Freshwater aquariums can be every bit as beautiful as a salt water tank. There is a wide variety of colorful freshwater species, all of which are unique in their geographic origin and behavior. Because of the diverse selection of fish available, a freshwater aquarium can be very customizable. From a replica of the fish's natural environment to castles and crocodiles, nothing is impossible. Freshwater aquariums are also usually more economical to install and maintain.
A Few Different Types of Freshwater Aquariums
Discus
Angelfish
African Cichlids
Arowana
Oscar
Guppy
Freshwater Stingray
Red Belly Piranha
Freshwater Shrimp
Planted Aquarium
This is just a small sample of ideas.....There is much more out there!
This Freshwater fish compatibility chart shows
what types of fish are compatible with one another. To determine if a
fish is compatible with another species just match up the two fish
types and look for the corresponding color or letter code. A letter H
means high fish compatibility. A letter M means medium fish
compatbility. A letter L means low fish compatibility.
This is a chart of acceptable water parameter ranges for different
types of freshwater aquariums, brackish water aquariums and ponds. Some
species of fish, plants or invertebrates may have more specific
requirements.
Freshwater
Parameters | Freshwater Community | African Cichlid | Freshwater Plants &
Discus | Brackish | Pond |
| Temperature | 72 - 82°F | 72 - 82°F | 76 - 86°F | 72 - 82°F | 33 - 86°F |
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 | 7.8 - 8.5 | 6.0 - 7.5 | 7.5 - 8.4 | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| Ammonia | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Nitrite | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Nitrate | < 50 ppm | < 50 ppm | < 30 ppm | < 50 ppm | < 50 ppm |
Alkalinity
(Carbonate Hardness) | 4 - 8 KH | 10 - 18 KH | 3 - 8 KH | 10 - 18 KH | 4 - 8 KH |
General
Hardness | 4 - 12 GH | 12 - 20 GH | 3 - 8 GH | 12 - 20 GH | 4 - 12 GH |