Aquariums

Aquariums

An aquarium is a vivarium of any size having at least one transparent side in which aquatic plants or animals are kept and displayed. Fishkeepers use aquariums 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".

History

The concept of keeping aquatic life in a controlled environment dates back to ancient times. The ancient Romans kept fish in marble tanks, and the Chinese have been keeping goldfish in bowls for over a thousand years. The modern aquarium as we know it began to take shape in the 19th century with the advent of glass manufacturing and the development of the science of aquatic biology.

Early Developments

The first public aquarium was opened in 1853 at the London Zoo, and it was called the "Fish House". This was followed by the opening of aquariums in Berlin, Paris, and New York City. These early aquariums were primarily used for scientific study and public education.

Types of Aquariums

Aquariums can be classified based on their size, the type of water they use, and the species they house.

Freshwater Aquariums

Freshwater aquariums are the most common type and are typically easier to maintain than saltwater aquariums. They can house a variety of species, including tropical fish, goldfish, and freshwater plants.

Saltwater Aquariums

Saltwater aquariums, also known as marine aquariums, are used to keep marine species such as coral reefs, clownfish, and seahorses. These aquariums require more specialized equipment and maintenance due to the need to replicate ocean conditions.

Brackish Aquariums

Brackish aquariums contain water with salinity levels between freshwater and saltwater. They are used to house species that thrive in estuarine environments, such as mangrove fish and certain types of crabs.

Aquarium Design and Equipment

The design of an aquarium involves several components, including the tank itself, filtration systems, lighting, and heating.

Tank

Aquarium tanks are typically made of glass or acrylic. Glass tanks are more scratch-resistant, while acrylic tanks are lighter and can be molded into a variety of shapes.

Filtration

Filtration is crucial for maintaining water quality. There are three main types of filtration: mechanical, biological, and chemical. Mechanical filtration removes debris, biological filtration uses beneficial bacteria to break down waste, and chemical filtration removes toxins.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for the health of aquatic plants and animals. It can also enhance the visual appeal of the aquarium. Different species require different lighting conditions, which can be achieved using LED or fluorescent lights.

Heating

Many aquarium species require specific temperature ranges. Heaters are used to maintain these temperatures, especially in tropical aquariums.

Aquarium Maintenance

Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the health of the aquarium's inhabitants. This includes water changes, cleaning the tank and equipment, and monitoring water parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.

Popular Aquarium Species

Some popular species kept in aquariums include:

• Betta fish
• Neon tetra
• Guppy
• Angelfish
• Discus fish

Conservation and Education

Aquariums play a significant role in conservation and education. They provide opportunities for the public to learn about aquatic ecosystems and the importance of preserving them. Many aquariums participate in breeding programs for endangered species and conduct research on marine biology.

See Also

• Fishkeeping
• Aquascaping
• Marine biology

References

• Gosse, Philip Henry. The Aquarium: An Unveiling of the Wonders of the Deep Sea. London: John Van Voorst, 1854.
• Smith, John. Aquarium Design and Maintenance. New York: Aquatic Press, 2010.

External Links

• Official website of the Oregon Coast Aquarium
• Monterey Bay Aquarium