Aquariums

An aquarium is a sealed tank designed to house aquatic plants and animals. In home and public displays, aquariums provide a controlled environment for observation, study, and decoration. The modern aquarium emerged in the 19th century after glass tanks became widely available, and the term aquarium was popularized by the British naturalist Philip Henry Gosse. Advances in filtration, heating, lighting, and water testing during the 20th century broadened the hobby and enabled more complex ecosystems.

Aquariums are commonly freshwater or marine (saltwater). Freshwater setups range from simple community tanks to heavily planted displays. Marine systems may include reef tanks with corals and invertebrates, requiring careful water chemistry and stability. Brackish tanks sit between freshwater and marine.

Key components include the tank and stand, filtration that provides mechanical, biological, and sometimes chemical filtration; a heater and thermostat for temperature; lighting appropriate for plants or corals; substrates such as gravel or sand; decorations and rocks; water-testing kits; and dechlorinator. In marine tanks, salt mix, salinity control, and periodic water changes are essential.

Regular maintenance also includes monitoring temperature, avoiding overfeeding, quarantining new animals, and performing partial water changes to remove waste and regulate nutrients. Proper stocking levels and gradual acclimation of new inhabitants help reduce stress and disease risk.

Aquarium keeping serves hobbyists, educational institutions, and public displays, and it often emphasizes ecological balance, animal welfare, and the recreation of diverse aquatic environments.