Setting Up Tropical Freshwater Aquariums: First Things First

Search:

Setting Up Tropical Freshwater Aquariums: First Things First - Read the following do it yourself/diy article to discover more about Setting Up Tropical Freshwater Aquariums: First Things First and more about Pets-Animals. - Information and article directory provided by S&S Designed Landscaping and The Landscape Design Site.
Home \| Pets-animals
Setting Up Tropical Freshwater Aquariums: First Things First

Aquarium equipment 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 check water parameters and evaluate the nitrogen cycle. I strongly advise buying complete system fish tank aquariums which come with all the essential aquarium equipment. This means you are not bewildered as to what precisely you need for setting up your fish tank or confused by the range of various types of equipment on offer. Purchasing fish tank aquariums with everything you want gives you peace of mind and relieves a lot of pressure! Establishing your aquarium Before purchasing a fish tank 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 suggest the size and shape of fish tank that would be right and proper. Considering all this has been carefully designed and your ideal aquarium is there with all the essential equipment ready to be set up, you can follow these steps to stress-free successful aquarium setup. 1. Put fish tank (on a stand, if necessary) in an area away from direct sunlight, draughts and heat, as these alter the temperature and light of the fish tank. Also make certain that the floor is able to bear the overall weight of the fish tank when filled with water (approximately 10 pounds per gallon of water). 2. Wash out the aquarium with water as hot as you can tolerate. Do not use detergents or soaps as residue will be harmful for freshwater fish. 3. Put the under-gravel filter in the bottom of the fish tank (if your aquarium comes with one), following the instructions given. 4. Wash the gravel carefully in hot water using a sieve to remove any dust or fragments. Add the gravel to the tank, covering the under-gravel filter. Form a gentle slope of gravel, deepest at the back. 5. Clean all artificial decorations and plants in hot water and display in the aquarium. 6. Attach 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. Needless to say, you need to have researched the species you expect to keep to learn about specific temperature needs. 7. Set up the aquarium filter following the instructions enclosed, putting the filter media inside. 8. Set a dish on the bottom of the fish tank to break the force 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 unfiltered tap water. Check for any rare leaks as you fill the aquarium. (They are easily repaired 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 check that everything is working properly. Make sure 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 operative in its self but is still not ready for supporting tropical freshwater fish. Good bacteria needs to be established first, and the aquarium atmosphere then needs to alter as new fish are gradually added. What to do after initial aquarium setup Allow the tank to settle and the water stabilize for some days. During this time you must keep checking the water parameters using aquarium test kits to guarantee they are suitable for the fish you intend to have (temperature, pH, hardness, and ammonia). Nitrogen cycle You will then be required to begin the nitrogen cycle so your aquarium will be ready to support healthy freshwater fish (see related article 'Setting-Up Tropical Freshwater Fish Tank Aquariums: The Nitrogen Cycle'). Aquarium care When the nitrogen cycle is concluded and you start adding fish to your fish tank, you need to initiate a maintenance program. Each day ensure that fish are healthy, particularly during feeding times, and ensure that the filters and heaters are functioning well. Clean your fish tank every one to two weeks and carry out 25% water changes on a monthly basis. Copyright © 2009 Jill Kaestner @ Kaestner Marketing LLC This Article Was Written By: Jill Kaestner
Jill Kaestner I intend to provide you with professional guidance on setting up, stocking and servicing your fish tanks. With personal knowledge in tropical freshwater aquariums and extensive professional research, information and guidance in my articles can be depended upon. I have also created 'Aquarius', a website 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