Setting Up Your New Aquarium by
If you have done the proper planning for your new aquarium, you’ve already purchased, or otherwise acquired, everything you need to set it up, and have prepared a location in your home where your family and guests can get the most enjoyment from it. If you haven’t, you should do your research and planning, and then go out and get your equipment. Do not get your fish yet. Wait until your tank is set up and running correctly. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to have to worry about where your fish will live while you deal with the problem.
Okay, let’s get started. Whether you have a new or used tank, you should clean it thoroughly. Avoid soap and chemical cleaners, as they can leave a residue that could make your fish sick or even kill them. Use clean water and a sponge or brush manufactured specifically for aquarium use. Fill the tank and check for leaks. It’s much easier to deal with a leak now than after you’ve installed everything. Once you’ve determined that the tank is okay, drain it and let it dry.
Place your stand in the location you have selected. Make sure it is stable, sturdy, and level. It’s important that it be level, otherwise you could end up with a leaking or broken tank. Remember that you should locate the aquarium away from direct sunlight to avoid excess algae growth.
If you are using an under-gravel filter, rinse it, place it in the bottom of the tank, and connect the air hoses according to the instructions that you got with the filter. If you are using a different type of filter, skip to the next step.
If you have purchased a background, apply it to the outside of the tank now. Take your gravel, and wash it in a bucket. Remember the implications of commercial cleaners. Use clean water only. Drain the bucket when the gravel cleaning is complete.
Place the gravel in the bottom of the tank, approximately two inches deep. Spread it so that it is slightly deeper at the back of the tank, and slopes very gradually towards the front.
Assemble and set up your filter (unless you have already installed an under-gravel filter). Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for any pre-installation requirements. If you are using an air pump, install that now as well. If you are using a hanging heater, hang it near the
back of the tank, but in a place where it is easily accessible. If you have a submersible heater, install it in the tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not plug anything in yet. Attach or hang your thermometer, depending on which type you have.
Now it’s time to add the water. Take a clean dinner plate, and place it upside-down in the center of the tank. Fill a bucket with water, and carefully pour the water onto the top of the plate, thereby preventing the gravel from being disturbed. Fill the tank almost to the top.
An aquarium should look as natural as possible, both because it is more pleasing to the human eye, and because the behavior of the fish will be closer to what it would be in their natural habitat. Therefore, you should install some decorations in your aquarium, and now is the time to do that. Pet supply stores and fish stores stock a wide array of aquarium decorations. You should be sure to include plants, whether live or imitation. Live plants will give off oxygen into the water, but will also require some extra care, and will need to be removed if they die. For a beginner, realistic looking plastic plants are a good choice. Place the largest plants at the back of the tank, and the smaller ones at the front.
Place the hood and lights on top of the aquarium, and plug everything in. You should make sure that all electrical cords are positioned in such a way to have a “drip loop”, so that if water happens to run down on them, it drips onto the floor rather than into the electrical outlet.
Okay, we’re ready to perform a test. Make sure filters that need to be filled with water have been filled, and turn on the filters and/or air pumps. Verify that they are working correctly, and that the water is flowing at the rate expected. Turn on the lights, and make sure they are working. If the water is a little cloudy, don’t worry, it will soon clear. Adjust your thermometer according to the breeds of fish you are planning to keep. Your fish store can supply this information if you can’t find it elsewhere. Most freshwater tropical fish like a water temperature in the 75-80F range.
Assuming that no problems are found, you can let your equipment run. I know you’re anxious, but don’t run out and get fish yet. Your aquarium should run for about a week before you add any fish. Leave the lights on for about half the day during this period.
