Setting Up a Fresh Water Aquarium

Becoming a fish hobbyist is fun and easy! It can be entertaining, relaxing, fascinating, and educational. A study by Universities in the U.S. have proved that caring for fish reduces high blood pressure and stress. Setting up an aquarium isn't hard at all!

First, Select the size of tank you'd like to acquire. It's recommended that a beginner purchases a 10 to 20 gallon tank. Avoid tanks that are deep and narrow compared to ones that have a large surface area.

Next fill the tank with water. Make sure to check for leaks by slowly filling the tank, then let the tank sit for at least 24 hours. Once you are sure the tank doesn't leak, empty it and wipe the inside of the tank with a cloth and a solution of Wardley Aquasaline, which is aquarium salt. Never use abrasives, soaps, or detergents to clean your tank. Also, make sure to rinse the tank out thoroughly.

Once the tank is clean and filled with fresh water, install the temperature regulation equipment. Aquarium heaters are essential for tropical fish. Different species of tropical fish require certain temperatures of water. Most are comfortable in water heated at 72 to 80 degrees F. Be careful to monitor the water temperature daily to protect your fish against an unhealthy environment.

A well illuminated aquarium allows for better viewing by providing light to see all of the colors on your fish. Light promotes plant and algae growth for your tank. You should keep the aquarium light on from 4 to 10 hours a day to furnish a sufficient environment. If you have any questions about what type of light to buy ask your local pet shop.

Filtration Equipment is crucial in cleaning the tank water. There are underground filters, power filters, and others. Undergravel filters, inside box, corner filters, sponge filters, and some outside types are powered by external air pumps. Power filters are different and are electrically driven by pump units. These pump units purify the water through a self-contained canister or an outside hanging overflow filter. The most popular power filter is the Fluval.

Decorations in the tank are determined by your taste and the type of fish you have. Some like gravel, sand, rocks, caves, many plants, less plants, etc. Be careful about items you find on your own as they may be harmful to your aquarium.

Once you have selected the tank, washed it, added all of the decorations, and filled it, then add the heaters, filters, etc. Don't forget to treat the water! Chlorine and chloramine kill harmful bacteria and can be purchased at the pet shop. Another water item you'll need is a water testing kit to check the ph hardness or softness. Drastic changes in the water's ph is very dangerous to the fish.

Before you introduce your fish to the tank set the bag on top of the aquarium water for about 15 minutes. Let the bag reach the same temperature as the tank before letting the fish swim around. Make sure not to over crowd your tank. The general rule is one one-inch fish per one gallon of water. Feed your fish about 3-5 times daily. You can't over feed fish, but you may over feed the aquarium. Extra food will settle in the tank and cause debris to build. Many food options are available. Make sure to research the type of food you need as some fish eat worms, plants, shrimp, floating pellets, or sinking pellets, etc.

Source: Wardley Fin Facts Aquarium Handbook