Cattle Mag

Aquarium gear
To set up fish tanks you will need these items of equipment: filter, lighting, heater, gravel, plants and décor. You will also need replacement filter media and aquarium test kits to check water parameters and check the nitrogen cycle. I enthusiastically advise buying complete 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 aquarium or bewildered by the array of various types of equipment for sale. Buying fish tank aquariums with all you require gives you peace of mind and relieves a lot of anxiety!

Setting up your aquarium
Before buying an aquarium you must decide on the space you have on hand and research the adult size of the fish you would like to keep, both of which will suggest the size and shape of aquarium that would be appropriate. Considering all this has been carefully designed and your model aquarium is there with all the necessary equipment ready to be set up, you can follow these steps to hassle-free successful aquarium setup.

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

2. Wash out the tank with water as hot as you can bear. Do not use detergents or soaps as residue will be harmful for tropical freshwater fish.

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

4. Rinse the gravel thoroughly in hot water using a sieve to get rid of any dust or debris. Add the gravel to the tank, 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 organize in the fish tank.

6. Fasten 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 anticipate to keep to learn about specific temperature needs.

7. Set up the aquarium filter following the instructions given, placing 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 unfiltered tap water. Check for any rare leaks as you fill the tank. (They are easily fixed with aquarium silicone).

9. Unless the aquarium lighting is previously fitted underwater, put the light on top.

10. Plug in all the equipment and check that everything is working perfectly. 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 pass directly into the electrical socket.

Your aquarium is now functional in its self but is still not ready for sustaining tropical freshwater fish. Beneficial bacteria needs to be established first, and the aquarium atmosphere then needs to alter as new fish are gradually added.

How to proceed after initial aquarium setup
Let the tank settle and the water stabilize for some days. During this time you must keep monitoring the water parameters using aquarium test kits to make certain they are suitable for the fish you plan to have (temperature, pH, hardness, ammonia).

Nitrogen cycle
You will then need to begin the nitrogen cycle so your aquarium will be ready to sustain healthy freshwater fish (see related article ‘Setting-Up Tropical Freshwater Fish Tank Aquariums: The Nitrogen Cycle’ at ezinearticles.com).

Aquarium maintenance
When the nitrogen cycle is concluded and you start adding fish to your aquarium, you need to initiate a maintenance program. On a daily basis ensure that fish are healthy, particularly during feeding times, and make certain that the filters and heaters are operating correctly. Clean your tank every one to two weeks and perform 25% water changes once a month.

Copyright © 2009 Jill Kaestner @ Kaestner Marketing LLC

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