Nick Bulka operates a number of pet related web sites. For more great information on aquariums and tropical fish, visit Best Aquarium Resources and The Pet Guide
Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Setting-Up-Your-New-Aquarium/91902
Filters For Your Aquarium (Beginners How To Guide)
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STAR SALT WATER & MARINE AQUARIUM FILTER + 9W UV LAMP 530GPH $96.99 |
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Fish Tank Aquarium Biochemical Bio Sponge Filter Pad White 41.3″ $5.30 |
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STAR AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER BUILT-IN 9W UV STERILIZER 200 GALLON $96.99 |
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Fish Aquarium Air Power Water Purified Round Filter $9.15 |
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Multi-Layer Aquarium Bio-Filter Fish Tank Sponge Filter $11.47 |
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STAR FRESHWATER & MARINE AQUARIUM FILTER + 9W UV LAMP 375GPH HW-403B $89.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Bio Sponge Bio-Filter $1.00 |
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Aquarium Water Filter Pipe Air Tube Hose Cleaning Brush $5.10 |
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STAR ALL IN 1 AQUARIUM FISH TANK KIT W/ FILTER PUMP LIGHTING $46.00 |
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Aquarium Blue Black Bio Biochemical Sponge Filters 2 Pcs $4.21 |
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STAR TROPICAL AQUARIUM MARINE FISH TANK HANG ON DUAL FILTER $28.99 |
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AQUARIUM II RO/DI REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER FILTER AQUASAFE $98.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Column Shaped 5 Layer Sponge Filter $5.71 |
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4-STAGE AQUARIUM FILTER FRESH/SALT WATER w/MEDIA 320GPH $49.95 |
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Whisper Power Filter for 5 to 15 Gallon Aquariums – Tetra Second Nature $9.95 |
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AQUARIUM SYSTEMS PRIMO fish tank FILTER READ cheap $8.99 |
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STAR AQUARIUM TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 135 GPH $27.99 |
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STAR AQUARIUM FISH TANK BIO-CHEMICAL FILTER + 9W UV HW-403B $89.99 |
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STAR AQUARIUMS FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER FILTER 375GPH 100G HW-303A W. MEDIA $68.99 |
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Fish Tank Aquarium Bio Ball Filter Media 55mm Diameter $3.64 |
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Weighted Base Biochemical Sponge Filter for Aquarium Fish Tank $9.62 |
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TETRA WHISPER EX45 FISH AQUARIUM POWER FILTER 240 GPH NEW 30-45 GALLON TANKS $27.99 |
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STAR 75 GALLON AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER EXTERNAL PUMP FILTRATION $54.00 |
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Filter Sponge Aquarium Fish Biochemical Filter Black $4.66 |
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X LARGE AQUARIUM WEIGHT RETICULATED SPONGE FILTERS 30 PPI BREEDER ( 4 ) PORET $30.79 |
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New Aquarium Fish Tank Super Biochemical Dual Sponge Biochemical Filter Oxygen Z $5.58 |
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STAR AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER OUTSIDE FILTER + 9W UV HW-304B $96.99 |
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STAR 4X REEF AQUARIUM ACTIVATED CARBON CHARCOAL FILTER MEDIA $26.00 |
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Multi Layer Black Water Aquarium Fish Tank Filter $6.37 |
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Multilayer Filtration Sponge Filter for Fish Tank Aquarium $11.45 |
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STAR TROPICAL AQUARIUMS FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER FILTER 375 GPH 100 GALLON $68.99 |
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AQUAZONE AMMONIA REDUCER FILTER PAD AQUARIUM 18 ” X 10 ” NEW FREE SHIPPING $7.49 |
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LEE’S Aquarium and Pet TRIANGLE DUAL ACTION FOAM FILTER 13392 NEW $7.99 |
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STAR 200 GALLON AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER EXTERNAL PUMP 9W UV LAMP $96.99 |
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STAR AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 20 $25.99 |
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STAR FRESHWATER & MARINE AQUARIUM FILTER + 9W UV LAMP 265GPH HW-402B $81.99 |
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Freedom I Quick Easy Corner Small Aquarium Filter 3 pk $13.49 |
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Freedom I Quick Easy Corner Small Aquarium Filter 6 pk $24.49 |
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Freedom I Quick and Easy Corner Small Aquarium Filter $4.99 |
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Oxygen Releases Fish Tank Aquarium Sponge Stone Corner Filter $12.18 |
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STAR 215GPH AQUARIUM SUBMERSIBLE MULTI-USE WATER FILTER PUMP $28.99 |
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STAR TROPICAL AQUARIUMS FISH TANKS CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV HW-404B $106.99 |
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For Fish Aquarium Bio-Filter Fish Tank Sponge Filter $12.40 |
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Multilayer Column Shaped Aquarium Fish Tank Filter $5.54 |
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Fish Bio-Filter Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter Black $6.96 |
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2pcs Black Blue Biochemical Sponge Filter for Aquarium Fish Tank $3.79 |
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For Fish Aquarium Tank Biochemical Sponge Filter $13.06 |
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Aquarium Black 8.5cm Diameter Soft Sponge Biochemical Filter $13.39 |
