Freshwater Aquarium Setup: The Essential Steps

     The whole task of a fish tank setup is an interesting experience that consists of several steps and procedures - every one of which you will certainly enjoy! If you are planning to keep a freshwater tank, you should be aware that it needs a lot of maintenance. There are cheaper alternatives in the market such as cheap starter kits for beginners that you can use. Remember though, consider the quality of the products before you buy them, as you may have to keep replacing the "cheap stuff" repeatedly, which is going to cost more. So, when you buy materials, my recommendation is to buy quality initially, as you could save yourself a lot of time and money in the end.

The various steps in a freshwater aquarium setup starts with setting up the tank, using filters, filling the tank with the substrate, introducing heaters to maintain a specific temperature, placing the plants and other decorative materials in the tank. These things have to be completed before putting the fish in the tank. With sufficient knowledge, you can do the fish tank setup yourself!

The area or the location where the tank is going to be placed has to be decided. Is it going to occupy one entire side of the wall? Is it going to be a small tank that can be placed in a small area in the living room? Based on your convenience and budget, you have to buy a tank that suits these particulars. It is also better to buy a tank cover and a suitable stand. An ideal moderate freshwater aquarium setup uses a twenty or twenty five-gallon tank.

After the tank is placed in the desired location, check the tank for leaks. When it passes that test, it is time for you to put the substrate in. Follow the directions given, rinsing and washing the substrate thoroughly - and place the substrate and other plants in the tank. You can fill the tank with substrates up to two inches in an average sized tank, which will give you a good fish tank setup right from the start.

After this is done, you can fit the equipment. The heater and filter need to be installed. The heater is to make sure that the water is at a desired temperature, somewhere around 80癋 (26癈). This might change at some point depending on the fish you choose to inhabit your aquarium, but for most applications this will be fine.

As far as the filter is concerned, you have to choose a filter which can successfully remove common impurities from water and reduce the toxins in it. Ammonia is left behind as the byproduct when the fish breathe or urinate; So, biological filters reduce the toxin, while chemical filters enhance the water for breeding. Canister filters are the best in the market, for they do all these processes to keep the water pure and clean for the fish.

After installing the heater and the filter, the majority of the fish tank setup is over. The other steps concern the decoration and lighting. It is also important to test the pH level of water, which can be done with a testing kit. This level is responsible for the acidity or the alkalinity of water. This is important as it ensures a healthy environment for your fish.

The final part of the fish tank setup is introducing the fish. This final step needs patience and tact as you are dealing with living organisms. The water in the tank is different from the water you brought the fish home in from the local fish store. Do not empty them into the tank in a single motion. Here's what to do to ensure that the fish are not shocked or affected by the change in water temperature, acidity etc.

Fill the bag or package with the water from the tank little by little and empty the old water little by little, so that the fish can adjust to the change. If you cannot do the above, an alternative would be to place the bag that you brought the fish home in into your aquarium and let it float on the surface for about 30 minutes. This will start to align the water temperatures so it is less of a shock to your new fish when hey are released into the tank.

After a few final touches, all that is left to do is switch the equipment on and admire your beautiful fish tank setup!