Configuring an aquarium fish tank

An aquarium fish tank can bring the beauty and splendor of tropical freshwater fish or in your home or office, and if you follow sound fishkeeping principles when setting up your tank that will bring you years of enjoyment.

Planning your aquarium

A visit your local pet store or breeder fish to a specialist will help you decide on the type of fish you'd like in your new aquarium fish tank. Staff store will also help you decide on the appropriate size tank for the space available and providing all necessary equipment and accessories required.

However, do not buy any fish, yet! Have to establish your tank before introducing fish in it.

The first step is to thoroughly clean the tank. No skip this important step because the aquarium glass is clean. Use a mild detergent in warm water to scrub the tank. Rinse the tank thoroughly to remove completely any of dirt and detergent. Wash the cleaning tank with clean water several times to ensure no traces of detergent left behind.

Also clean all equipment to be used in your new aquarium fish tank and rinse thoroughly. Even a small amount of leftover detergent can kill fish, so do not skimp on the rinsing. Gravel should be rinsed with tap water until water runs clear. Plants can be stored in a bucket of clean water while setting up your tank.

Even a small fish aquarium is heavy – one gallon of water weighs about 10 pounds – for the new tank will require a sturdy support. No tank is engaged available that provide a solid base, although a small fish tank can sit in another part of the furniture. Use a layer of polystyrene tiles between the tank and support to even out irregularities.

When setting up your aquarium try to avoid putting direct sunlight, which will cause algae to grow in the tank. Remember which will be located near a power outlet as many items of equipment in the tank require a source of energy.

Now you can fill your tank and check for leaks. Leave the water for several hours and confirm that the tank is not leaking and then drain the tank.

If you use a filter instead of gravel in the tank first, following the instructions, then add the gravel, building up a bit more towards the back of the aquarium to give the impression distance into the tank.

Half fill the tank with water. Ideally, use non-chlorinated water, or add chlorine remover in the recommended dose. Place a plate in the tank at the top of the gravel and pour the water gently over the plate. This will create the minimum disturbance to the gravel.

Then install the filter and heater if using one. For a tank of freshwater fish into the aquarium heater is rarely required. Saltwater tropical fish usually require a heater to maintain the required temperature. If you are using a heater will also have to install a thermometer in an easy to read location.

Now you can add your aquarium decorations. This could include a backup image, rocks or other ornaments at the base of the tank. Create lots of hiding places with use of rocks and other decorations. Your fish is happy place to hide from time to time. You can also install the plants that need to be buried in the gravel at this time. The Floating plants can be added when the tank is full.

Turn on the filter and heater and make sure they work before filling the tank on top with water without chlorine. This will start the process of tank cycling is the process of eliminating excess ammonia in the tank.

Ammonia can be a problem when creating a new tank as the bacteria that breaks down ammonia is not yet present. For several months the beneficial bacteria (Nitrosomonas) be held in the tank. The bacteria breaks down ammonia to nitrite. Due to the time it takes for beneficial bacteria to develop in the tank is recommended not to introduce fish for at least two weeks after the creation of your tank.

When ready to add fish to their new tank try adding a few to time. You bring them home from the store in a plastic bag filled with water. Float this bag, unopened, to the top of the tank until the water temperature in the bag matches with the tank water temperature. This may take several hours. Take your time. When water temperatures are the same to carefully undo the bag. The fish swim out of the bag for themselves before the bag.

Observe your fish for several days or even weeks to ensure they are healthy before adding more fish. Take time to establish its fish population biology and give you the time of the tank to adjust to the new fish and the waste they produce.

Always buy fish from a reputable dealer to avoid the possibility of introducing diseased fish to a tank. Never add plants or fish in nature to a fish tank – Micro-organisms and bacteria attached to the fish in the wild can be deadly to fish in a tank!

Installation and maintenance of an aquarium fish tank involves a commitment of time and money, but will reward the aquarist dedicated to years of enjoyment.

About the Author

Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains
The Goldfish Site
to assist anyone who wants to get started with setting up an aquarium fish tank and keeping goldfish.

Cleaning A Tropical Fish Tank

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