How to Set Up an Aquarium

Choosing an Aquarium, and How to Display It.

Choosing the Right Aquarium - Aquariums come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from simple 1-gallon fish bowls, up to huge tanks, holding 100 gallons, or more. When choosing an aquarium, keep in mind that, as a general rule, you can have one fish per gallon of water. Larger fish, like Oscars, will require significantly more space. If your aquarium will be displayed in your childs room, a simple fish bowl and anything up to a 20 gallon tank will be fine. If your tank is going to be displayed in your living room, I would recommend a larger tank. 30 gallon tanks are great for this. Tropical fish tanks also have two major designs. Horizontal (wide) tanks are good for schooling fish, while Vertical (tall) tanks better display for angel fish, gouramis, etc. I personally like a "29-Show" tank, which is a 29 gallon, slightly tall tank.

Aquarium Stand - Do not overlook the importance of the stand before setting up your aquarium! This is the main area of problems that arise after the fish tank is set up. The most common problems are that the owner "does not like" the stand used, and wants it changed after the aquarium is set up, or the stand used cannot properly support the aquarium once it is filled with water. I highly recommend using a high-quality wooden stand, specifically designed for aquariums, which has storage for your fish food, supplies, books, etc.

Lighting - Lighting can be either fluorescent or incandescent. Fluorescent lighting is preferred as it looks more "filtered," and does not put out heat like an incandescent light.

Place the stand where you want it to be. Remember, you'll need easy access to electrical plugs, and do not place your aquarium where it will get direct sunlight, as that will create an environment that will easily create algae. There is nothing worse than a green fish tank!

Now that you have your fish tank, and a proper means to display it...

How to Set Up An Aquarium

Make sure the aquarium is clean and dry.

Apply Background - Most backgrounds simply apply to the outside back of the aquarium. Backgrounds give your fish a place to hide, and also conceal tubes, pumps, etc. from being visible.

Place your undergravel filter in the bottom of the tank.

Clean the gravel thoroughly in a bucket with drinking-quality water. Do this right, or you'll have a cloudy fish tank right from the start! Colored gravel is fine for child aquariums, but if you are going to have a large aquarium on display in your living room, you'll be much happier with natural gravel. Natural gravel will look better, and is also less expensive than colored gravel. You want one to two inches of gravel. You get get creative hills by making small hills and valleys, but do not make the hills too large, as it will hamper filtration.

Add water of drinking quality up to a couple inches from the top. You still need to place some items, so you do not want it to overflow when you put your arm in.

Install Heater - Do not plug it in though, unless it is completely submerged in water. Water temperatures should be 70-80 degrees for tropical fish.

Install Pump and Airstones

Place thermometer on front corner or side of aquarium.

Place decorative rocks and cave-like items on the bottom.

Place plants where desired. My experience is to put taller plants in the back, especially in the back corners to provide hiding places for top-dwelling fish. Putting different colored plants in little groups looks best.

Finish filling the tank, then install cover and lighting.

Add chlorine remover

Let the aquarium run for a minimum of three days before adding fish. I would recommend starting out with a of couple small, inexpensive tropical fish while your tank develops a healthy habitat. Personally, I use neon tetras while the tanks settles in. They are pretty enough to keep if they survive, but no big deal if they don't survive. If your first fish perish, try letting the aquarium run without fish for a couple more days, then take a small sample of water to your local fish store, and have them test the water for you, then follow their recommendations.

Good Luck with your new aquarium, I hope you enjoy many years with your fish!

For more detailed information regarding all matters of tropical fish care, the author highly recommends the Tropical Fish Guide available at [http://www.tropicalfishsite.info]

For help in finding unique or hard-to-find gifts, the author of this article also publishes the website [http://www.OnlineShoppingFAQs.com]