From Cloudy Waters to a Thriving Aquarium: My Journey with Tropical Fish and Turtles I recently embarked on an exciting journey of setting up a new aquarium - a home I built with care. Initially, I had envisioned it for specific aquatic pets, but now it's occupied by an array of fascinating creatures. Am I upset? Not at all! Watching them thrive has been incredibly rewarding. Just a few days ago, the water conditions were less than ideal - practically a nightmare for any aquatic life. So, I took immediate action by conditioning the water and replacing old equipment. The new gear came in packaging so elegant that I almost mistook it for a gift of premium tea! Maintaining the right water temperature is crucial, whether you're keeping cold-water fish or warm-water turtles. Controlling the water temperature ensures a healthy environment, making a reliable heater essential. With the habitat set, I introduced my first batch of aquatic friends: black-tailed tetras. Some seemed a bit listless, possibly due to the weather, but fortunately, I sourced them from multiple shops to ensure diversity and health. Seeing no issues after their introduction, I added a second batch - red zebras. These small tropical fish are perfect for someone like me who is still mastering the art of fishkeeping. Small fish are forgiving and bring vibrant life to the tank. For the third batch, I went with larger tetras, hoping to achieve that mesmerizing schooling effect that experts often showcase. I had considered adding zebra puffers but decided against it since they're notorious for jumping out of tanks, and I wasn't keen on installing a lid. To keep the tank clean naturally, I introduced freshwater mussels, thinking they'd eat waste and food residues. However, they blended so well with the stones that they might as well be part of the décor! Realizing this, I turned to small sucking fish - nature's diligent cleaners with a fancy name. They're incredibly hardworking and keep the tank spotless. My biggest hiccup was adding colorful shrimps. They were so tiny that I forgot the legend that small fish might consider them a snack. Lesson learned! The star of the show was supposed to be my deep-water alligator snapping turtle. With its bewildered look, it resembled an airdrop toolbox descending into the tank. However, I quickly discovered that despite its name, it wasn't suited for deep-water environments and seemed distressed. I decided to return it to its original habitat - a separate enclosure. Meanwhile, my red-eared slider turtles have become the tank's highlight. Their swimming skills are impressive; they can even dive and navigate the water with ease. They adapt remarkably well, eating and interacting without any issues - even feeding the fish as they eat! One is bold enough to use the snapping turtle as a mount when they're together. To improve their living conditions, I installed a basking lamp, hoping it promotes healthy growth without encouraging unwanted brown algae. Now, as I listen to the soothing sound of flowing water and watch my aquatic friends thrive, I can't help but appreciate the beauty of nature right in my living room. #Aquarium #FishKeeping #TurtleTank #TropicalFish #AquariumSetup #FishTank #AquaticPets #FishLovers #TurtleLovers #AquariumLife - @animaltalkz