Tropical Aquarium Equipment

Aquarium Equipment
•	Aquariums
•	Filtration
•	Heaters
•	Lighting
•	Pumps
•	Stands & Cabinetry

Setting up an aquarium to create a healthy, natural environment your aquarium inhabitants will thrive in is a combination of art and science.

Four Considerations when Setting Up an Aquarium:

Your experience level with tropical aquariums.
The type and number of fish and other living creatures including invertebrates, live rock, live coral and plants you want to have in your aquarium.
Your budget.
Compatibility: all of the tank elements must work together, including the living creatures, aquarium, filtration, heater, lighting, pump and all other aquarium variables.

It's easier to create a successful, easy to manage system when you have an expert at your side who can advise you as choose your components. Every Blue Sierra Exotics employee has at least 10 years experience as a tropical aquarium hobbyist plus receives on-going aquarium equipment training. You'll get information and suggestions you can trust.

Aquariums
•	Glass
•	Acrylic

Glass and Acrylic Aquariums
Aquariums are typically made of glass or acrylic, each has its own advantages.

Glass Aquariums are:

Less expensive in smaller thicknesses and sizes (under 100 gallons).
More scratch resistant.

Acrylic Aquariums are:

Less expensive in larger thicknesses and sizes (over 100 gallons).
Can be made into various shapes without losing their strength.
Seamless. Each aquarium is a one-piece unit.
Flexible – if bumped they are more likely to flex than break. If they break they will crack slightly, not explode.
48% lighter than glass.

Fresh Water Filtration
•	Hang on Back
•	Canisters
•	Sumps
•	Wet Dry Filters

Salt Water Filtration
•	Hang on Back
•	Canisters
•	Protein Skimmers
•	Refuguims
•	Wet Dry Filters
•	Sumps

Types of Heaters
•	Glass
•	Titanium

Types of Lighting
•	Metal Halide
•	Power Compacts
•	VHO (Very High Output)
•	T-5's
•	Standard

Types of Pumps
•	Air Pumps
•	Water Pumps
	- Submersible
	- External
•	Powerheads

Learn more about acrylic and glass aquariums.

Filtration
Filtration helps keep your tank clean and promotes a healthy environment. The right filtration can reduce the amount of maintenance your aquarium requires.

There are three types of filtration: biological, chemical and mechanical. Biological filtration promotes healthy bacteria, helps breakdown harmful ammonia and reduces tank maintenance. Chemical filtration purifies the water and can remove specific toxins or medications. Mechanical filtration aids in the physical removal of waste and debris from the water and helps maintain water clarity.

Heaters
Heaters maintain the correct environmental temperature for your fish. Not all fish thrive in the same temperature water – you'll get suggestions to help you choose fish that are most compatible with each other. Glass heaters are inexpensive, yet fragile. Titanium probe heaters are unbreakable and last longer, yet are slightly more expensive.

Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of your aquarium. It simulates a real environment for your tropical animals, corals and live rock. The correct lighting intensity is necessary for corals and invertebrates to survive as they require light for photosynthesis. We're happy to suggest the best lighting options for your tropical animals. Lighting can also enhance the beauty of your aquarium.

Air Pumps
Air pumps oxygenate aquarium water and provide some water flow. Some types of air devices, such as bubble wands add a wall of bubbles and add to the beauty and health of your aquarium.

Water Pumps/Powerheads
Powerheads circulate water inside the aquarium. Water Pumps move water through your filtration. Choose a pump size and style based on your tank and livestock. Some tropical animals require more or less water flow to thrive in captivity.

Stands and Cabinetry
Aquarium stands come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Choose from a variety of simple metal and wood stands to fit your budget and décor. Or select a beautiful furniture quality custom made solid hardwood cabinet to match your colors and décor. All aquarium cabinetry varies on price and style depending on what fits your style, décor and budget.

Make it easier to create and maintain your own thriving aquarium with helpful, accurate information and suggestions from an experienced, trained specialist at Blue Sierra Exotics. Come in or call for suggestions and excellent selection.

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