How to Make a Balanced Aquarium with Activated Charcoal
- 1). Wash the aquarium thoroughly with a clean sponge in a solution of 50 percent bleach to 50 percent water (do not use soap); let the solution sit for 20 minutes. Drain the aquarium and rinse well until all traces of bleach are gone.
Fill the aquarium with water, drying off any droplets on the outside of the glass, and let it sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours to ensure there are no leaky seals. Even a tiny leak will eventually make the aquarium break; a broken aquarium that was full of water can ruin the flooring of a house and present the possibility of a deadly electric shock. If no leaks form after 24 hours, drain the tank completely. - 2). Add 3 to 4 inches of substrate to the aquarium, sloping it slightly toward the front; this allows leftover food and waste to be easily removed once the tank is up and running. Using a saucer on the substrate to displace the flow, slowly pour water until one third of the aquarium is full. Arrange the plants and decorations to be aesthetically pleasing. Once placements have been determined, remove the plants from their pots and bury their roots in the substrate.
Add the desired aquarium plant fertilizer at this stage. If the fertilizer is in solid form, make certain it is buried deeply enough below the plants' roots that curious fish cannot get to it. Firm all decorations down well so they cannot topple over and harm the fish. Fill the tank with water, being careful not to disturb the plants and decorations. - 3). Rinse the charcoal under cold running water until no black dust escapes the filter. Do not allow bleach to touch the charcoal. With a 50 percent water to 50 percent bleach solution, clean all water safe areas of the pump and any plastic plants or decorations. Rinse thoroughly.
Following the directions that came with the pump, add the filter to it and place it on the tank along with the light/hood. Dry any water that may have dripped on the cord or plug before inserting into an outlet. - 4). Before adding any fish or invertebrates to the tank, let it run normally for at least 3 weeks. The aquarium needs to cycle (build up the proper bacteria to support life) or the fish may die. During the course of cycling, remember to keep the lights on for 10 to 12 hours a day. Trim off any dying or broken limbs and leaves. Many aquatic plant species can be rooted from healthy cuttings by sticking them into the substrate.
After the tank has cycled, begin adding fish slowly. Every 2 weeks you can add a few fish. Three to four small fish, one to two medium fish or one to two large fish should protect the system from a biological overload.
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