An aquarium, or fish tank, is a vivarium of any size having at least one transparent side in which aquatic plants or animals are kept and displayed. Fishkeepers use aquaria to keep fish, invertebrates, amphibians, aquatic reptiles, such as turtles, and aquatic plants. The term “aquarium”, coined by English naturalist Philip Henry Gosse, combines the Latin root aqua, meaning water, with the suffix -arium, meaning “a place for relating to”. The aquarium principle was fully developed in 1850 by the chemist Robert Warington, who explained that plants added to water in a container would give off enough oxygen to support animals, so long as their numbers do not grow too large. The aquarium craze was launched in early Victorian England by Gosse, who created and stocked the first public aquarium at the London Zoo in 1853, and published the first manual, The Aquarium: An Unveiling of the Wonders of the Deep Sea in 1854.
Aquariums are most commonly made from glass or acrylic glass. Typical inhabitants include fish, plants, amphibians, and invertebrates, such as snails and crustaceans. Modern aquariums are most often made from transparent glass or acrylic glass. Typical inhabitants also include rock formations, caves, and other structures that provide hiding places for the fish. A wide variety of materials and techniques are used to construct aquariums. For freshwater fish, the habitat can be enriched with plants, driftwood, and rocks. Saltwater aquariums can be more challenging to maintain and require additional equipment and expertise. In addition to fish, many aquariums contain live plants. Some people use their aquariums to breed fish, either for sale to other aquarium enthusiasts or as a source of food for larger fish. Others use their aquariums to create underwater gardens, recreating natural habitats or creating works of art.
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Aquariums can vary greatly in size, ranging from small fish bowls to large public aquaria. The size and complexity of an aquarium depend on the type and number of fish and other organisms it will house. Larger aquariums are generally more stable and easier to maintain than smaller ones, as they have a larger volume of water that can dilute waste products and fluctuations in water chemistry.
The water in an aquarium needs to be maintained at a suitable temperature, pH, and hardness for the species of fish and other organisms it contains. This is usually achieved using heaters, filters, and other equipment. Regular water changes are also necessary to remove waste products and replenish essential nutrients.
Aquarium lighting is another important consideration, as it affects the growth of plants and the behavior of fish. Different species of fish and plants have different lighting requirements, so it is important to choose the right type and intensity of light for the aquarium’s inhabitants.
Aquariums can be a source of relaxation and enjoyment, as watching fish swim and interact can be very calming. Many people also find joy in creating and maintaining a beautiful underwater environment. Aquarium keeping can also be educational, as it provides an opportunity to learn about aquatic ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them.
Overall, aquariums are a fascinating hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are interested in keeping a small desktop aquarium or a large, elaborate display, there is a lot to learn and explore in the world of aquarium keeping.