How to Set Up a Fish Tank

Have you been wanting to have fish as your pets? However you do not know how to set up a fish tank? Here is the answer...
How to Set Up a Fish Tank
If you plan to set up a fish tank at home, it is suggested you read on how to set up a fish tank, so that you do not make any mistake, while making home for the latest addition to your family. Setting up a fish tank at home has numerous benefits such as, lowering high blood pressure as you watch the fish swim.

How to Set Up a Fish Tank?
Here are the steps to set up a fish tank.
  • Before you go out shopping to buy the material required to set up a fish tank, it is important that you check upon the types of fresh water aquarium fish you can and cannot keep in your fish tank. This is an important step as different kinds of fish require different care and a different type set up. In case you buy your aquarium material before you decide this, the material can become inappropriate for your fish.
  • If you plan to keep a variety of fish in your tank, it is important that you check the compatibility of these fish with each other, as some fish tend to be more aggressive than others, which results in the agrresive one sighting or even killing the more passive ones. Added to this, different types of fish require different temperatures to survive in. Therefore, deciding on the types of fish will help you decide the equipment you will need for the survival of these fish.
  • Once the types of fish have been decided, you can work on the size of your fish tank. You need to study about the size these fish can grow to, so that you are in a better position to buy your fish tank. You will also have to take the space you have at home into consideration, when you buy the tank.
  • For the equipment required to install an aquarium, visit a pet shop closer to home, so that you can decide on your budget. Once everything has been decided upon, buy the equipments and the tank.
  • Now is the crucial point. You will have to setup your fish tank. Start by cleaning the fish tank and its paraphernalia. Do not use soap to wash your fish tank, as the soap can pose a threat to your fish. It is advisable to check the fish tank for any leaks first and foremost and also at the time of it getting installed. Fill the tank with water completely. Keep it for 24 hours and check if you come across any leaks.
  • If there are no leakages, set up the equipment in your tank. Before you actually get the fish let the tank work for a few days, so that you know if the equipment is functioning properly, especially the filtration plant.
  • You can chose to have fresh plants inside the aquarium.
  • Now go ahead and choose your pet fish. It is advisable to buy inexpensive fish if you are setting up your fish tank for the first time. The ideal ratio to have in mind while keeping fish is is 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. So depending on the size of your tank decide the number of fish you want to buy. Initially buy two or three fish, you can add new fish to your aquarium after 10-15 days.
  • The water in the fish tank should be recycled every 6-8 weeks. You will have to be very patient while changing the water.
  • Maintain your tank diligently. It is advisable to feed your fish twice a day, however, remember not to over feed your pets. In case of any remnants of food left over after your feeding the fish, remove it. Do not let it settle in the tank itself.
  • It is advisable to change 15-20% of the water in the tank every week. You can even scrub the tank for the removal of algae that through time grows in it. Do not add chlorinated water to your tank, as the fish do not take well to chlorinated water. You will have to add a dechlorinator to the water before you filling up your tank with water.
I hope the steps have answered your question as to "how to set up a new fish tank?"

How to Set Up a Tropical Fish Tank?
The steps to set up a tropical fish tank are similar to setting up a regular fish tank with just a few more additions. For a tropical fish tank you will have to make arrangements for light inside the fish tank. It is not advisable to let direct sunlight in your fish tank. Direct sunlight leads to the growth of algae inside the tank. Make use of fluorescent lights, as this light is more efficient and also less heat is generated due to this light. You will have to set up a heating equipment in the tank and maintain the temperature to 25 degree Centigrade. This is the temperature to which tropical fish are usually accustomed to.

If you are wondering about "How to Set Up a Freshwater Fish Tank?"? The answer is same the as how to set up a tropical fish tank. I hope, I have made it easy for you with these "how to set up a fish tank" tips to help you set up your aquarium at home. It is very important to make out the distinction between saltwater fish and freshwater fish, in order to set up the tank and its water properly.

By Bhakti Satalkar
Published: 8/31/2009
 
Use the feedback form below to submit your comments.
Your Comments:
Your Name:
Use the form below to email this article to your friends.
Recipient Email Address:
 Separate multiple email addresses by ;
Your Name:
Your Email Address: