| You need to know where your fresh water aquarium | | | | you will eventually want to keep, and this will |
| will go before you consider purchasing one. A quick | | | | determine the size your tank should be. Allow for the |
| decision to buy a tank followed by haphazard | | | | size in length and the number of fish to determine |
| placement without certain considerations will lead to | | | | how many gallons of water you will need, and then |
| disappointing results and possibly more time you must | | | | add some extra space for the unforeseen possibilities |
| spend keeping it clean. | | | | of growth after you have set up the tank. |
| As you may have noticed, many people put their | | | | Don't try to skimp on your equipment. Make sure |
| aquariums in areas of the room away from outside | | | | that you get an adequate pump for the size of tank |
| light. This is done so the growth of algae will be | | | | and you have the other items that will make your |
| controlled better since direct sunlight feeds it. | | | | fresh water aquarium something you will be proud to |
| Another reason to keep the tank away from | | | | show your friends. No one is ever satisfied to have a |
| windows, doors, and heating and cooling vents is to | | | | tank with nothing in it but a few fish. |
| maintain a more constant temperature. Fish cannot | | | | Your bare minimum equipment needs include a pump |
| bear rapid changes in water temperature and can die | | | | and filter, gravel for the bottom, a tank |
| overnight. | | | | thermometer, an aquarium light, and some live plants. |
| Don't take risks on where you sit your fresh water | | | | If you intend to have the aquarium against a wall, |
| aquarium or cut corners on the tank stand. Because | | | | you probably want a backdrop scene on that side. |
| water is so heavy, a ten-gallon tank holds almost | | | | Wash the gravel thoroughly and drain it with a |
| eighty-five pounds of fluid by weight. If you add in | | | | strainer to get it clean before you put it in your tank. |
| the weight of the tank and equipment, it accounts | | | | Everything that goes into the water should be rinsed |
| for about ninety pounds total. For this reason, the | | | | thoroughly without using cleaners or chemicals before |
| floor and stand should be sturdy. | | | | placing in the tank. |
| Never put an aquarium in an area that is in the | | | | It is always necessary to run the pump for two or |
| thoroughfare of passage through the house. Hallways | | | | three days in a new fresh water aquarium before |
| and areas between doors present an open invitation | | | | placing any fish in the water. Clear water after three |
| for an accident that could result in losing your fish | | | | days means the water quality is good and you can |
| and causing considerable water damage. | | | | start adding fish as desired. |
| One of your first decisions should be how many fish | | | | |