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Setting Up Freshwater Fish Aquariums: Where Do I Start?

By: Jill Kaestner

Aquarium gear
To set up tropical freshwater fish tank aquariums you will need these items of equipment: filter, lighting, heater, gravel, plants and dÃ©cor. You will also need replacement filter media and aquarium test kits to assess water parameters and check the nitrogen cycle. I enthusiastically advise buying entire system fish tank aquariums which come with all the required aquarium equipment. This means you are not confused as to what exactly you need for starting your fish tank or confused by the array of numerous types of equipment on offer. Buying freshwater aquariums with everything you need gives you peace of mind and relieves a lot of stress!

Establishing your aquarium
Before buying a fish tank you need to decide on the space you have on hand and investigate the adult size of the fish you would like to keep, both of which will suggest the size and shape of aquarium that would be suitable. Considering all this has been carefully planned and your ideal aquarium is sitting with all the key equipment ready to be set up, you can follow these steps to hassle-free successful aquarium setup.

1. Place aquarium (on a stand, if required) in an area away from direct sunlight, draughts and heat, as these alter the temperature and light of the tank. Also make sure that the floor is able to support the entire weight of the fish tank when filled with water (approximately 10 pounds per gallon of water).

2. Clean out the tank with water as hot as you can bear. Do not use soaps or detergents as residue will be damaging to tropical fish.

3. Set the under-gravel filter in the bottom of the fish tank (if your aquarium comes with one), following the instructions supplied.

4. Wash the gravel thoroughly in hot water using a sieve to remove any dust or debris. Add the gravel to the aquarium, covering the under-gravel filter. Form a gentle slope of gravel, deepest at the back.

5. Clean all artificial plants and decorations in hot water and display in the fish tank.

6. Fix the aquarium heater to the inside of the tank with its suction cups but do not plug it in for no less than 30 minutes until the thermostat has adjusted to the water temperature, otherwise the heater may shatter. Needless to say, you need to have researched the species you expect to keep to learn about specific temperature requirements.

7. Set up the aquarium filter according to the instructions enclosed, putting the filter media inside.

8. Position a dish on the bottom of the aquarium to break the power of the water and fill the fish tank with water that is at room temperature. Add de-chlorinator to the water if you are using unfiltered tap water. Look for any rare leaks as you fill the fish tank. (They are easily fixed with aquarium silicone).

9. Unless the aquarium lighting is previously fitted underwater, put the light on top.

10. Plug in all the equipment and check that everything is working correctly. Make certain there is a dip in the cord before it plugs into the electrical outlet, known as a 'drip loop'. This ensures the water drips off onto the floor and does not run directly into the electrical socket.

Your aquarium is now ready to run in its self but is still not ready for sustaining tropical freshwater fish. Good bacteria needs to be established first, and the aquarium environment then needs to alter as new fish are gradually added.

How to proceed after initial aquarium setup
Let the tank settle and the water stabilize for some days. Throughout this time you must keep monitoring the water parameters using aquarium test kits to guarantee they are ideal for the fish you plan to have (temperature, pH, hardness, and ammonia).

Nitrogen cycle
You will then have to begin the nitrogen cycle so your fish tank will be ready to sustain healthy tropical fish (see related article 'Setting-Up Tropical Freshwater Fish Tank Aquariums: The Nitrogen Cycle').

Aquarium care
When the nitrogen cycle is finished and you start adding fish to your aquarium, you should set in motion a maintenance schedule. On a daily basis make sure that fish are healthy, particularly during feeding times, and ensure that the filters and heaters are operating correctly. Wash your tank every one to two weeks and carry out 25% water changes on a monthly basis.

Copyright Â© 2009 Jill Kaestner @ Kaestner Marketing LLC

Article Source: http://www.bigfreearticles.com

Find out that setting up and starting tropical freshwater aquariums are not complex tasks when you can follow clear instructions as outlined in this article. Learn about the equipment you will need and the advantage of buying complete system fish tank aquariums.

About the Author:
Jill Kaestner I intend to give you with professional guidance on setting up, stocking and servicing your aquariums. With personal familiarity in tropical freshwater aquariums and extensive professional research, information and guidance in my articles can be depended upon. I have also created 'Aquarius', an online store to share with you some of my amazing aquariums bowls.

Tags: pets, aquarium, aquariums, fish tank, fish tanks, tank aquariums, fish tank aquariums, tropical freshwater aquariums, freshwater aquariums, tropical freshwater fish

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