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A fresh water aquarium is a relatively low maintenance way of owning pets. Here is what is needed to set it up:
- Aquarium
- An aquarium stand
- Gravel
- Background
- A filter system
- Pump
- Light
- Heater
- Air stone
- Plants (natural or fake)
- Rocks or flower pots
- Fish and fish food
Selecting an Aquarium
Aquariums are available in a variety of sizes, from just a few gallons upward. If you are serious about fish, a 30 gallon tank will hold a generous assortment. The rule of thumb is one fish per gallon of water. Of course, this depends on the fish size, and larger fish will require more than one gallon of water per fish.
Aquariums are designed either vertically or horizontally. Vertical tanks fit into a more narrow space. It is important to think about what kind of fish you will be selecting. Angel fish are popular, and display best in a vertical tank. Schooling fish, such as Zebra Danios, are better in horizontal tanks.
Aquarium Stand
The aquarium stand holds the aquarium, and certain designs have deluxe storage spaces for fish food and fish books. The stand can be made of a variety of materials. Consider where you are keeping the fish tank and make sure the stand, a piece of furniture, blends with your decor. Wooden crafted stands are available in a variety of styles.
Setting Up the Aquarium
1. Put the stand in the place you want it to be for a long time. Once it has water in it, it cannot be moved so make a careful decision.
2. Make sure the aquarium is clean and dry. Apply a background, which may be painted on the outside (do this outside or in a well ventilated area) or purchase an underwater scene, or a papered solid color. Remember that most designs will appear darker once you are looking at them through the aquarium. A background adds interest to the aquarium and is a pleasant addition for the fish. Apply the background to the outside of tank unless directions state otherwise.
3. Put the aquarium on the stand.
4. Wash the gravel in a bucket of drinking quality water to clean it.
5. If you are using an under water filter, set it in the bottom of the tank, and install as the directions state.
6. Place clean gravel on the bottom of the aquarium and cover the under gravel filter. The gravel should be one to two inches deep. To add interest, set it in a wavy pattern rather than completely flat.
7. Fill the aquarium with drinking quality water to near the top, leaving a few inches so that you can insert the following items without overflowing.
8. Install heater as directed. The safe temperature zone is 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust the thermostat as necessary.
9. Install pump as directed. Connect to under gravel filter.
10. Connect air stone to pump. This will greatly enhance the oxygenation of the water and improve water quality for the fish. Well oxygenated water results in brighter colored fish. Poor color is a sign of low oxygen in the aquarium. The rising cascade of bubbles is a pleasant feature of an aquarium.
11. Place thermometer on front or side window of aquarium.
12. Install a back filter if desired. The combination of the tank filter with an under water filter will greatly lessen the need for aquarium maintenance as particulate matter will be steadily removed.
13. Place decorative rocks or flower pots into the gravel. Large decorative rocks with holes in them that fish can swim through are a pleasant addition.
14. Place plants in place in the gravel. Natural plants suitable for aquariums are available from fish stores. They have the advantage of giving off oxygen in the water, but they do require some maintenance, and they may die. Artificial plants require no care, and these days are remarkably attractive and life-like.
15. Install the light and top of the aquarium. The light can be fluorescent or incandescent. The fluorescent lights are better as incandescent lights give off more heat.
16. Let the water sit approximately 24 hours to allow chlorine to escape, and check the temperature to see that it is near 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Aquarium stores sell a variety of water additives that effectively remove chlorine.
17. Purchase fish. Go to a reputable store, preferably one which will offer a two week guarantee on their fish. Do not purchase the maximum amount of fish for the tank all at once. Start slowly, increasing your collection over time. Select fish that will use all parts of the tank. Clown Loaches or Catfish are bottom feeders, while Angel Fish are top feeders. Sword tails and Zebra Danios are mid-tank feeders. Ask at the fish store which fish are compatible with one another. You are building an aquatic community so the fish must get along! When you first buy the fish, float them in their bags for an hour or so while they adjust to the aquarium temperature. Open the bag and let the fish swim out on their own. This helps in preventing shock from a change in water climate.
18. Feed your fish. All food should be entirely consumed within a few minutes. Two or three feedings a day are best.
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