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Setting Up Your Fish Tank: |
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Setting up your tank will take longer
than you think
and, if you count cycling, will actually take a few weeks before
you should add any fish. For more information on cycling, go here.
Step 1:
Wash out the aquarium thoroughly with water and lightly sponge it
down. Do not use soap, bleach, or any chemicals.
You can use diluted vinegar to clean the tank, but make sure to
rinse it thoroughly!
Step 2:
Choose a spot for your aquarium that is away
from constant, direct sunlight (such as under or in front of windows)
to avoid sudden growths of algae. Keep your aquarium away from all
heaters, coolers, front/backdoors, or anywhere that could cause
fluctuations of temperature. Choose a spot where no one is likely
to trip over the aquarium, bump into it, and always choose a spot
near a power outlet.
Step 3:
There are a few ways to clean out your gravel. For a thorough way,
pour the gravel into a large bucket and fill with water. Let the
water sit overnight, then pour it out (using a cheese cloth, or
similar type of fabric, over the bucket's mouth to keep the gravel
from falling out) and refill the bucket. Repeat this for three days.
The quicker way is to use a large cheese cloth, or similar fabric,
and pour the gravel into its center. Carefully run water over the
gravel, into a sink or bucket. The sink should fill with the water,
not drain. You can then dip the gravel into the water to give a
more thorough wash. When the water is clear, the gravel is ready.
Step 4:
Spread the gravel on the bottom of the tank so it's 1/4" to 1" thick.
This thickness minimizes the amount of food that will get caught
in the gravel and rot. Next, add any other decorations you may have
and attach the thermometer and hang the heater on the tank (if you
have one), but keep the heater off!.
Step 5:
Set up your air pump, air lining, and filter, but keep them off
for now (never run air pumps or filters without water in your tank,
anyway).
Step 6:
If you do not have a water conditioner (like Tetra's AquaSafe),
then you should leave your aquarium water out overnight so it can
stabilize. Otherwise, take a plate and hold it at an angle, halfway
into the tank and pour the water over the plate. This will keep
the water from pushing around your gravel and decorations. Fill
the tank up and then fill your filter with water. Never
run your filter when it isn't filled with water!
Step 7:
Hook up all your appliances to a surge protector. It's the safest
way to avoid fires and sparks in case of power outages and spillage.
It's best if the surge protector is away from areas where it might
get watered, such as inside an aquarium tank or even suspended on
the wall.
Step 8:
Turn everything on and voila!
Next:
Cycling >>
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