Setting Up Fish Tank Aquariums: Where Do I Start?
Aquarium paraphernalia
To set up fish tanks you will need this equipment: filter, lighting, heater, gravel, plants and décor. You will also require replacement filter media and aquarium test kits to check water parameters and check the nitrogen cycle. I enthusiastically advise buying complete system aquariums which come with all the essential aquarium equipment. This means you are not puzzled as to what precisely you need for setting up your fish tank or bewildered by the selection of different types of equipment on offer. Buying fish tank aquariums with everything you want gives you peace of mind and relieves a lot of anxiety!
Establishing your aquarium
Before acquiring an aquarium you need to decide on the space you have available and investigate the adult size of the fish you would like to keep, both of which will suggest the size and shape of aquarium that would be right and proper. Considering all this has been carefully designed and your ideal aquarium is sitting with all the essential equipment ready to be set up, you can follow these steps to stress-free successful aquarium setup.
1. Place aquarium (on a stand, if necessary) in an area away from direct sunlight, draughts and heat, as these alter the light and temperature of the tank. Also make certain that the floor is able to bear the full weight of the aquarium when filled with water (approximately 10 pounds per gallon of water).
2. Wash out the tank with water as hot as you can stand. Do not use soaps or detergents as residue will be harmful for tropical fish.
3. Set the under-gravel filter in the bottom of the tank (if your aquarium comes with one), following the instructions included.
4. Rinse the gravel carefully in hot water using a sieve to take out any dust or fragments. Add the gravel to the tank, covering the under-gravel filter. Create a gentle slope of gravel, deepest at the back.
5. Wash all artificial decorations and plants in hot water and arrange in the aquarium.
6. Fasten the aquarium heater to the inside of the tank with its suction cups but do not plug it in for no less than 30 minutes until the thermostat has adjusted to the water temperature, otherwise the heater may shatter. Obviously, you need to have researched the species you plan to keep to learn about specific temperature requirements.
7. Set up the aquarium filter following the instructions given, placing the filter media inside.
8. Put a dish on the bottom of the aquarium to break the force of the water and fill the aquarium with water that is at room temperature. Add de-chlorinator to the water if you are using unfiltered tap water. look for any rare leaks as you fill the tank. (They are easily repaired with aquarium silicone).
9. Unless the aquarium lighting is already fitted underwater, put the light on top.
10. Plug in all the equipment and make sure that everything is working correctly. Make certain there is a dip in the cord before it reaches the electrical outlet, known as a ‘drip loop’. This ensures the water drips off onto the floor and does not go directly into the electrical socket.
Your aquarium is now ready to run in its self but is still not ready for sustaining tropical freshwater fish. Good bacteria needs to be established first, and the aquarium environment then needs to alter as new fish are gradually added.
How to continue after initial aquarium setup
Let the tank settle and the water stabilize for some days. Throughout this time you need to keep checking the water parameters using aquarium test kits to guarantee they are proper for the fish you intend to have (temperature, pH, hardness, ammonia).
Nitrogen cycle
You will then need to begin the nitrogen cycle so your aquarium will be ready to sustain healthy freshwater fish (see associated article ‘Setting-Up Tropical Freshwater Fish Tank Aquariums: The Nitrogen Cycle’ at ezinearticles.com).
Aquarium upkeep
When the nitrogen cycle is complete and you begin adding fish to your aquarium, you need to begin a maintenance schedule. Each day check that fish are healthy, especially during feeding times, and make sure that the filters and heaters are working correctly. Clean your tank every one to two weeks and carry out 25% water changes on a monthly basis.
Copyright © 2009 Jill Kaestner @ Kaestner Marketing LLC
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- Clear Guidance On Stocking Tropical Freshwater Tank Aquariums: How To Add And Acclimatize Fish
- A Shopping Guide To Filling Your Fish Tank With Healthy Tropical Fish
