| An aquarium fish tank can bring the beauty | | | | the tank on top of the gravel and pour the |
| and splendor of tropical or freshwater fish | | | | water gently onto the dish. This will create |
| into your home or office, and if you follow | | | | minimum disturbance to the gravel. |
| sound fishkeeping principles when setting up | | | | |
| your tank it will bring you years of | | | | Next, install the filter and the heater if |
| enjoyment. | | | | you will be using one. For an indoor |
| | | | freshwater aquarium fish tank a heater is |
| Planning your aquarium | | | | rarely required. Tropical saltwater fish will |
| | | | generally require a heater to maintain the |
| A visit to your local pet store or specialist | | | | necessary temperature. If you are using a |
| fish breeder will help you decide on the type | | | | heater you will also need to install a |
| of fish you'd like to have in your new | | | | thermometer in an easy-to-read location. |
| aquarium fish tank. The staff at the store | | | | |
| will also help you decide on the right size | | | | Now you can add your aquarium decorations. |
| tank for the space available and supply all | | | | This could include a backing picture, rocks |
| the necessary equipment and accessories that | | | | or other ornaments on the base of the tank. |
| you will require. | | | | Create plenty of hiding places with the use |
| | | | of rocks and other decorations. Your fish |
| However, don't buy any fish, yet! You'll need | | | | will be glad of a place to hide from time to |
| to establish your tank before you introduce | | | | time. You can also install plants that need |
| any fish into it. | | | | to be buried in the gravel at this time. |
| | | | Floating plants can be added when the tank is |
| The first step is to thoroughly clean the | | | | full. |
| tank. Don't skip this important step just | | | | |
| because the glass of the aquarium looks | | | | Turn on the filter and the heater and ensure |
| clean. Use a mild detergent in warm water to | | | | they are working before filling the aquarium |
| scrub out the tank. Rinse out the tank | | | | to the top with dechlorinated water. This |
| thoroughly to completely remove all traces of | | | | will start the process of tank cycling which |
| debris and detergent. Flush out the cleaned | | | | is the process of eliminating excess ammonia |
| tank several times with fresh water to ensure | | | | from the tank. |
| there are no traces of detergent left behind. | | | | |
| | | | Ammonia can be a problem when setting up a |
| Also clean all equipment that will be used in | | | | new tank as the bacteria that breaks down |
| your new aquarium fish tank and rinse | | | | ammonia is not yet present. Over several |
| thoroughly. Even a tiny amount of leftover | | | | months beneficial bacteria (nitrosomonas) |
| detergent can kill your fish so do not skimp | | | | will develop in the tank. The bacteria breaks |
| on the rinsing process. Gravel should be | | | | down the toxic ammonia into nitrites. Because |
| rinsed under running water until the water | | | | of the time it takes for the beneficial |
| runs clear. Plants can be stored in a clean | | | | bacteria to develop in the tank it is |
| bucket of water while you set up your fish | | | | recommended that you do not introduce fish |
| tank. | | | | for at least two weeks after setting up your |
| | | | tank. |
| Even a small aquarium fish tank is heavy - | | | | |
| one gallon of water weighs about 10 lbs - so | | | | When you are ready to add fish to your new |
| your new tank will require a sturdy stand. | | | | tank try adding just a few at a time. You'll |
| There are dedicated aquarium stands available | | | | bring them home from the store in a plastic |
| that will provide a solid base, although a | | | | bag filled with water. Float this bag, still |
| small fish tank might sit on another item of | | | | sealed, on top of the tank until the water |
| furniture. Use a layer of polystyrene tiles | | | | temperature in the bag matches the water |
| between the tank and the stand to even out | | | | temperature of the tank. This may take |
| any bumps. | | | | several hours. Don't rush. When the water |
| | | | temperatures are the same you can carefully |
| When setting up your aquarium try to avoid | | | | undo the bag. Let the fish swim out of the |
| placing it in direct sunlight, which will | | | | bag by themselves before removing the bag. |
| cause algae to grow in the tank. Remember it | | | | |
| will need to be situated near a power outlet | | | | Watch your fish for several days or even |
| as many items of tank equipment require a | | | | several weeks to ensure they are healthy |
| power source. | | | | before adding more fish. Take your time to |
| | | | establish your fish population and you'll |
| Now you can fill your tank and check for | | | | give the biology of the tank time to adjust |
| leaks. Leave the water for several hours and | | | | to the new fish and the waste they produce. |
| confirm that the tank is not leaking and then | | | | |
| drain the tank. | | | | Always purchase your fish from a reputable |
| | | | dealer to avoid the likelihood of introducing |
| If you will be using an under-gravel filter | | | | diseased fish to a tank. Never add plants or |
| place it in the tank first, following the | | | | fish from wild to a fish tank - the |
| instructions provided, then add the gravel, | | | | microorganisms and bacteria attached to fish |
| piling it a little higher towards the back of | | | | from the wild can be deadly for fish in a |
| the aquarium to give the impression of | | | | tank! |
| distance within the tank. | | | | |
| | | | Setting up and maintaining an aquarium fish |
| Half fill the tank with water. Ideally, use | | | | tank involves a commitment of both time and |
| dechlorinated water, or add chlorine remover | | | | money but will reward the dedicated aquarist |
| in the recommended dosage. Place a dish in | | | | with years of enjoyment. |