Aquarium paraphernalia To set up tropical freshwater aquariums you will need the following equipment: filter, lighting, heater, gravel, plants and décor. You will also require replacement filter media and aquarium test kits to test water parameters and check the nitrogen cycle. I strongly recommend buying whole system fish tank aquariums which come with all the necessary aquarium equipment. This means you are not confused as to what precisely you need for setting up your aquarium or bewildered by the array of various types of equipment on offer. Purchasing freshwater aquariums with all you require gives you peace of mind and relieves a lot of pressure! Establishing your aquarium Before acquiring an aquarium you must decide on the space you have on hand and investigate the adult size of the fish you want to keep, both of which will suggest the size and shape of fish tank that would be suitable. Considering all this has been carefully planned and your perfect fish tank is there with all the essential equipment ready to be set up, you can follow these steps to stress-free successful aquarium setup. 1. Set fish tank (on a stand, if required) in an area away from direct sunlight, draughts and heat, as these alter the temperature and light of the tank. Also make sure that the floor is able to bear the full weight of the aquarium when filled with water (approximately 10 pounds per gallon of water). 2. Rinse out the fish tank with water as hot as you can tolerate. Do not use soaps or detergents as residue will be detrimental to freshwater fish. 3. Put the under-gravel filter in the bottom of the fish tank (if your aquarium comes with one), following the instructions included. 4. Wash the gravel really well in hot water using a sieve to take out any dust or debris. Add the gravel to the aquarium, 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 fish tank. 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. Obviously, 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 included, placing the filter media inside. 8. Place a dish on the bottom of the fish tank to break the force 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. Look for any rare leaks as you fill the aquarium. (They are easily repaired with aquarium silicone). 9. Unless the aquarium lighting is previously fitted underwater, put the light on top. 10. Plug in all the equipment and ensure that everything is working perfectly. Ensure 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 go directly into the electrical socket. Your aquarium is now functional in its self but is still not ready for sustaining freshwater fish. Beneficial 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 some days. During this time you must keep monitoring the water parameters using aquarium test kits to ensure they are suitable for the fish you propose 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 freshwater fish (see related article 'Setting-Up Tropical Freshwater Fish Tank Aquariums: The Nitrogen Cycle'). Aquarium maintenance When the nitrogen cycle is concluded and you start adding fish to your aquarium, you should initiate a maintenance plan. On a daily basis ensure that fish are healthy, mainly during feeding times, and ensure that the filters and heaters are functioning well. Wash your fish 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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Find out that setting up and starting tank aquariums are not complicated tasks when you can follow clear instructions as outlined in this article. Learn about the equipment you will need and the benefit of buying complete system fish tank aquariums.
Jill Kaestner I intend to provide you with expert advice on setting up, stocking and servicing your fish tank aquariums. With personal know-how in tropical freshwater aquariums and widespread professional research, information and counsel in my articles can be depended upon. I have also started 'Aquarius', a website to share with you some of my unique aquariums bowls.
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