Setting Up Freshwater Aquariums: How Do I Begin?

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Setting Up Freshwater Aquariums: How Do I Begin?

Aquarium paraphernalia To set up tropical freshwater fish tank aquariums you will need these items of equipment: filter, heater, lighting, gravel, plants and décor. You will also require replacement filter media and aquarium test kits to assess water parameters and monitor the nitrogen cycle. I enthusiastically advise buying whole system fish tank aquariums which come with all the required aquarium equipment. This means you are not puzzled as to what precisely you need for setting up your aquarium or bewildered by the array of numerous types of equipment on offer. Buying tank aquariums with all you require gives you peace of mind and relieves a lot of anxiety! Establishing your aquarium Before buying an aquarium you must decide on the space you have available and investigate the adult size of the fish you want to keep, both of which will indicate the size and shape of aquarium that would be right and proper. Considering all this has been carefully planned and your model fish tank is sitting with all the essential equipment ready to be set up, you can follow these steps to stress-free successful aquarium setup. 1. Set aquarium (on a stand, if needed) in an area away from direct sunlight, draughts and heat, as these alter the temperature and light of the tank. Also make certain that the floor is able to support the full weight of the aquarium when filled with water (approximately 10 pounds per gallon of water). 2. Clean out the fish tank with water as hot as you can tolerate. Do not use detergents or soaps as residue will be harmful for freshwater fish. 3. Set the under-gravel filter in the bottom of the fish tank (if your aquarium comes with one), following the instructions included. 4. Clean the gravel thoroughly in hot water using a sieve to get rid of any dust or waste. Add the gravel to the tank, covering the under-gravel filter. Form a gentle slope of gravel, deepest at the back. 5. Rinse all artificial decorations and plants in hot water and organize 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 at least 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 included, putting the filter media inside. 8. Place a dish on the bottom of the fish tank to break the power of the water and fill the fish tank 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 tank. (They are easily fixed with aquarium silicone). 9. Unless the aquarium lighting is already fitted underwater, place the light on top. 10. Plug in all the equipment and ensure that everything is working perfectly. Make certain 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. Beneficial bacteria needs to be established first, and the aquarium atmosphere then needs to change as new fish are gradually added. What to do after initial aquarium setup Let the tank settle and the water stabilize for some days. Throughout this time you need to keep monitoring the water parameters using aquarium test kits to ensure they are ideal for the fish you intend to have (temperature, ammonia, pH, and hardness). Nitrogen cycle You will then need 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 maintenance When the nitrogen cycle is concluded and you begin adding fish to your fish tank, you need to begin a maintenance program. On a daily basis check that fish are healthy, especially during feeding times, and make sure that the filters and heaters are operating correctly. Wash your fish tank every one to two weeks and perform 25% water changes every month. Copyright © 2009 Jill Kaestner @ Kaestner Marketing LLC This Article Was Written By: Jill Kaestner
Jill Kaestner I aim to supply you with professional guidance on setting up, stocking and servicing your tank aquariums. With personal know-how in tropical freshwater aquariums and widespread professional research, information and guidance in my articles can be depended upon. I have also started 'Aquarius', an online store to share with you some of my amazing aquariums bowls. Article Source: http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com/diy Please Rate this Article Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Pets-Animals Articles Via RSS! Additional Articles From - Home \| Pets-animals When You're Ready To Get A Horse - Things You Need To Know? - By : John Farrow Do You Know Your Cat? - By : Gary DeAngelo Remove Leftovers From Your Dog's Diet - By : Marcus Perchowski The Role of Calcium in Your Dog's Diet - By : Wesley Knapp Llama Training - By : Roz Hart Pet Care: Health and Nutrition Basics \| Pets - By : kayla Dog Cancer \| Boost Your Dog's Immune System To Defend Against Dog Cancer - By : Wesley Knapp Keeping Your Cat Healthy - By : Helen Parscock Dog Training Made Fun-Find Out How! \| Training Dogs - By : Dog Muzzles \| Controlling Dog Aggression - By : Robert Craythorne Free Landscaping Ideas Free Landscaping Pictures Directory Pictures Of Backyard Landscaping Buy Landscape Fabric Backyard Landscaping Ideas Front Yard Landscaping Ideas Landscaping Plan Landscaping Plans Lawn Care