Setting Up Tropical Freshwater Aquariums: Getting Started

Aquarium paraphernalia
To set up tropical freshwater fish tank aquariums you will need these items of equipment: filter, lighting, heater, gravel, plants and dcor. You will also want replacement filter media and aquarium test kits to assess water parameters and check the nitrogen cycle. I firmly advise buying complete system tank aquariums which come with all the essential aquarium equipment. This means you are not puzzled as to what precisely you need for setting up your fish tank or confused by the selection of various types of equipment on offer. Purchasing tank aquariums with all you want gives you peace of mind and relieves a lot of stress!

Establishing your aquarium
Before buying an aquarium you must decide on the room you have on hand and research the adult size of the fish you want to keep, both of which will show the size and shape of aquarium that would be appropriate. Considering all this has been carefully planned and your model aquarium is sitting with all the essential equipment ready to be set up, you can follow these steps to stress-free successful aquarium setup.

1.Put fish tank (on a stand, if needed) in an area away from direct sunlight, draughts and heat, as these change the light and temperature of the tank. Also make sure that the floor is able to support the entire weight of the aquarium when filled with water (approximately 10 pounds per gallon of water).

2.Rinse out the aquarium with water as hot as you can tolerate. Do not use soaps or detergents as residue will be damaging to freshwater fish.

3.Place the under-gravel filter in the bottom of the fish tank (if your aquarium comes with one), following the instructions given.

4.Rinse the gravel thoroughly in hot water using a sieve to eliminate any dust or debris. Add the gravel to the aquarium, covering the under-gravel filter. Form a gentle slope of gravel, deepest at the back.

5.Rinse all artificial plants and decorations in hot water and display in the fish tank.

6.Attach the aquarium heater to the inside of the fish tank with its suction cups but do not plug it in for at least 30 minutes until the thermostat has adjusted to the water temperature, otherwise the heater may break. Needless to say, you need to have researched the species you plan to keep to learn about specific temperature requirements.

7.Set up the aquarium filter according to the instructions enclosed, placing the filter media inside.

8.Set a dish on the bottom of the fish tank to break the power of the water and fill the fish tank with water that is at room temperature. Add de-chlorinator to the water if you are using tap water that is unfiltered. Look for any rare leaks as you fill the fish tank. (They are easily fixed with aquarium silicone).

9.Unless the lighting of the aquarium is already fitted underwater, place the light on top.

10.Plug in all the equipment and make sure that everything is working correctly. Make sure there is a dip in the cord before it reaches the electrical outlet, known as a 'drip loop'. This ensures the water drips off onto the floor and does not run directly into the electrical socket.

Your aquarium is now operative in its self but is still not ready for supporting freshwater fish. Good bacteria needs to be established first, and the aquarium environment then needs to change as new fish are gradually added.

How to continue after initial aquarium setup
Allow the tank to settle and the water stabilize for a few days. Throughout this time you must keep checking the water parameters using aquarium test kits to guarantee they are ideal for the fish you plan to have (temperature, ammonia, pH, and hardness).

Nitrogen cycle
You will then need to begin the nitrogen cycle so your aquarium will be ready to support healthy freshwater fish (see related article 'Setting-Up Tropical Freshwater Fish Tank Aquariums: The Nitrogen Cycle').

Aquarium upkeep
When the nitrogen cycle is concluded and you start adding fish to your aquarium, you should initiate a maintenance program. Daily ensure that fish are healthy, especially during feeding times, and ensure that the filters and heaters are working correctly. Wash your fish tank every one to two weeks and carry out 25% water changes every month.


Copyright 2009 Jill Kaestner @ Kaestner Marketing LLC