Setting Up An Aquarium Fish Tank « evanrowlette
Even a small aquarium fish tank is heavy – one gallon of water weighs about 10 lbs – so your new tank will require a sturdy stand. An aquarium fish tank can bring the beauty and splendor of tropical or freshwater fish into your home or office, and if you follow sound fishkeeping principles when setting up your tank it will bring you years of enjoyment. If you will be using an under-gravel filter place it in the tank first, following the instructions provided, then add the gravel, piling it a little higher towards the back of the aquarium to give the impression of distance within the tank. Float this bag, still sealed, on top of the tank until the water temperature in the bag matches the water temperature of the tank. A visit to your local pet store or specialist fish breeder will help you decide on the type of fish you’d like to have in your new aquarium fish tank. There are dedicated aquarium stands available that will provide a solid base, although a small fish tank might sit on another item of furniture. Because of the time it takes for the beneficial bacteria to develop in the tank it is recommended that you do not introduce fish for at least two weeks after setting up your tank. You’ll need to establish your tank before you introduce any fish into it. The first step is to thoroughly clean the tank. Leave the water for several hours and confirm that the tank is not leaking and then drain the tank. Also clean all equipment that will be used in your new aquarium fish tank and rinse thoroughly. This will start the process of tank cycling which is the process of eliminating excess ammonia from the tank. For an indoor freshwater aquarium fish tank a heater is rarely required. When setting up your aquarium try to avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which will cause algae to grow in the tank. Turn on the filter and the heater and ensure they are working before filling the aquarium to the top with dechlorinated water. Use a layer of polystyrene tiles between the tank and the stand to even out any bumps. Don’t skip this important step just because the glass of the aquarium looks clean. Now you can add your aquarium decorations. Plants can be stored in a clean bucket of water while you set up your fish tank. Planning your aquarium. Gravel should be rinsed under running water until the water runs clear. Place a dish in the tank on top of the gravel and pour the water gently onto the dish. Ammonia can be a problem when setting up a new tank as the bacteria that breaks down ammonia is not yet present. When you are ready to add fish to your new tank try adding just a few at a time. Flush out the cleaned tank several times with fresh water to ensure there are no traces of detergent left behind. Use a mild detergent in warm water to scrub out the tank....