Setting Up Your Aquarium
- Date: 2010-01-02 - Word Count: 834
Share This!
If you are just starting out with keeping fish as pets then you might be wondering if it is as simple as filling up a tank with water and putting in the fish or if there is more involved. There is a little more involved in setting up a fish tank than just shoving the water and fish into it, and this article should help you get started with the right steps to give your fish the best start.
It really is important to prepare your aquarium and have it set up properly before putting any fish into it, otherwise there is the possibility of contamination which could kill your fish.
The first thing you need to do once you have purchased a fish tank is to wash it thoroughly. You should avoid using any chemically based cleaners as these could be harmful for the fish, it is recommended just to use clean hot water to wash the tank. You will also need to wash anything that will go into the tank, including filter, pump, gravel and ornaments. If you do use any dishwashing liquid to wash your items then you must rinse them thoroughly to make sure all trace of the liquid is removed as just the smallest amount can be harmful to your fish.
If you are using a second hand fish tank it is just as important to give it a thorough clean before using it to make sure that you remove any parasites that could be residing in the tank. Although you may not be able to see these microorganisms doesn't mean that they aren't there so it really is important to play it safe and have a clean environment for your new fish.
The next step for you to take is to choose where you are going to put your tank and put it in that spot before filling it with water. It is also advisable to place a thin layer of foam or a mat under the tank to avoid the glass cracking if the surface isn't completely level. You can purchase these mats or foam from any good pet store.
Next you will need to read the instructions that came with your pump and filter to know how to place them into your tank. Some pumps and filters will need to be installed into the aquarium before adding the water. Some filters are flatbased filters that lie on the bottom of the aquarium and these will need to be added before putting the gravel into the tank. The next step is to put the gravel into the aquarium and make sure that it has been washed thoroughly first.
You can add the water next and once the tank is filled you should use a water conditioner to remove the chlorine from the water.
If you are using a previously used tank, then you may want to fill it with water before adding the pump and filter to test the tank for any leaks, once you are sure there are no leaks then proceed to setup the tank with the pump, filters and gravel.
If you are having tropical fish then now is the time to add the heater to your aquarium. Follow the steps on the instructions that came with the heater and you will also need to add a thermometer to make sure that the water is heating evenly throughout the tank. It is advisable to place the thermometer on the opposite side of the tank to the heater.
Next you can place your plants and ornaments into the tank. Your fish will be happier if they have somewhere that they can hide and if they don't have anywhere to hide, they may continue to swim around looking for somewhere and this can be bad for the fish, so make sure there is somewhere for the fish to swim under.
Now that you have added everything to the aquarium you can plug in and turn on the pump, filter and heater. You will need to make sure that the electrical cords are safely away from the water and that you have a drip spot to avoid the water entering the power point.
You will need to purchase a water testing kit so that you can test the ph levels of the water and make sure that the water is at the right levels before adding any fish. You should continue to monitor the ph levels on a regular basis.
It is recommended to leave your aquarium set up for three to four days before adding any fish as this will give the water time to settle and become the right environment for your new fish.
Following these steps to set up your aquarium will help your new fish to adjust to their new home an dkeep them safe in a healthy system. Don't forget that when you do add your fish to your aquarium you will need to keep them in the plastic bag floating in the aquarium for 10 to 15 minutes before releasing them into the tank.
It really is important to prepare your aquarium and have it set up properly before putting any fish into it, otherwise there is the possibility of contamination which could kill your fish.
The first thing you need to do once you have purchased a fish tank is to wash it thoroughly. You should avoid using any chemically based cleaners as these could be harmful for the fish, it is recommended just to use clean hot water to wash the tank. You will also need to wash anything that will go into the tank, including filter, pump, gravel and ornaments. If you do use any dishwashing liquid to wash your items then you must rinse them thoroughly to make sure all trace of the liquid is removed as just the smallest amount can be harmful to your fish.
If you are using a second hand fish tank it is just as important to give it a thorough clean before using it to make sure that you remove any parasites that could be residing in the tank. Although you may not be able to see these microorganisms doesn't mean that they aren't there so it really is important to play it safe and have a clean environment for your new fish.
The next step for you to take is to choose where you are going to put your tank and put it in that spot before filling it with water. It is also advisable to place a thin layer of foam or a mat under the tank to avoid the glass cracking if the surface isn't completely level. You can purchase these mats or foam from any good pet store.
