How to maintain your fish aquarium

I am very fond of fish aquarium from my childhood. I used to buy fish from the people came in my locality with a fish cart. This hobby is continue in me and the time came when I buy my first aquarium from Burns Road Karachi. Burns Road is a whole sale market from where I bought a small size aquarium with its decoration accessories and two carp fishes. I was very excited and used to see the fishes all the time. After some days one of the fish died and after few days other fish too. I was very sad but I didnt loose my heart and inquire about the reason. One of my friend suggest me to buy a large aquarium with proper equipments. Now I have a 20 gallon aquarium with all the necessary stuff. Following is the list you need to consider for fish aquarium

1. Aquarium filter( filter is good option)
   

2. Other decorations (such as fake or real plants)

3. Fish food

4. Aquarium vacuum ( Currently I am looking for Python Gravel Vaccum)
   

5. Fish net ( To catch fish for changing water )
   

6. Aquarium Glass Scrubber

There are several articles on Fish Aquarium but for beginners there are 12 tips

12 Quick Tips for Aquarium Beginners

1. Buy at least a 20 gallon (90L) tank if you can afford it and have enough space. Despite marketing to the contrary, small tanks are not 'ideal for the beginner'. A large tank is more stable in terms of temperature and water chemistry.

2. Wash filter sponges and other 'biological' media in tank water, NOT tap water, to avoid killing beneficial bacteria.

3. Carry out water changes regularly - 25% per month should probably be considered a MINIMUM for a lightly stocked community tank - every 1-2 weeks is much better.

4. Do not overfeed. Feed small quantities of food and watch fish eat it before adding more. Do not be tempted to feed fish because they 'look hungry' - 2 times daily is sufficient.

5. Do check the requirements and compatibility of species BEFORE buying.

6. Observe fish carefully before buying, avoid any with split fins, damaged gills, etc.

7. Release new fish into the tank gradually - float the bag for at least 15 minutes to equalise temperature.

8. Use a quarantine tank for new fish wherever possible.

9. Read up on the 'cycling' process and its consequences.

10. Stock slowly to give the bacterial population time to increase to match the additional waste load.

11. Do not overstock. 1" of fish per gallon is often used as a general guideline, but this cannot be used as a hard and fast rule - you can't put a 10" fish in a 10 gallon tank! Remember that your tank will be easier to keep healthy if you understock.

12. Avoid the use of too many chemical additives unless you fully understand the consequences of their use.



Reference:
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/12tips.htm

Suggested Articles
http://www.fishlore.com/Beginners.htm
http://www.fishlore.com/FirstTankSetup.htm