Setting Up a Freshwater Aquarium - 5 Easy Steps
Most people think that setting up an freshwater aquarium is hard but the fact is that this is really easy provided you know what to do.
The following paragraphs will provide a step by step guide so that you can set up your new aquarium with ease.
Step 1 - Choose a place to keep your new freshwater aquarium Your new aquarium should be kept on a stand that is sturdy and provides support to the aquarium.
The aquarium should be kept away from windows since direct sunlight will cause green and brown algae to grow on the glass and decor.
The aquarium should preferably be kept away from entertaining devices since the vibration of these devices will stress out your fish.
Step 2 - Place the gravel and decorations inside the aquarium Before placing the gravel inside the aquarium you should wash the gravel well so that dirt and other unwanted particles do not float in the water.
While setting up an aquarium you should place 2 inches gravel on the base so that the gravel acts as a home to beneficial nitrifying bacteria.
You should also clean any decorations you plan to keep in the aquarium and then place them as desired.
If you want to put plants into your aquarium then this is the right time to aquascape.
Step 3 - Fill the water carefully While filling water in your new freshwater aquarium you should use a flat saucer to direct the water flow.
The saucer will ensure that the gravel and other decorations are not disturbed while you fill the water.
Tap water can be used to fill your aquarium but you will need to use water conditioners to remove chemicals like chlorine and chloramines.
The quantity of water conditioner you use will depend on the product you use and the instructions are provided on the bottle.
Step 4 - Place in the filter and heater After you have placed the decor and filled the aquarium with water you should add the filter and heater to the aquarium.
It is always recommended to place the filter either at one of the extreme ends of the aquarium or at the center.
Hang on filters are usually placed in the center of the aquarium where as internal canister filters and sponge filters are placed at the sides.
If you are using a fully submersible heater then you will need to place the entire heater below the water but if you are using a semi submersible filter then you will need to place only the heating tube below the water.
After setting up an aquarium you will need to wait for 20 minutes to switch the heater on or else the glass in the heater will crack.
Step 5 - Let the water stabilize It is beneficial to let the water sit overnight before you introduce nitrifying bacteria to your aquarium.
The next day you can either use the fishless method of cycling the aquarium or you can choose 2 - 5 small hardy fish to introduce beneficial bacteria to your new aquarium.
After your aquarium has a colony of beneficial bacteria you can put your favorite fish in the aquarium.
The following paragraphs will provide a step by step guide so that you can set up your new aquarium with ease.
Step 1 - Choose a place to keep your new freshwater aquarium Your new aquarium should be kept on a stand that is sturdy and provides support to the aquarium.
The aquarium should be kept away from windows since direct sunlight will cause green and brown algae to grow on the glass and decor.
The aquarium should preferably be kept away from entertaining devices since the vibration of these devices will stress out your fish.
Step 2 - Place the gravel and decorations inside the aquarium Before placing the gravel inside the aquarium you should wash the gravel well so that dirt and other unwanted particles do not float in the water.
While setting up an aquarium you should place 2 inches gravel on the base so that the gravel acts as a home to beneficial nitrifying bacteria.
You should also clean any decorations you plan to keep in the aquarium and then place them as desired.
If you want to put plants into your aquarium then this is the right time to aquascape.
Step 3 - Fill the water carefully While filling water in your new freshwater aquarium you should use a flat saucer to direct the water flow.
The saucer will ensure that the gravel and other decorations are not disturbed while you fill the water.
Tap water can be used to fill your aquarium but you will need to use water conditioners to remove chemicals like chlorine and chloramines.
The quantity of water conditioner you use will depend on the product you use and the instructions are provided on the bottle.
Step 4 - Place in the filter and heater After you have placed the decor and filled the aquarium with water you should add the filter and heater to the aquarium.
It is always recommended to place the filter either at one of the extreme ends of the aquarium or at the center.
Hang on filters are usually placed in the center of the aquarium where as internal canister filters and sponge filters are placed at the sides.
If you are using a fully submersible heater then you will need to place the entire heater below the water but if you are using a semi submersible filter then you will need to place only the heating tube below the water.
After setting up an aquarium you will need to wait for 20 minutes to switch the heater on or else the glass in the heater will crack.
Step 5 - Let the water stabilize It is beneficial to let the water sit overnight before you introduce nitrifying bacteria to your aquarium.
The next day you can either use the fishless method of cycling the aquarium or you can choose 2 - 5 small hardy fish to introduce beneficial bacteria to your new aquarium.
After your aquarium has a colony of beneficial bacteria you can put your favorite fish in the aquarium.
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