What is the Best Location for a Tropical Fish Aquarium Pump?

It is usually advisable to have the pump at a higher level than the tank. This will prevent any possibility of a siphoning action draining the water from the tank back into the pump. Pump platforms are available for pump placement. These are small plastic or metal shelves designed to hold the pump while hanging on the back of a tank.

If it is desirable to place the pump on the floor, or on any level below the level of the tank, there are several precautions to be observed: Backflow seldom starts while the pump is in operation; it is when the pump is not operating that the greatest danger occurs. Backflow may be started by several actions.

(1) The tendency of water to rise in a narrow tube is known as capillary action. If the water in the tank is very close to the top, it is possible for water to rise in the air tube by capillary action to a point where it starts a downward flow and a siphoning action occurs.

(2) The cooling down of a warm pump can cause the air inside to contract and draw the water down.

(3) Over- oiling the pump can cause excess oil to enter the lines. Air pressure will keep the oil clinging to the inside walls of the vertical tubing, but with the air pressure removed; the oil starts to run back. As it collects in droplets, a vacuum is created behind it strong enough to start a siphoning action.

In order to prevent this, keep a small surgical type “C” clamp handy. When, for any reason, the pump is shut off, clamp shut the line leading to the pump. Also shut all air valves tightly. Whenever oil or moisture is seen in a tube, discard that piece of tubing. It is also a good idea to clean the pump when excess oil appears in the line.

Should I Buy Small or Big Aquarium Tank?

A small fish tank is not recommended because it is limited in its capacity and can very easily be overstocked. Overcrowding, like any other excess, leads to trouble. A conscientious dealer will warn about overcrowding when you are buying too many fishes. Get his advice by telling him the size of your tank. A 5 gallon aquarium is only a couple of dollars less than a 10-gallon aquarium. In fact the cost of the equipment will run about the same to outfit a 5-gallon aquarium as it would for a 10-gallon aquarium.

The reason for this is that most of the equipment you will need for the 5-gallon aquarium is the Hume used for the 10-gallon aquarium. Some of the equipment may cost more for the 5-gallon aquarium if it is not a popular item that is mass produced. Gallon for gallon, a small tank costs more than a large one. Therefore buying a very small tank is not really economical at all.

There are two types of stands available in most pet shops, wrought iron and wood. You will find the iron stands to be less expensive, although many of the wooden stands are competitively priced. The iron stands are open on all sides, while many of the wooden models are enclosed to give a (cabinet-like appearance with doors in front.

It is a good idea if you can afford it. The equipment required is somewhat more expensive, requiring heavier- duty heating and filtering units than the smaller, average- size tank. But remember that if something goes wrong due to mishandling, a change often becomes necessary. And it is quite a chore to change all the water and clean the gravel in a 40- or 50-gallon tank.

A large tank has certain decided advantages. A large number of fishes can be kept without overcrowding, and they will usually grow better than when kept in smaller confines. There are several species of fishes which tend to be pugnacious when crowded into a small aquarium. Many of these same fishes are quite peaceful when given more “fin room.” Scenically, an artistic person can really let himself go with a large aquarium. A little imagination can transform a large aquarium into an enchanting underwater garden, with grottoes and mountains, valleys, and even lawns. A lovely little plant, Micro Sagittaria, never grows more than an inch or so high. Planted toward the front of an aquarium, it soon covers the bottom with a luxuriant green lawn. Best of all, it requires no mowing!