A fish tank is an important starting place when you’re getting set up with your fish tank, but knowing how to find the right brand can be difficult. Here’s everything you need to know about the top fin fish tank.
Top Fin is a leading aquarium brand in the fishkeeping industry and is only available at PetSmart. Their goal is to provide a happy home for your fish with specialized equipment to make the care, cleaning, and maintenance of your tanks easier.
There’s a lot to dive into when it comes to putting together a fish tank, and the rest of this article will explain everything you need to know about Top Fin, how to get started, and which fish tank is right for you.
Top Fin Fish Tank Setup
Top Fin tanks can range from 1 gallon to 150 gallons and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. To get started, make sure you have the right tank size for the fish you’re getting.
Doing some online research into the recommended tank size for the fish you want is ideal to make sure that they have a healthy environment and that you can keep the water parameters in check.
Setting up is pretty straightforward, but you’ll also want to put some thought into the accessories you need. A heater, air stone, substrate, filter, and plants are some great places to get started.
Different fish prefer different kinds of substrate, and you’ll want to pick the right plants for the fish you have.
Some of the best starter plants include anubius, crypto, guppy grass, frogbit, and java fern.
You’ll also need to make sure you have a water conditioner, a water test kit, and a bacteria starter. Keeping the chemical profile of your tank within a certain range is ideal for the happiness and longevity of your fish.
Cycling Your Tank
The first and most important step before you add fish is cycling your tank. Thoroughly rinse the interior of the tank and any accessories you’re planning on putting in it to get rid of dirt and dust—that includes your substrate of choice, where applicable.
Place your sand, gravel, or substrate in the bottom and slowly fill the tank with water, ensuring that you don’t disturb the sediment. After it’s filled, you can install and set up the filter, as well as the heater and the light hood.
You can use food to start the cycle of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates, but the fastest way to get going is with a bacteria starter kit, which can work within 48 hours.
Use a water test kit after the cycle time recommended on the bacteria starter kit has elapsed. If the parameters are within acceptable ranges, you can start to add your fish.
Make sure that you choose fish that make suitable tankmates and will not attack each other. Conduct some research on the type of fish you want to see what other tankmates are ideal, and feel free to ask your local fishkeeping store what their recommendations are.
Do not add your fish directly to the tank; instead, let them float on the surface of the water in their plastic bag for 20 minutes. This allows them to acclimate to the temperature and water conditions they will be entering.
Once they’re acclimated, you drain the bag of water and put the fish in your new tank. Avoid transferring the bagged water into your aquarium to reduce the risk of introducing new bacteria into your tank.
The first month after introducing your fish to a new tank is the most important; be constantly on the lookout for any signs of sickness and stay on top of your ammonia and nitrate levels by using a water-testing kit at least once a week.
As with many other parameters in a tank, the ideal pH level will vary depending on the particular fish you are keeping.
How Do You Use Top Fin Water Conditioner?
Water conditioner is designed to detoxify your tap water to make it safe for your fish and biologically stable. If you neglect putting water conditioner in your tank, your fish will die from the buildup of impurities and chemicals present in tap water.
When it comes to Top Fin’s water conditioner, you need to start by mixing the conditioner with tap water before adding it to your aquarium.
Conduct water changes and cleaning of your tank weekly or bi-weekly as needed and add conditioner each time according to the instructions on the bottle.
Who Makes Top Fin Aquariums?
Top Fin aquariums are made by United Pet Group, which is owned by Spectrum Brands. Top Fin’s manufacturer is located in Earth City, Missouri.
Which Fish Tank Is Better: Glass or Acrylic?
The question of glass vs acrylic often comes down to personal preference. Acrylic is generally lighter and stronger than a piece of glass of the same size with better structural integrity; however, glass aquariums tend to be less expensive and are more scratch-resistant, also offering better clarity.
Visit your local fish shop to have a look at different tanks for yourself to see which one is best for you.
Do Top Fin Tanks Have a Warranty?
Top Fin tanks come with a warranty of 5 to 10 years, with some tanks even having a lifetime warranty, but this claim varies from tank to tank. For the most up to date information, it’s best to contact Top Fin directly to see what the warranty is on a particular tank or tank setup kit.
Final Thoughts
Top Fin is an immensely popular brand of fish tank that has earned its reputation over the years as an affordable, functional tank brand.
To get started with your tank, visit your local PetSmart, the only firsthand seller of Top Fin tanks and ask an associate to get you started looking for a Top Fin tank. You can also search online to start seeing what Top Fin tanks are available to buy.
