| A tropical aquarium can create a focal point for any | | | | bucket with clean warm water. The filter sponge can |
| room. This guide will show you how to put together | | | | be rinsed under the tap. |
| a low maintenance aquarium in a few easy steps. | | | | 3. Tape the backing to the rear of the aquarium. You |
| 1. Buy an aquarium and hood (lid) with a light. | | | | will need to mount the tank near a plug socket in |
| Generally it is easier to maintain a bigger tank than a | | | | order to run the filter and heater. Make sure its not |
| small one but the equipment for bigger tanks is also | | | | opposite a window as the light will cause algae to |
| more expensive. I would recommend an aquarium | | | | build up. Also avoid putting it near a radiator or heat |
| that is at least 24 inches long by 12 inches high by 12 | | | | source. Place the aquarium on a table or aquarium |
| inches wide. This size is easy to maintain and will | | | | stand against a wall. Gently pour the sand or gravel |
| work well even in a small room. It will also allow you | | | | into the bottom of the aquarium and using the stick |
| enough space for a few different types of tropical | | | | on mounts, place the heater and filter inside the |
| fish. Buy an electric internal submersible filter; ensuring | | | | aquarium. Do not plug them in yet! |
| it is the right size for your aquarium. For this size of | | | | 4. Fill the tank with water and turn the heater and |
| aquarium I would recommend the Fluval 2 plus, in my | | | | filter on. Leave the tank for at least 72 hours before |
| experience Fluval internal filters tend to be the best | | | | adding fish. Tropical tanks should have water that is |
| quality and are easy to maintain. Filters usually say on | | | | between 26-27 degrees centigrade. The heater has a |
| the box what size aquarium they are suitable for. | | | | thermostat built in so it will maintain this temperature. |
| You will also need a thermometer, gravel or sand, | | | | 5. Now you can add your fish. I recommend, tiger |
| backing for the aquarium (the picture that goes at | | | | barbs,guppies and neon tetras. When adding fish, do |
| the rear to create an ocean feel), a heater, for this | | | | it gradually, 2 or 3 at a time, over a period of 3 |
| size of aquarium 150 watts will be fine. | | | | weeks. Float the bag containing the fish inside the |
| 2. Wash the aquarium out with warm water and a | | | | aquarium for around fifteen minutes. Tear a small hole |
| new cloth. Do not use detergent or bleach as it will kill | | | | in the side of the bag and let them swim out on their |
| the fish, no matter how well you think you have | | | | own. This will avoid any trauma for them. Leave all |
| washed it out. Wash the sand/gravel and the filter | | | | lights off for around 24 hours when you add new |
| sponge/media. It should just clip open so that you | | | | fish. |
| can remove it for washing.Wash the sand/gravel in a | | | | 6. Enjoy your beautiful new aquarium. |