Next you will need to read the instructions that came with your pump and filter to know how to place them into your tank. Some pumps and filters will need to be installed into the aquarium before adding the water. Some filters are flatbased filters that lie on the bottom of the aquarium and these will need to be added before putting the gravel into the tank. The next step is to put the gravel into the aquarium and make sure that it has been washed thoroughly first.
You can add the water next and once the tank is filled you should use a water conditioner to remove the chlorine from the water.
If you are using a previously used tank, then you may want to fill it with water before adding the pump and filter to test the tank for any leaks, once you are sure there are no leaks then proceed to setup the tank with the pump, filters and gravel.
If you are having tropical fish then now is the time to add the heater to your aquarium. Follow the steps on the instructions that came with the heater and you will also need to add a thermometer to make sure that the water is heating evenly throughout the tank. It is advisable to place the thermometer on the opposite side of the tank to the heater.
Next you can place your plants and ornaments into the tank. Your fish will be happier if they have somewhere that they can hide and if they don't have anywhere to hide, they may continue to swim around looking for somewhere and this can be bad for the fish, so make sure there is somewhere for the fish to swim under.
Now that you have added everything to the aquarium you can plug in and turn on the pump, filter and heater. You will need to make sure that the electrical cords are safely away from the water and that you have a drip spot to avoid the water entering the power point.
You will need to purchase a water testing kit so that you can test the ph levels of the water and make sure that the water is at the right levels before adding any fish. You should continue to monitor the ph levels on a regular basis.
It is recommended to leave your aquarium set up for three to four days before adding any fish as this will give the water time to settle and become the right environment for your new fish.
Following these steps to set up your aquarium will help your new fish to adjust to their new home an dkeep them safe in a healthy system. Don't forget that when you do add your fish to your aquarium you will need to keep them in the plastic bag floating in the aquarium for 10 to 15 minutes before releasing them into the tank.
Related Tags: fish tank, fish aquarium, aquarium setup, setting up aquarium
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- The Time I Had a Pet Blue Wasp
A lot of people have pets such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, turtles and some even have snakes and - Why Should You Buy Barking Collars For Dogs?
You love your dog but he always barks and misbehaves. It is very upsetting for owners to have dogs t - What to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
There may be plenty of occasions in your life when a puppy crosses your path and desperately needs a - What Do Pet Insurance Policies Cover?
The most basic pet insurance policies simply cover vet bills. More advanced policies can cover every - Dog Walkers Are They For You
If you own a dog then you will know how important it is to ensure that it is walked often to keep th - Creating the Right First Aid Kit For Your Dog
Most of us have some type of first aid kit in our homes. They are necessary for those small bumps an - Deciding to Crate Your Dog For Training
There are several different ways that you may decide to use to train your new dog and they are all v - What to Know About Diets For Dogs
Weight seems to be a struggle for just about anyone, and that is true in the world of dogs. In fact, - Dog Training Basics - Important Tips to Remember
Training your dog is important. It's important for his safety, your safety, the safety of your prope - Don't Go Raising Sheep For Wool Without Reading This!
There are many possible reasons why people choose to raise sheep. Some do it as a means of livelihoo
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy And Dog Information
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not an apartment dog. She needs plenty of room to exercise and havin - How To Choose The Right Dog Trainer
Choosing a trainer is a very important decision and one that requires a fair amount of research and - Can Greenies Dog Treats Recover From Death?
A Makeover For Greenies(r) Treats Months after a series of lawsuits and media attention alleged the - Dog Treats - How to Choose Healthy Treats for Your Dog
Your dog is indeed your best friend and how you feed him or her is very important. Even small items - How to Choose A Good Dog Trainer
If you find that you are not being successful in training your own dog, or maybe you don't have the - Dog Breeds and Asthma Sufferers: Are Hypoallergenic Breeds Always Best?
The first important consideration is to understand exactly what hypoallergenic dog breeds are. In sh - Audubon Bird Feeders
Bird watching is an enjoyable hobby for many of us. We love the antics of the different birds as - Must Have Accessories For Your Fish Tank
When many individuals think of fish tank accessories, decorations are often the first thing that com - The Beautifull Hummingbirds
The hummingbirds diet requires nectar as a source of energy and for their protein source small insec - Clumber Spaniel Puppy And Dog Information
The Clumber Spaniel is an intelligent, calm dog great for apartments as they do not need a great dea