The following 14 steps will help you set up and maintain a healthy underwater
environment for many years.
- 1. Location - Decide where to place your aquarium by choosing a site that
avoids direct sun and drafty areas. Direct sunlight will cause algae. Use an
appropriate size aquarium stand placed near a wall and an electrical outlet.
- 2. Clean Aquarium - To clean your aquarium simply wipe the inside and
outside with a damp cloth or paper towel. Be careful when handling a wet
aquarium because glass can be slippery when wet. Never use soap to clean your
aquarium. Do not rest the aquarium on its side because bumping the exposed
glass edges can cause chips and cracking.
- 3. Filtration - The basic filter systems are under gravel, inside box
filter or outside power filter. If this is your first aquarium we suggest that
you ask your sales person for their advice on which system to select. Among
your options power filters are our recommended choice because they remove
sediment and particulate matter from the water while also providing chemical
filtration with the use of activated carbon. If you decide to use a power
filter install it but do not plug it in until the aquarium is filled. Above
all, carefully read and follow the directions for whatever system you choose
- 4. Gravel - Gravel is necessary to anchor live or artificial plants and
comes in a variety of colors. Natural or brighter colors can be used to match
or contrast your rooms' decor. Remember to use about 1.5 pounds of gravel per
gallon to have depth of about 2 inches. Most gravel contains a little dust or
fine particles and, therefore, should be rinsed thoroughly. For best results
put about five pounds of gravel at a time in a clean bucket. Use a laundry or
stationary tub to run water into the bucket while stirring the gravel. Empty
the water and continue stirring until the water is clear. Empty the water from
the the bucket and carefully dump the gravel into the aquarium. Continue this
process until you have finished washing the rest of the gravel.
- 5. Water - Slowly fill your aquarium with fresh, room temperature water.
Do not use cold water because condensation may form and cause puddling, which
looks a lot like leaking. You can use a plate or saucer to diffuse the water
and keep the water from scattering the gravel. Leave about 2 or 3 inches of
space at the top so you will not overflow the aquarium when you add
decorations.
- 6. Decorations - Add rocks, driftwood, ornaments and plants to decorate
your aquarium environment. Before starting take the time to visualize where
your decorations would look best while remembering to leave open space in
front of the aquarium where you will feed the fish. Avoid moving the
decorations after you add fish because this can be very stressful to the fish.
- 7. Water Treatment - To ensure the water is suitable for sustaining
healthy fish you must add water conditioner to your aquarium. The main purpose
of this is to remove chlorine, but most conditioners will also remove other
harmful chemicals. Be sure to ask your sales person for advice before making a
selection.
- 8. Start the Filter - Carefully read and follow manufacturer's directions
for starting the filter you selected.
- 9. Heater and Water Temperature - For tropical fish a heater is always
necessary. Ask your sales person for their advice, but a good rule of thumb is
about 5 watts per gallon. Never allow a plugged in heater to remain out of
water. Always check for cracks before putting the heater in the aquarium and
carefully read and follow the manufacturer's directions. To help you regulate
the temperature buy a thermometer and place it on the front or end of the
aquarium opposite the heater. The ideal temperature range for tropical fish is
76° to 78°.
- 10. Lights - A full hood is necessary to provide light for your fish,
reduce evaporation inside the aquarium and keep the fish from jumping out. A
cutaway back strip allows room for heaters, air line tubing and power filters.
Fluorescent hoods are the best because they evenly light the aquarium and are
more energy efficient than incandescent hoods and the bulbs last longer. A
full hood may be used with a timer to control the amount of lighting in your
aquarium. You should light the aquarium for about 8 to 10 hours per day. Avoid
too much light because it can cause algae growths.
- 11. Test Water - It is important to test your water for unacceptable
levels of ph and ammonia. There are many options for controlling these
chemicals. Ask your sales person to recommend a test kit and give you help
solving any water quality problems.
- 12. Fish - At first try a few fish to make sure your aquarium is suitably
set up. Float the bag in the aquarium for no more than 15 minutes before
opening the bag and adding a little of the aquarium's water. Do this about two
or three times and then allow the fish to swim into the aquarium. After an
hour or so observe their activity. They should swim easily through the water
in a smooth manner. Their fins should be erect and they should be moving not
laying on the bottom unless they are bottom catfish, which stay on the bottom
most of the time.
- 13. Feeding - Ask your sales person for help on selecting food. For
variety use two or three different types to feed your fish lightly three or
four times per day. Make sure the fish eat all of the food. If they do not
finish the food within five minutes look for problems and feed a little less
next time.
- 14. Enjoy! - Keeping fish can be educational for children as well as a
relaxing hobby for all ages. Use common sense to maintain an active and
healthy home for your fish.
