| Once you have your tank, you should know how | | | | water there is in your tank. I would advise buying |
| many gallons of water it holds, as this determines the | | | | one that is rated slightly bigger than you actually |
| amount of gravel you will need to put in the tank. | | | | need, as this will let you add more fish to your tank |
| The general opinion is that you should put one pound | | | | in the future. |
| of gravel to one gallon of water, this will be beneficial | | | | Now you can choose which fish you would like in |
| for the good bacteria you need that resides at the | | | | your aquarium, there is a lot of different types of |
| bottom of your tank. The one thing you must do | | | | freshwater fish to choose from, go to your local |
| before you add your gravel is to wash it to make | | | | retailer and view what they have in there tanks and |
| sure it is clean, this will remove any harmful bacteria | | | | try to imagine mixing the different types together. |
| before adding it to your tank. | | | | But be careful when choosing your fish, some fish will |
| Once the gravel is in the tank, then you can start to | | | | not be happy together in the same tank, your retailer |
| put your plants in, or any other ornaments you have | | | | should advise you on which sort you can put |
| chosen to add, but do not over fill your tank with | | | | together. |
| these items. You want a well balanced looking fish | | | | Try not to over feed your fish, as the excess food |
| tank if possible so you can enjoy your new aquarium. | | | | will sink to the bottom of the tank and effect the |
| Before you start to add the water you will need to | | | | good bacteria that live in the gravel, which you need |
| get some chemicals to help purify it, this will remove | | | | to keep your fish healthy. I would also advise on |
| the chlorine and the ammonia that are no good for | | | | cleaning your aquarium once a month, but do not |
| your fish. Your local aquarium retailer should be able | | | | change all the water as this will affect the bacteria in |
| to advise you on what you will need for your | | | | the gravel. |
| particular area. Now you can fill your tank with water | | | | There are many more fish aquarium accessories that |
| and add what dosage of chemicals your retailer has | | | | can help you to maintain your aquarium, you will |
| advised. | | | | discover these as you progress with your hobby, but |
| You also need to get a filter for your tank, these | | | | at this stage just sit back and relax, and enjoy your |
| filters are rated to work on how many gallons of | | | | fish in your new aquarium. |