How to Set Up an Aquarium

Fishkeeping is an incredibly popular hobby. However, there are lots of attics and garages with discarded aquariums waiting for the next boot sale!

This is simply because people setting up tanks tend to be impatient.The key to setting up and keeping a tank in tip top condition is patience.In order for your tank to function properly and give your fish a clean and proper environment to live in you must get the biological filter up and running.Simply put, fish and plants put out waste.This waste takes the form of ammonia.Now in the natural environment this ammonia is diluted and broken down by bacteria that flourishes in the natural system whether it be a river bed or the open sea.Obviously your tank is only tiny and has a confined flow of water therefore any ammonia that is present will kill your fish.We are aiming for nil ammonia in the tank before you can even add any fish!! This can take up to 6 weeks! This can be shortened by adding natural bacteria to speed up the process.This is obtainable from any aquatic retailer. You can reduce the time to about two weeks using this method.

Here is how to go about a natural ammonia free environment for your fish to flourish.

Once you have decided on the size of tank and bought the air filter,lighting,and any necessary decorative plants ornaments etc buy a proprietary chlorine treatment from your retailer.Fill a bucket up to a measured mark say 10 litres and then add it to your tank slowly.To avoid disturbance of the gravel in the tank place a plate or saucer on the bottom of the tank and pour the water onto this.Once you have filled the tank to the desired level then add your chlorine treatment in accordance with the instructions.Switch on your air filter.Leave the tank for about two days.Get a couple of goldfish from your retailer.Feed the goldfish each day and every other day check the ammonia levels.To check the ammonia levels you need a kit from your retailer.This is usually simply taking a sample of the water and adding two chemicals.You then check the colour of the solution against a colour chart provided.As the fish excrete the ammonia will increase and as the natural bacteria increases you will see the ammonia levels decrease.Once you have the ammonia levels at zero for at least 4 or 5 days now is the time to add your fish.

You will get a build up of natural bacteria that break down the ammonia.This is usually in your air filter and on any substrate you may have in the tank usually on the gravel or plants or driftwood and stones you may use.

To keep your tank healthy don't have too many fish.Less is more in fishkeeping.Change at least 25% of your water at least fortnightly and once a month rinse out the sponge in your air filter in tank water not tap water as tap water will kill the bacteria you have so patiently waited for.Rememberwhen changing your water it must be treated with dechlorinator first.This can be done by leaving a bucket overnight.Finally good luck in your new hobby.