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2pcs Black Blue Biochemical Sponge Filter for Aquarium Fish Tank $4.13 |
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Fish Aquarium Tank Multilayer Sponge Biochemical Water Corner Filter $14.47 |
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1 Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter Fish Tank Air Pump $0.10 |
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38″ Length Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Filter White Sponge Pad $5.54 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Filter White Sponge Pad White $5.51 |
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Pond Aquarium White 3 Layers Biochemical Filter Sponge $4.70 |
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Cambridge Aquatics Fish Tank Aquarium External Hanging Power Filter 5-20 Gallons $19.79 |
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AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON POWER FILTER 30 GAL $29.99 |
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Penn Plax Cascade 150 Aquarium Filter up to 35 gallons CPF3 $18.60 |
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10 x Black Plastic Bio Ball Aquarium Pond Filter Media $4.79 |
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Eheim Media Classic Filter Pad 3 pack 2616155 $13.43 |
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Sera BioFibres FINE 40 grams Aquarium Filter Media $5.57 |
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Sera BioFibres COARSE 40 grams Aquarium Filter Media $5.57 |
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Penn Plax Under Gravel Aquarium Filter 15/20 Gall CFU20 $14.87 |
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2pcs Biochemical Filter Cotton for Fish Tank Aquarium $2.99 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner Washer $11.59 |
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Aquarium Battery Operated Fish Water Filter Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Washer $11.59 |
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Black Economic Aquarium Filter Sponge for Fish Tank $4.15 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Fish Tank Water Filter Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Washer $11.59 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Water Filter Pump Vacuum Cleaner Battery Syphon Hose $11.59 |
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Aquarium Water Filter Fish Tank Maintenance Cleaner Battery Operated Gravel Hose $11.59 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Electrical Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Filter Cleaner $11.59 |
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Electrical Aquarium Battery Fish Tank Water Filter Vacuum Gravel Washer Cleaner $11.59 |
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Aquarium Electrical Syphon Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner Washer $11.59 |
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Fish Aquarium Biochemical Filter Sponge for Fish Tank $5.53 |
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NEW 10′ ROLL AQUARIUM FILTER MEDIA WET DRY FRESH OR SALT WATER TANKS FILTERS PAD $6.95 |
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Color DI Resin for Water Filter/Aquarium/Drinking $69.95 |
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5PC Zip Filter Bag Net for Aquarium Pond Filtration Media Fish Tank bio ball $5.99 |
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Bio Sponge Filter For Aquarium Fish Tank Bio 50 Gallon $9.98 |
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AQUARIUM FILTER MEDIA CERAMIC BIO RINGS 500G $7.27 |
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AQUARIUM FILTER MEDIA CERAMIC BIO RINGS 1000G/1KG $14.53 |
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Advanced CO2 system diffuser canister filter 16/22mm $18.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank 4.7″ Dia. Biochemical Sponge Filter Black $12.00 |
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Loving Pet Fish Aquarium 100% Poly Filter Fiber 8oz $5.99 |
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2x Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Carbon Filter Sponges $2.84 |
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Hagen Elite Hush 5 Fish Aquarium Power Filter NEW! $12.99 |
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AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER 9Watts UV STERILIZER WITH FREE VIBRATION PUMP ! $99.95 |
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150 GALLON AQUACHIARA AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER!!! $84.95 |
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Big Blue 10″ Water Filter Housing/ Whole House/Aquarium $59.95 |
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C-500 500g Activated Carbon Filter Fish Aquarium Tank $8.00 |
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90 Gallon Fish Tank with black oak stand and canopy top and Fluval 405 filter $500.00 |
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Odyssea Aquarium Canister Filter External 75 – 125G Saltwater Cichlid UV 700 GPH $94.95 |
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300 JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Balls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media-pond-water-bioballs $35.50 |
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200 JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Balls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media-pond-water-bioballs $25.85 |
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Fluval Bracket Replacement for Fluval U4 Underwater Aquarium Filter $12.40 |
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Home Blue Large Aquarium Filter Sponge for Tank Fishs $12.37 |
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Pure White Biochemical Sponge Filter Aquarium for Fish $7.41 |
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Aquarium Tank Plastic Base Filtration Biological Sponge Filter $12.90 |
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Aquarium Filter Egg Crate $8.71 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Cleaner Pump Syphon Filter $3.73 |
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Power heads Water Pump 660 GPH – aquarium Filter Cleane $36.99 |
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Aquarium Sponge Filter 15 gal Oxygen Plus – air pump $11.99 |