with jewels spots plus horizontal orange bands on the fins.
They should be kept in a planted aquarium which contains caves, driftwood, and rocks and at a minimum of six.
In a case where their total number is less than 10, Cherry Shrimp may be introduced in the same aquarium as them because they almost have the same characters.
3. Golden Dwarf Barbs
This type of fish is an ideal freshwater and grows only to a maximum of 1.5 inches.
It is also known as the Pathia Gelius but not that common to many among the barbs.
Because of the nature of their size, they can as well be kept together with some other minute species the likes of Trigonostigma.
They can be much more elated when kept in a planted tank with a combination of driftwood and floating plants.
They are mostly rich in golden yellow color plus some black spots — their original ‘homeland’ in northern India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
4. Beta Fish
The commonly referred to as the Siamese fighting fish, are a vibrant-colored does the solo swimming within the aquarium.
The fish originated from Southeast Asia and was entitled to its name after it became popular in the 1800s.
They should not, therefore, be kept not of good interest if they are kept with the same species that have similarity such as the fancy guppies.
5. Cuppies
These are very easy to be kept. Also known as Poecilia reticulate, these types of fish can breed without any help.
A 10-gallon tank can equally accommodate ten guppies.
During the process of setting up the tank for breeding, a ratio of one male to two females are needed
They usually come in numerous colors, as the males being more colorful than the females.
Guppies likewise do well in a planted aquarium with rare varieties like the Java Moss and the Java Fern.
6. Pygmy Corydoras
With a scientific name of Corydoras pygmaeus, these are minute and amiable fish that ought to be kept in groups close to 10.
They are in most cases need to be kept in a planted aquarium tanks with numerous hiding spots.
However, in a case where there are no hiding spots plants with extended broad leaves can be used to portray hiding spots.
Their barbells also require protection by the use of sandy substrates.
And because of their sensitivity to nitrate levels, the pygmies require an occasional partial transition of water.
The species must be kept in ‘the same species-only tanks’ that contains a range of 8 to 12 fish, or with tiny specimen the likes of micro Rasbora and Ember Tetras.
7. Neon Tetras
These are besides known as paracheirondon invest some of the most renowned freshwater tank fish.
These kinds of species also prefer several plants to hide in.
And the addition of rocks and driftwood tends to replicate the natural environment that they are accustomed to in the South American clear streams.
They usually to 1.25 inches long besides being tranquil and does well when kept in schools and so 10 in a 10-gallon tank.
Filter for 10 Gallon Fish Tank
Having a good screen is one of the most crucial parts of the fish tank setup besides maintaining the cleanliness and clarity of the water.
There are therefore several filters for 10-gallon fish tank and comprise of;
- The Undergravel filters
- Canister filters
- Power filters
· The Undergravel Filters
These types are designed in such a way that they cater for biological filtration and in most cases placed at the bottom of the tank fish beneath aquarium layer gravel.
Water is usually moved through the gravel to create a condition for biological filtration to take place.
And it is in the gravel that the breakdown of wastes takes place.
Moreover, other models, in the same manner, have cartridges that can be replaced, and the cartridges have active carbon to assist with the filtration of chemicals.
· Canister Filters
The canister filters are considered to be the best, especially when it comes to offering the functions that a fish tank filter needs.
In their operations, they can provide mechanical, biological, and front-chemical functions.
The body that is also known as the canister in the case of other filters is insanely bigger than these kinds of filters.
Every huge canister always has new filter media, and thus, each cartridge will provide areas for holding the other types of media filters.
And in many cases, this model of filter requires extra effort for maintenance and setting up in lieu of strength and its flexibility.
· Power Filters
The power filter are designed in such a way to hang at the back of the aquarium hence provide convenience.
It is one of the most widespread and used aquarium filters.
Besides, it can be of use to other numerous types of aquariums since the cartridge that is replaceable ease maintenance when it comes to comparison with other filters.
One of the advantages of this kind is that they are not difficult to set up and use and can serve for a pretty long time.
Many people love them because of the mechanical filtration, biological, chemical performance.
Always Oversize your Filter for Better Filtering
Many people may wonder if it’s possible to enlarge a filter; the truth is that it is still more than likely to do this.
And there are several advantages when oversizing of the filters is performed, and these are true when it comes to;
- Changing Filter Media
An increase in the filter size reduces the stressing of the grids, sand, and cartridge. The lifespan also increases when there is a reduction of the workload from the rate of flow.
The rigors of increase in the dirt, high rate of flow, and the constant cleaning may bring the filter through the wringer.
- Maintenance
One of the chief merits of increasing the size of the filter is a reduction in cleaning during the pool season.
Therefore, with much more bigger filters enable dirt to disperse hence easing the free flow of water.
So, the bigger the cartridge, the more dirt trapped in it.
When you maximize the media filter, it increases the places whereby debris and dirt are held and that on the other hand enables the filter to sustain optimum pressure of water for much longer time.
