| Freshwater aquariums are a fascinating relaxing | | | | adjustable thermostat, since different fish prefer |
| hobby enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. It is | | | | different temperatures. |
| an indoor hobby that is very rewarding. Furthermore, | | | | Substrate. Choose gravel or sand for the bottom; |
| aquarium fish in the home are a work of art and | | | | this is essential to a healthy aquarium (approx. 2-3 |
| have a comforting and relaxing effect. To make this | | | | inches). Cheap pea gravel and play sand can be |
| hobby most enjoyable, proper selection of equipment | | | | purchased from home improvement stores. Sand is |
| for your aquarium setup must be implemented so | | | | optimal for fish that like to burrow. I recommend |
| that you can enjoy this fantastic stress relieving | | | | getting aquarium gravel at a pet or fish store. Rinse |
| hobby even more. | | | | the gravel with water a few times. A kitchen strainer |
| Vital equipment to set up for your freshwater | | | | will work for this. |
| aquarium is a fish tank, aquarium gravel, filter, heater, | | | | Decorations. Place your decorations where you want |
| aquarium decorations, fish food, aquarium vacuum or | | | | them and fill the tank with water. You can fill the |
| siphon, and most of all the appropriate type of fish. | | | | tank one bucket at a time or purchase a sink hose |
| Tank. Plan where you want to put your tank, this will | | | | adapter fitting and fill the aquarium with a hose that |
| determine what size you buy. Decide on a fish tank | | | | you'll use for your aquariums. Place a large bowl in the |
| that fits the space you have planned. Also consider | | | | bottom of the tank to break the force of the water |
| the type of fish you would like to keep that will fit in | | | | flow. |
| a tank big enough for their adult size. Get an | | | | Light. Set the tank top on the aquarium and put the |
| aquarium stand that is designed for the dimensions | | | | light hood in place. Plug in the power heads, the |
| and shape of your tank. Tank kits are a good option | | | | mechanical filter, the tank heater, and the light to |
| from pet stores with complete guidelines, manuals | | | | your GFI strip. Next, let the water in the tank |
| and safety precautions if you are a beginner and this | | | | stabilize for a few days. Make sure the tank heater is |
| is your first tank. Just make sure to check for leaks | | | | keeping the tank at the proper temperature for the |
| and clean it well with water before use. Use of | | | | fish you intend to keep. |
| detergents is not advised. Don't underestimate the | | | | Add your fish. If everything is working properly your |
| weight of a full fish tank! Make sure the stand is | | | | ready to put the most important little stress reliever |
| either rated for the size of your tank or that it has | | | | inside, your type of fish that you want to keep will |
| been custom built to be very sturdy. | | | | complete it all. Float your new fish while still in the bag |
| Filter. Aquarium filters are also necessary equipment | | | | they came in for about 15 minutes to reduce stress |
| for your fish tank. Decide which filtration system you | | | | to your fish. |
| would like to use, the most common and easiest are | | | | An imperative reminder during set up is to look for |
| either under gravel filters or power filters that hang | | | | leaks. Fill the tank with about two inches of water, |
| on the back of the tank. If you choose an under | | | | and then wait for a half an hour. If there are any |
| gravel filter, make sure that the air pump or power | | | | leaks, it's better they show up just before you have |
| head you buy is strong enough for the size of the | | | | to pour out everything. Always research the needs |
| tank. If you decide to go with a power filter, select | | | | of any living thing (fish, plant, or invertebrates) going |
| one that will circulate enough water for the size of | | | | into your tank. Make sure they are compatible with |
| your tank. I prefer canister filter systems. | | | | what you already have and that you can meet their |
| Heater. Make sure you get a heater if one doesn't | | | | maintenance needs. It is best to get your information |
| already come with your tank, the fully-submersible | | | | from many sources, don't automatically trust what |
| ones are the easiest to use. Look for one with an | | | | the store employee tells you. |