Setting up an Aquarium Maintenance Business
Part I: Choosing your Equipment
by Jay Shaw
Aquarticles
The aquarium service business is a very interesting one. You meet lots of people and
get to learn how the average fish keeper thinks. On occasion I find some very interesting
situations!!
So you're thinking of running a maintenance service? It's not as easy as you may think.
There is a lot of planning and organisation involved. The first requirement is a good
understanding of water chemistry and fish habitat. You don't need to have a master's
degree….just a good understanding. The fact that you are considering this trade must
mean that you are already above average in aquarium skills.
You must decide what kind of service you want to offer:
- Do you want to sell complete set-ups or just service existing tanks? - If you decide
on selling complete set-ups, what kind of systems and equipment will you use? These are
very important decisions.
I put aquarium systems in two categories: pet store set-ups and commercial
set-ups:
- Pet store set-ups are your basic aquaria. These systems run on simple filters, which
are clumsy, messy and a pain to service. The filter systems tend to be small and limit you
to lower stocking densities. Pet store tanks tend to be small in size and only found in
common shapes.
- Your other choice, which is more practical, is to use a commercial system. This may
be a little more difficult to set-up initially but will benefit you over the long run. You
will need to find a supplier who can provide you with custom tanks and the ability to
drill glass. You will also need to build custom cabinets, which will accommodate the
different style tanks. Most tank suppliers also offer this service. If you can tackle
these two problems…..you're off to the races!!
I have chosen to use commercial style systems because of their natural look and
maintenance efficiency. I can also pack my clients' tanks full of fish and have few
worries about water quality. The beauty of commercial systems is that they are custom made
to suit your clients and their rooms.
To design custom filtration for your tanks, you need imagination and some engineering
abilities. Not everyone uses the same ideas. Seastar, in Victoria B.C., created my initial
systems. I then expanded on their ideas and have improved my systems. Another beauty of
creating you own systems is that you can expand and improve them at a later date, if need
be.
Pumps
The list could go on and on!! If you have decided to use a closed system, a magnetic
drive pump is your best choice. Little Giant carries a great series of in-line magnetic
drive pumps. They are service free and of great quality.
The size of your pump is very important. You must consider how much water you want to
pump (turn over) and where you need to pump it (head). Remember that water lines and
elbows can reduce your flow rates.
Once you have chosen your pump, you need to decide where it will fit into the system.
Be sure to follow the manufacturers' recommendations. A common rule is not to restrict
inflow with valves and abrupt elbows.
Filters
For filtration, you first need to figure out what principles you will apply
(mechanical, chemical, biological). I use 100% biological. It keeps operating costs down
and is much easier to maintain.
Once again, there are many choices. It basically comes down to which filters are
easiest to maintain and service. I have chosen Ocean Clear canister filters by Red Sea.
The best feature is that they are clear. This allows you to see inside the filter without
actually dismantling it - big bonus!! They are also very user friendly and I have yet to
encounter a problem.
It is important to not cheap out on your filter system. This is the heart of your
entire set-up, even though it is hidden from view!! Be sure that it has a good sealing
mechanism and is made of good quality materials. Your client is depending on you!!
Heating
Your pump will supply most of your heat. You may need to add supplementary heat if your
client wants fish that require higher heating levels. Room temperature, tank size and
location may also dictate your heat requirements.
It is advisable to work an in-line heater into your design. Rainbow Lifeguard carries
in-line heaters.
Lighting
Lighting very much depends on what your clients want in their tank. If you're in
control, you will need to plan for what the plants and fish will require. I always like to
overkill on the lighting. This allows for expansion if things change in the future.
One little tip on lighting!! Invest in a timer - your client doesn't want to be
bothered with trying to remember to turn lights on and off. Also be sure that your
lighting ballast can accommodate a timer!!
Stands and Canopies
You can save yourself a lot of time and money if you learn to build stands and canopies
yourself. You will also benefit because your design is your own style and you can improve
on it over time. Most custom tank suppliers recommend you use their stands, and it may be
fine to use their frames (unfinished). This will give you a warranty on the tank in case
it leaks. You can then finish the tank whichever way suits your client.
If you do decide to build stands from scratch, be sure to look at a few other designs
first. This will give you a better idea of what is required to support the weight of the
tank.
Tanks
There are many styles of tanks to choose from, and many sizes. The size and style will
depend on the room it's going into. The most common and popular size is about 90 gallons.
These are good tanks to work with and can make very nice community set-ups.
Your clients' budgets will dictate the type of set-up they get. There are many tank
manufactures out there. I rank Hagen as one of the best-made tanks but they are quite
costly and don't have much of a shape selection. Oceanic also carry nice tanks. They have
a little more shape selection. They make a very nice bow front tank! My local supplier,
Seastar, has a good selection of tanks and can make just about anything you need. This is
the kind of service you will need to run a good aquarium service business.
Tools Of The Trade
You're going to need some equipment in order to do your cleaning. You may find over
time that you might even make your own. The most common tool is some sort of algae
remover. I use razors, magnets and scrub brushes, depending on the situation. You will
also need something with which to clean and root around the gravel. It would be wise to
invest in a good carrying case.
Here is a list of a few things you may wish to carry with you: Water test kits, paper
towels, glass cleaner, plant fertiliser and water conditioners, fish nets, bags and
elastics, fish food, pipe wrench, notebook.
You will of course find your own way through all of this. I have not listed every
single component or piece of equipment you may need. I have only touched lightly on each
subject, because everyone is different in what they prefer to use. You will also pick up
information and improve your business as you expand.
GOOD LUCK!!!
|