Putting together an aquarium in your college dorm is a great way to bring color and life to the room. Having a fish tank in your home is a nice way to bring some nature inside. They are also pretty easy to take care of. But it can be harder than it looks to find the right tank and fish for a dorm. Some of the things that can’t be changed in a dorm room are the space, noise, and care times. How do you pick the best set-up for your room? Here are some important tips that will help you choose the best tank and fish for your college dorm.
1. Choose a tank that is easy for beginners
You’ll want an aquarium that is easy to take care of and doesn’t add to your workload as a busy college student. How much time you spend on maintenance depends a lot on the type of tank you get. A self-contained tank kit is one of the best choices for people who are just starting out. These kits have everything you need in one package, like a filter, lights, and sometimes even a heater.
As a busy college student, finding time for everything can be a real challenge. Between attending classes, studying, socializing, and working on assignments, it’s easy for responsibilities like cleaning your aquarium to slip through the cracks. You might find yourself juggling multiple tasks, thinking, “When will I have time to even clean the tank?” It’s in these moments that many students turn to online help for other aspects of their life. You can search for a “professional writer who will write my essay online” and find a proven assistant PapersOwl. With a little assistance, you can balance both academic demands and keeping your aquarium clean and thriving.
2. Think about the rules and space in your dorm room
Before you buy a tank, you should first look at the rules for your dorm. Some colleges have rules about pets or the size of tanks that can be kept in dorm rooms. Some people might be strict about objects that hold water and could leak. Be sure you know the rules before you get too excited about making your water creation.
Take a look at how much space you have once you have the all-clear. Most dorm rooms are small, so picking a small tank is important. The best tanks are the ones that are less than 10 gallons because they take up less room and are easy to keep up. You could even get nano tanks, which are small tanks that hold about 2 to 5 gallons and fit well on a desk or a small table.
Not sure where to put the tank? Stay out of direct sunlight because it can make algae grow too much. Choose a strong, stable surface that is easy to clean and feed but out of the way of the daily traffic in the room.
3. Pick the Right Kind of Fish
After setting up your tank, you should think about what kinds of fish will do well in your room. Some fish do better in smaller tanks and are great for people who are just starting out.
These fish are great for tanks in dorms:
Betta Fish: A lot of people keep betta fish in their dorm rooms because they are bright and hardy. Tanks shouldn’t be too big—2.5 gallons is the bare minimum, but 5 gallons is even better. Also, bettas are very territorial, so unless you have a lot of experience keeping fish, it’s best to keep them alone. They are low-maintenance because they don’t need complicated filtering systems and can work in a range of water conditions.
Guppies: Guppies are another great choice if you like having more than one fish. These little, bright fish do best in groups and can live in tanks as small as 5 to 10 gallons. They’re calm, simple to take care of, and come in a range of bright colors that will make your dorm room more interesting. Also, guppies are known to breed quickly, so keep that in mind if you don’t want your tank to get too crowded.
Neon Tetras: Neon tetras are small fish that like to group together and do well in small tanks. They are calm and get along well with other animals. A 10-gallon tank is a good size for a group of six or more glowing tetras. The bright blue and red colors of these fish make your tank look even better.
Zebra Danios: Zebra danios are hardy fish that like to move around. They do well in small tanks. This type of fish is great for newbies because it can handle different types of water and doesn’t need much care. A small group of zebra danios in a 10-gallon tank can make your room more interesting and fun.
4. Pay close attention to the temperature and quality of the water
Keeping your fish’s tank clean is very important for their health, especially if you live in a college and are often out and about. Two important things to keep an eye on are the temperature and quality of the water.
Get a water testing kit to keep an eye on your tank’s pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate amounts. If you keep these things in check, your fish will stay healthy and happy. To get rid of waste and toxins, it’s also important to change about 20% of the water every week.
If you want to keep the water temperature stable for your fish, you might need a tank heater. Tropical fish, like guppies and bettas, like it when it’s between 75°F and 80°F. Cold-water fish, like zebra danios, can live in cooler temperatures, which makes them a better choice if you’re afraid about heating.
Take into account your college schedule
As a student, you probably won’t have time to take care of your tank every day. Because of this, you should think about how much time you have for upkeep before choosing your setup.
Automatic fish feeders might help you feed your fish even when you’re busy during the week. These machines give your fish food at set times, so they’ll be fed even when you’re not there.
Also, if you want to put live plants in your tank, choose ones that grow slowly. Plants like anubias and java fern don’t need much care or weeding, so they’re great for a dorm room.
In conclusion
You need to carefully think about space, rules, and your plan when picking out the right aquarium and fish for your college dorm. Choose a small tank that is easy for beginners to handle, and choose fish that don’t need much care and can live in small spaces. You can live in a room with betta fish, guppies, neon tetras, or zebra danios. Watch the temperature and quality of the water, and remember that a well-kept tank can be a beautiful and relaxing place to get away from the stresses of college life. If you set up your tank correctly, it will bring you peace and happiness while you’re in college.
