The single most common mistake the new fish hobbyist makes is to start a small aquarium. The smaller the volume of water the more difficult it is to maintain a balanced aquarium and the novice fish hobbyist often walks a tightrope trying to control the situation.

In the long run, if one sets up as larger tank as possible, the extra money spent on the initial set-up will be more than compensated for by the avoidance of catastrophes of a small tank. This will become apparent as we discuss the environmental requirements of freshwater tropical fish further.

LETS LOOK AT TEMPERATURE
Fish are ectotherms, hence they mirror the temperature of the surrounding water and each species has its own preferred range. Ideally, the temperature should be kept constant and for a community tank the ideal range is 23 - 26 degrees Celsius.

There are various means of maintaining a stable temperature but the most common method is the combined heater and thermostat. If this method of heating is chosen then a rule of thumb is to provide one litre of water to each watt of power. If too small a heater/thermostat is chosen then a stable water temperature can't be maintained. If too large a heater is used then there is a risk, if the thermostat fails, of cooking your fish. For large tanks a number of heaters should be incorporated into the set-up.

A more sophisticated means of controlling temperature is...

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This topic goes on to cover -

• More tips on mainaining water temperature
• The results of and dealing with hypothermia and hyperthermia

BY Dr HARRY PISK
Of the North Ryde Veterinary Hospital (02) 9878 4142 or (02) 9888 1833