Malibu Aquarium Service

This freshwater aquarium setup article explains how to set up a tank of freshwater fish base. We begin with a brief list of equipment needed and then give you a step by step guide on setting up your tank first.

Equipment You will need:
Aquarius
Aquarium gravel
Aquarium Filter
Replacement filter media
Heater
Other decorations (such as fake or real plants)
Aquarium test kits to check water parameters and control the famous aquarium nitrogen cycle
Fish for human consumption
Aquarium vacuum
Fishing Nets
Aquarium glass cleaner
5 gallon bucket
Pasta strainer
STEP 1: Realize the responsibility involved.
Learn how to create a bowl is not that difficult, but there are some steps you should follow. First, you must realize something about an aquarium setup. A tropical fish tank is like having a dog or a cat when it comes to the amount of effort on your part. To have a successful freshwater tank of tropical fish that have to work on it. Once a week, or at most once every two weeks, will have to do some maintenance on the tank. Most of the time you will be doing water changes. You also have to feed your fish at least once a day. Establishment and operation of a tank costs money. There are recurring costs, such as replacing filter media, buying food, etc. Check out the page of freshwater vs saltwater aquarium to get an idea of the configuration of the costs involved. If you are ready for the challenge, please proceed!
STEP 2: Decide on the size of an aquarium.
It's a good idea to consider what kind of fish you want to keep before you buy an aquarium. Some fish only grow to an inch or two, while other types of tropical fish can grow 12 or 13 inches or longer! Knowing what type of fish you want will help you decide the size of tank you need. If this is your first time with an aquarium, may be a good idea to start with 10 or 20 gallons aquarium setup for now and the material with some smaller species and more resilient.

STEP 3: Decide on the aquarium location.
Place the aquarium in an area where light and temperature of the tank will not be affected by external sources such as windows and heater vents. The sunlight enters the room through an unshaded window could affect the temperature of your tank. This could also lead to green algae problems for deposition on the road. You want to place your aquarium on a stand to be able to maintain their weight. You also want to be sure the plant is capable of supporting the total weight of the aquarium and support. A good rule of thumb to determine the total weight of a full aquarium is 10 pounds per gallon of water. For example, a 55-gallon tank weighs about 550 pounds when filled with water!

STEP 4: Buy your aquarium and equipment.
Now is a good time to decide on the type of aquarium filter you want to use. Also will need to purchase a heater capable of heating the tank size you have. Buy gravel plants, a power strip and other decorations. A good rule of thumb for the amount of gravel that is needed is 1 to 1.5 pounds of gravel per gallon of water.

STEP 5: Setting up your aquarium and stand.
Wash out your tank only with water! Do not use soap or detergents. soap residue left behind will be harmful to tropical fish. If you use a gravel filter (not recommended) Now it's time to configure that.

STEP 6: Wash Gravel, plants and decorations.
Be sure to wash the gravel thoroughly before adding to your tank. An easy way to do is put some rocks in a pasta strainer and wash them in your bath tub. Then place the clean gravel in a bucket clean 5 gallons for transport to the aquarium. After adding the gravel you can place your plants and decorations.

STEP 7: Add water to the aquarium.
To prevent damage to your plants and gravel, place a plate or dish in the center of your aquarium and direct the flow of water into the dish. Use room temperature water when filling. To remove chlorine and chloramine, use something like Tetra Aquarium AquaSafe. Do not completely fill the tank until you are sure of the layout of your decorations. Otherwise, when you put your arm to move stuff around water is going to spread. Doh!

STEP 8: Set up equipment.
Install the heater, but do not switch to the thermostat on the heater has adjusted to the temperature of the water. This usually takes about 15 minutes or less. Hook up the filter and any other computer, then high water tank, just below the rim of the hood. Place the bell and light tank in the aquarium and then check your power cables to ensure they are free water. We also recommend using a drip loop on all power cords to be extra cautious. For more information about security, please read this great article electrical safety of the aquarium. Connect all equipment to a power strip and then "activate" the aquarium.

STEP 9. Wait, wait, wait and wait a bit more.
I know you want to add a little fish. But to do this well have to wait until the aquarium has cycled before adding any fish. There are ways to accelerate this process. Check out the nitrogen cycle page to learn more about how to start the nitrogen cycle and how to accelerate. If you must use fish to cycle, try to get a more resistant species such as zebra danio or cherry barb. You may notice your fish tank cycle kicking in progress, if you start getting a little aquarium water and white clouds in a few days.

STEP 10. Add tropical fish.
Just add one or two fish at once. Adding a couple fish at a time gives your filtration system the time required for the increased biological load that the fish enter new. When you bring the fish home float the bag in the tank for about 15 minutes so the fish can acclimate to temperature and pH of aquarium water. After 5 minutes of floating the bag you should add a little aquarium water to the bag so that the fish can acclimatize to the level of pH in the aquarium. This will help reduce the amount of stress imposed on the fish. Stressed fish often leads to dead or diseased fish! Do not feed your fish on the first day. Probably not eat any food on the first day anyway. Let them know their new home.

STEP 11. Get ready for regular maintenance.
Are willing to spend some time once a week or two to clean the tank. Performing regular water changes will reduce nitrate levels and keep your tropical fish happy and healthy.

Call or Visit us today for a free consultation.
http://www.malibuaquariumservice.com/
(818) 800-3474
About the Author

At Malibu Aquarium Service Services we believe in providing top quality professional service for your aquatic system. Whether you are looking to set up a new display, relocate your system, upgrade an existing aquarium or find reliable, experienced service; look no further. Contact us and we will work with you to provide a custom plan suited to your specific needs.

Call or Visit us today for a free consultation.

http://www.malibuaquariumservice.com/

(818) 800-3474

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