Aquarium Airstones

Airstones increase oxygenation in the water by dispersing the air supplied by the pump. Aquarium dealers sell airstones made of wood, plastic, and ceramics. Depending upon the material, airstones require replacement every few months.

Aquarium Air Pumps

Inexpensive air pumps can be found in any aquarium shop. Your air pump should sit above the aquarium, if possible, to avoid any backflow of water if the power is shut off. You may want to get a valve to control the air flow. Placing a single valve in line with the pump restricts the flow, but it also makes the pump work harder. It may become noisy and will require more frequent replacement. Instead, use a dual valve. Connect one to the airstone in the tank and use the other to bleed off excess air pressure into the atmosphere.

Aquarium Rocks

Aquarium supply stores sell a variety of tank decorations that enhance the habitat for your fish. Some are plastic or ceramic creations and others are simply attractive rocks and stones. By buying these tank decorations from the dealer, you are avoiding contaminating your tank with toxic substances and water chemistry-modifying agents. Avoid the temptation to collect your own rocks until you know how to identify each kind and its influence on your aquarium.

If you add rocks to your aquarium, place them so they won’t topple. Never lean rocks up against the side of the tank for support, because they can fall and injure your Betta or break the glass. Smooth, waterworn stones look natural in the aquarium; angular blocks do not. In addition, smooth stones don’t have sharp, rough edges that could hurt your fish.

One way to create a permanent and safe effect is to glue rocks together using a silicone aquarium sealer. This will keep your rock display in place if burrowing bottom dwellers begin to dig around them. Always allow the sealer to dry for several days before you place the assembly in the aquarium.

Aquarium Siphons

Siphoning unwanted debris from the tank is a regular part of good maintenance. The siphon can be simply a length of plastic hose. Place one end in the water and the other in a bucket on the floor. Suck on the lower end to start water flowing. Hobbyists squeamish about this procedure will find self-starting and even electrically powered siphons in their local aquarium shop.

A handy accessory for cleaning the gravel bed consists of a long funnel, wider in diameter than the hose, attached to the intake end of the siphon. This design enables water and fine debris to be siphoned out, while leaving heavier gravel or sand on the bottom. I find this gadget to be a good investment.

Change some water and siphon out debris once a week and your tank will remain sparkling clean and healthy. Some hobbyists like to do a larger water change and more thorough vacuuming every month, as well. Choose a routine that suits your schedule and stick with it.

Aquarium Scrapers

A scraper is a great tool that can be used to remove algae from the aquarium glass. Most scrapers come with a two-sided head. One side has a soft sponge for wiping away loose algae. The other side of the scraper contains a tough scrub pad for removing encrusted algae and lime deposits. Most scrapers are made of plastic and have a long handle for reaching difficult spots in the aquarium. The other end of this tool looks like a small fork and is great for turning over gravel and planting.

Aquarium Nets

Nets are available in a variety of sizes and designs. Smaller nets are generally used for catching fry and little fish. The fine webbing in these nets is soft and similar in structure to cheesecloth. Small nets are also handy for scooping out uneaten food and suspended debris from the water.

Larger nets are usually used for capturing fish. You will find that using two large nets to capture a Betta is much easier than trying to do the job with only one. Your fish can easily be coaxed into the center of one net by gently nudging it with the other. You should buy several nets of different sizes so that you will be prepared to handle almost any task.

Aquarium Covers and Light Hoods

Aquarium dealers supply two types of lighting arrangements. The simplest includes a glass cover that fits into a lip molded into the plastic trim at the top of the tank. Across this, a long, narrow plastic fixture, called a strip light, holds one or two fluorescent bulbs.

The more elaborate arrangement, called a hood, completely covers the top of the tank. Lighting equipment is mounted inside the hood. Metal halide units and larger fluorescent units should have a ventilation fan to prevent overheating. Dealers offer hoods designed to match the aquarium. Choosing such an ensemble lends a finished, professional look to the tank, making it blend in well with home décor.