Unless you're an experienced aquarist, setting up a new tank can be a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider and things to learn. Buying one of everything and putting the tank together in one day is a recipe for disaster.
You need a little knowledge and a workable plan, preferably before even buying the tank, equipment, fish and plants. Armed with an overview of how to choose the right fish, water quality, the nitrogen cycle and how to clean your tank the right way, you'll be ready to set up a new tank with confidence.
There are two lists that are relevant when setting up a new aquarium: the list of things you want and the list of thing you can afford. Negotiate with your household's minister of finance (!) and somewhere between the absolute-must-have items and the desirable luxuries, you'll find a list of equipment that won't break the bank.
Remember, creating an aquarium is a process so your budget can be spread out over a period of months - you don't have to have everything from the outset, although that's certainly very tempting.
Start with the important items - the tank, the filter, the pump, the heater and a good substrate. If compromise on quality here, you'll find success rather elusive. Quality always pays off in the end.
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For example, a leaking tank in your living area won't do anything for the family sharing your enthusiasm for fish keeping and a cheap, noisy pump in the dead of night induces insomnia.
Selecting a place in your for a new tank takes some time and a little forethought. Places that are subject to temperature extremes or fluctuations aren't suitable...fish need a stable thermal environment. It is easier to heat water than to cool it so appliance tops such as TVs and fridges are out. Freestanding tables of suitable height or dedicated tank stand are good choices that make tank maintenance easy. High places may make for good viewing but cleaning your tank while balancing on a ladder will soon make you reconsider.
Once your tank is in place, the enjoyable task of setting it up awaits. Laying down a quality substrate in the bottom of the tank should be your point of departure, unless you are using an under-gravel filter, which will be positioned first. For under-gravel filters, if you choose to go that route, be sure to cover the entire surface to a depth of about 1/2 inch. With the substrate in place, add water to the tank taking care not to stir up the substrate in the process.
Use a basin or small bowl in the tank to pour water into thus preventing excessive turbulence that will stir up the gravel and make the water murky. Bear in mind that water quality is vital to a good start. Setting up your filter is the next step, under-gravel filters excluded. Canister filters must be checked for air leaks - if the seal is not seated properly, air will enter the system necessitating re-priming. Back or box filters are very easy to get going - just hang the filter on the back of the tank and start the pump. Back filters are often supplemental to an under-gravel or canister type.
If you have a larger tank with a sump filter follow the manufacturer's instruction carefully in setting it up. When setting up filters that use a submersible pump, be sure to immerse the pump fully before turning it on. Submersibles depend upon water for lubrication and cooling. They can be damaged if started outside the tank.
Your tank should now be starting to take shape and you can add any ornaments and decorative items . Use these to best effect to conceal aeration tubing and air stones running from the air pump into the tank. Now is the time to get creative and landscape your tank. Be careful of adding any organic materials like driftwood that may rot and affect water quality. Rather consider inert decorations that are aquarium-safe.
At this stage both you and the tank should be ready for a rest. The tank needs time to settle in and stabilize. The addition of fish and plants should be done in accordance with the nitrogen cycle. Take advantage of the time that the tank takes to settle in by monitoring the water pH, the temperature fluctuation and the efficient operation of filtration equipment. The water will become cloudy in a few days due to bacterial bloom...this is normal so don't change the water...it will gradually clear as the bacteria take up residence in the filter and on the substrate.
Once the nitrogen cycle settles down and the water begins to clear, you can start the exciting task of stocking your aquarium with fish, following the guidelines given in choosing the right fish. With a sound setup and quality equipment, your aquarium will give you years of trouble-free enjoyment.
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