- The longevity of the Motor
The work of the motor is generally to pull water from the basin pool and surge it through the filtering system.
This kind of work may be made much more difficult in a case where the motor is coerced to block the build up pressure back from the filter that is resulting to challenges for the pieces of equipment.
The Problems that May Arise in the Case of under-sizing
Okay, let’s have an instance on what usually takes place when a balloon is overinflated, of course, it’ll burst!
Now, take a scenario in which water balloon that is enough to hold up to 400 pounds of sand and performing the same activity.
That same case is not likely to take place to tank filter albeit other plumbing malfunctions may occur if not the bursting off of the pipe.
Such problems occur from pressures created from the back by the filter that cannot sustain the pump.
The need to frequently clean the filter will likewise come to.
So, when the filter catches dirt, it tampers with the rate at which the flow takes place hence creating a pressure rise at the back.
This rise will automatically be visible in the pressure gauge, and this will signify that cleaning is looming.
But in the case where cleaning issue is not done, it may affect the cartridge.
Heater for 10 Gallon Aquarium
There have been existence of different types of aquariums that over the years have been invented if not modified and one of them is the Finnex Compact Electronic Titanium Heater.
- Description of the Heater
This type of heater maintains the temperature of water in a range within +/- 2 degrees of the set value hence provides a healthy, safe and the most stable temperature for the tank.
The tubes of the titanium are made in such a way that makes them to be resistant to corrosion thus making them not easy to break for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
The tubes are very easy to hide since they compact in size besides having an electronic curb plus a hang on a hook.
To determine if the heater is working, a LED Heating Indicator is installed in it.
The Features and Details of the Finnex Compact Electronic Titanium Heater
The heater possess the following characteristics;
- Sleek analog controller
- HMA 50: 10-20
- Titanium Tube
The Information of the Product (50 Watts)
Product Dimensions 5.6 times 1 inch
Shipping Weight 9.6 Ounces
ASIN B002YJW58K
Manufacturer reference HMA-50
Item Weight 8 Ounces
A Choosing Substrate
There are however other aquarium heaters that can are used in the place of the Finnex Compact Electronic Titanium Heater.
Such can be;
Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater With Electronic Thermostat
It is usually small in nature and affordable, and in most cases, can be used by a beginner.
This kind of heater is ideal for tanks that are 30 gallons or even less it is besides compact in size.
The heater is never adjustable even though it maintains the temperature of the water at a constant degree of 78.
It is the same temperature that is also common tropical fish species that are fit for home aquariums.
The heater is most cases immersed in water, and because of its small size; hides its view.
The heater can either be installed vertically or horizontally, which is not a standard feature with other heaters.
It always goes off automatically in the case of any electrical shot within the tank.
Some of the pros of this kind of heater are;
- It is extremely an affordable option.
- It is ever small in size, making it suitable for tanks that are up to 30 gallons.
- Can be placed horizontally or vertically.
- It’s the built-in automatic thermostat that sustains the tank at 78 degrees.
The heater, however, has some cons attached to it;
- It is not dry-safety.
- It is only available in 50 to 100-watt sizes.
10 Aquarium Kits- Why Get a Fish Tank Kit?
The fish tank kit does not only provide a conducive and healthy environment to the fish but also bring in some more style and light in the house.
Besides, one does not need to a vast aquarium a reasonably sized aquarium will provide the best décor and nail it.
Check out some of the benefits of aquarium based at home;
It can help patients with Alzheimer’s
The people affected by this kind of disease tend to find it difficult when it comes to taking drugs, eating, among other things.
The research, therefore, shows that the individual with such challenges can cope up well if they are provided with a fish tank and their environment.
Bedside tank provides better sleep
The LED lights tend to give a pleasant sleeping environment because of the lighting that the aquarium offers.
Provide a conducive environment for work
In a case where one is working under a stressful situation, the presence of aquarium results in significant health benefits, as it helps reduce blood pressure, thus a decrease in stress.
How to Maintain a 10 Gallon Aquarium
Maintaining the tank may, to some extent, be tiresome because of its small nature resulting in the build-up of pollutants in the water.
Water has to be, therefore, be changed now and again because of the dirt.
In other cases, the water that is to be added must be of the same temperature with that inside the aquarium.
If that is not done, it may pose problems to the fish which are prone to temperature change.
A thorough scrubbing against any algae should also be done frequently to prevent any build-up that may later form as cloudy water.
Likewise, because of the small-sized nature, the ten tank aquarium’s water can occasionally be changed hence, avoiding any health problem that may occur as a sequel of dirt.
Conclusion
Now, I bet the 10-gallon fish tank is suitable for you especially if you are on a budget; hence there is a likelihood that you may have a good deal for an aquarium of this size here.
Well then, in case you commit to keeping the tank in its right ‘sanity’ occasionally it’ll be appropriate for everybody.