AQUARIUMSANDWHATNOT

HOW TO SETUP AN AQUARIUM 

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SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER...

 

Where should I put my aquarium?

It is best to keep an aquarium in the quiet corner of a room, near a power outlet and away from direct sunlight. An aquarium that is constantly exposed to direct sunlight will cause algae blooms so its best to keep in a corner where it will receive some natural light but not direct sunlight.

 

What fish should I get?

This is completely your choice but for beginners, I would reccomend fish like: guppies, endlers, platies, swordtails and bettas. Goldfish are a very popular choice of fish and are generally sold with bowls. I definately would not reccomend fish for beginners as they produce a lot of waste and do grow pretty big, meaning that you will have to get a very big tank as well.

 

What size tank should I get?

The size of the tank you'll need to get very much depends on the fish you want to keep. However, I would reccomend you get the biggest possible tank as it will actually make it easier to keep fish (because of the larger volume of water) and it will allow you to keep more fish, as well as cater for your fish to grow to their full potential size.

 

What will I need?

It's very important that you take the time to consider all the equipment needed as well as their costs. To have an aquarium, the equipment that you will need include:

1. Tank

2. Filter

3. Decor (optional)

4. Substrate (gravel or dirt)

5. Plants (artificial or real)

6. Air pump (optional -  a filter should have you covered on oxygen)

7. Water test kit (Don't get the test strips as they're not very accurate)

8. Heater (If you want to keep tropical fish)

9. Water conditioner

10. Bottled source of amonia

11. Fish food

12. Net

13. Aquarium background (optional)

 

This is pretty much all you need to have an aquarium running. This, however, doesn't stop you from getting other equipment to create the best possible environment for your fish.

 

 

HOW TO SETUP AN AQUARIUM

 

 

Step 1

Rinse the tank and clean it with a damp cloth

 

Step 2

Place the tank onto a table or stand and apply the background

 

Step 3

Rinse the gravel thoroughly and add it into the tank

 

Step 4 

Fill up the tank halfway with water. Place a bowl on the gravel and pour the water onto it to prevent gravel displacement.

 

Step 5

Add your decor and plants

 

Step 6 

Fill the tank three quarters with water.

 

Step 7

Install your heater (if it's a tropical tank), and filter.

 

Step 8

Fill the rest of the tank with water.

 

Step 9

Add water conditioner to the tank. Please read instructions and use as directed.

 

Step 10

Cycle the tank. Please read my article on 'The Nitrogen Cycle.'