| An aquarium fish tank can bring the beauty and | | | | create minimum disturbance to the gravel. |
| splendor of tropical or freshwater fish into your | | | | Next, install the filter and the heater if you will be |
| home or office, and if you follow sound fishkeeping | | | | using one. For an indoor freshwater aquarium fish |
| principles when setting up your tank it will bring you | | | | tank a heater is rarely required. Tropical saltwater fish |
| years of enjoyment. | | | | will generally require a heater to maintain the |
| Planning your aquarium | | | | necessary temperature. If you are using a heater |
| A visit to your local pet store or specialist fish | | | | you will also need to install a thermometer in an |
| breeder will help you decide on the type of fish you'd | | | | easy-to-read location. |
| like to have in your new aquarium fish tank. The | | | | Now you can add your aquarium decorations. This |
| staff at the store will also help you decide on the | | | | could include a backing picture, rocks or other |
| right size tank for the space available and supply all | | | | ornaments on the base of the tank. Create plenty of |
| the necessary equipment and accessories that you | | | | hiding places with the use of rocks and other |
| will require. | | | | decorations. Your fish will be glad of a place to hide |
| However, don't buy any fish, yet! You'll need to | | | | from time to time. You can also install plants that |
| establish your tank before you introduce any fish into | | | | need to be buried in the gravel at this time. Floating |
| it. | | | | plants can be added when the tank is full. |
| The first step is to thoroughly clean the tank. Don't | | | | Turn on the filter and the heater and ensure they |
| skip this important step just because the glass of the | | | | are working before filling the aquarium to the top |
| aquarium looks clean. Use a mild detergent in warm | | | | with dechlorinated water. This will start the process |
| water to scrub out the tank. Rinse out the tank | | | | of tank cycling which is the process of eliminating |
| thoroughly to completely remove all traces of debris | | | | excess ammonia from the tank. |
| and detergent. Flush out the cleaned tank several | | | | Ammonia can be a problem when setting up a new |
| times with fresh water to ensure there are no traces | | | | tank as the bacteria that breaks down ammonia is |
| of detergent left behind. | | | | not yet present. Over several months beneficial |
| Also clean all equipment that will be used in your new | | | | bacteria (nitrosomonas) will develop in the tank. The |
| aquarium fish tank and rinse thoroughly. Even a tiny | | | | bacteria breaks down the toxic ammonia into nitrites. |
| amount of leftover detergent can kill your fish so do | | | | Because of the time it takes for the beneficial |
| not skimp on the rinsing process. Gravel should be | | | | bacteria to develop in the tank it is recommended |
| rinsed under running water until the water runs clear. | | | | that you do not introduce fish for at least two |
| Plants can be stored in a clean bucket of water while | | | | weeks after setting up your tank. |
| you set up your fish tank. | | | | When you are ready to add fish to your new tank |
| Even a small aquarium fish tank is heavy - one gallon | | | | try adding just a few at a time. You'll bring them |
| of water weighs about 10 lbs - so your new tank will | | | | home from the store in a plastic bag filled with water. |
| require a sturdy stand. There are dedicated aquarium | | | | Float this bag, still sealed, on top of the tank until the |
| stands available that will provide a solid base, although | | | | water temperature in the bag matches the water |
| a small fish tank might sit on another item of | | | | temperature of the tank. This may take several |
| furniture. Use a layer of polystyrene tiles between | | | | hours. Don't rush. When the water temperatures are |
| the tank and the stand to even out any bumps. | | | | the same you can carefully undo the bag. Let the fish |
| When setting up your aquarium try to avoid placing it | | | | swim out of the bag by themselves before removing |
| in direct sunlight, which will cause algae to grow in the | | | | the bag. |
| tank. Remember it will need to be situated near a | | | | Watch your fish for several days or even several |
| power outlet as many items of tank equipment | | | | weeks to ensure they are healthy before adding |
| require a power source. | | | | more fish. Take your time to establish your fish |
| Now you can fill your tank and check for leaks. | | | | population and you'll give the biology of the tank time |
| Leave the water for several hours and confirm that | | | | to adjust to the new fish and the waste they |
| the tank is not leaking and then drain the tank. | | | | produce. |
| If you will be using an under-gravel filter place it in | | | | Always purchase your fish from a reputable dealer to |
| the tank first, following the instructions provided, | | | | avoid the likelihood of introducing diseased fish to a |
| then add the gravel, piling it a little higher towards the | | | | tank. Never add plants or fish from wild to a fish |
| back of the aquarium to give the impression of | | | | tank - the microorganisms and bacteria attached to |
| distance within the tank. | | | | fish from the wild can be deadly for fish in a tank! |
| Half fill the tank with water. Ideally, use dechlorinated | | | | Setting up and maintaining an aquarium fish tank |
| water, or add chlorine remover in the recommended | | | | involves a commitment of both time and money but |
| dosage. Place a dish in the tank on top of the gravel | | | | will reward the dedicated aquarist with years of |
| and pour the water gently onto the dish. This will | | | | enjoyment. |