Setting Up Tank Aquariums: How Do I Begin?

Aquarium paraphernalia
To set up fish tank aquariums you will need the following equipment: filter, heater, lighting, gravel, plants and d茅cor. You will also want replacement filter media and aquarium test kits to check water parameters and evaluate the nitrogen cycle. I firmly recommend buying whole system aquariums which come with all the required aquarium equipment. This means you are not bewildered as to what exactly you need for setting up your fish tank or baffled by the range of various types of equipment on offer. Buying fish tank aquariums with everything you require gives you peace of mind and relieves a lot of pressure!

Establishing your aquarium
Before purchasing an aquarium you need to decide on the room you have free and research the adult size of the fish you would like to keep, both of which will show the size and shape of aquarium that would be appropriate. Considering all this has been carefully planned and your model aquarium is there with all the necessary equipment ready to be set up, you can follow these steps to stress-free successful aquarium setup.

1. Position fish tank (on a stand, if necessary) in an area away from direct sunlight, draughts and heat, as these change the temperature and light of the fish tank. Also make certain that the floor is able to carry the total weight of the aquarium when filled with water (approximately 10 pounds per gallon of water).

2. Wash out the aquarium with water as hot as you can stand. Do not use soaps or detergents as residue will be damaging to freshwater fish.

3. Place the under-gravel filter in the bottom of the fish tank (if your aquarium comes with one), following the instructions given.

4. Clean the gravel thoroughly in hot water using a sieve to eliminate any dust or fragments. Add the gravel to the aquarium, covering the under-gravel filter. Create a gentle slope of gravel, deepest at the back.

5. Clean all artificial plants and decorations in hot water and arrange in the aquarium.

6. Fix 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 break. Of course, you need to have researched the species you intend to keep to learn about specific temperature requirements.

7. Set up the aquarium filter following the instructions supplied, putting the filter media inside.

8. Position a dish on the bottom of the aquarium to break the power of the water and fill the aquarium with water that is at room temperature. Add de-chlorinator to the water if you are using tap water that is unfiltered. Check for any rare leaks as you fill the aquarium. (They are easily fixed with aquarium silicone).

9. Unless the lighting of the aquarium is already fitted underwater, place the light on top.

10. Plug in all the equipment and make sure that everything is working properly. Check there is a dip in the cord before it plugs into the electrical outlet, known as a 'drip loop'. This ensures the water drips off onto the floor and does not pass directly into the electrical socket.

Your aquarium is now operative in its self but is still not ready for sustaining freshwater fish. Good bacteria needs to be established first, and the aquarium environment then needs to adjust as new fish are gradually added.

How to continue after initial aquarium setup
Let the tank settle and the water stabilize for a few days. During this time you need to keep checking the water parameters using aquarium test kits to guarantee they are proper for the fish you plan to have (temperature, ammonia, pH, and hardness).

Nitrogen cycle
You will then have to begin the nitrogen cycle so your fish tank will be ready to support healthy tropical fish (see related article 'Setting-Up Tropical Freshwater Fish Tank Aquariums: The Nitrogen Cycle').

Aquarium care
When the nitrogen cycle is concluded and you begin adding fish to your aquarium, you should start on a maintenance plan. On a daily basis check that fish are healthy, especially during feeding times, and make sure that the filters and heaters are functioning correctly. Wash your tank every one to two weeks and carry out 25% water changes once a month.

Copyright 漏 2009 Jill Kaestner @ Kaestner Marketing LLC