Caring for a home aquarium is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to self sustain your tank without breaking the bank. The key to successful aquarist sustainability lies in understanding how water chemistry works and making sure you have the right equipment to keep your tank healthy while keeping costs low. First, consider investing in a quality aquarium filter that helps remove unwanted chemicals from your water supply. This will help maintain optimal levels of nitrates and ammonia as well as reduce stress on fish by preventing any sudden swings in pH or temperature. Additionally, using live plants like Anubias barteri or Java ferns can help naturally cycle nutrients through the system and provide oxygenation for fish respiration. Finally, make sure you’re doing regular maintenance such as changing out 20-30% of your water each month with fresh dechlorinated tap water; this helps keep bacteria growth under control while ensuring adequate oxygenation for fish health. By taking these steps into consideration when setting up an aquarium, you can create a thriving aquatic environment that is both cost effective and sustainable over time!