Ten Easy Steps to a Successful Freshwater
Aquarium Installation
- Rinse out the tank and wash the gravel with water
(do not use soap or chemicals).
- Put your tank on a strong base away from direct
sunlight, heat vents and air conditioning vents. If not using a stand
purchased from SF&P, make sure your tank is on a suitable flat surface
where water staining is not a problem, not Grandma's old oak dresser or
the antique armoire.
- Gently pour the clean gravel into your tank.
- Setup the filter and pump following the
manufacturers instructions. Read and follow all equipment instructions.
- Position landscaping materials such as stones, wood
and aquarium ornaments in the gravel.
- Fill the tank half way with water; try not to disturb
the gravel.
- Add your plants (artificial, live or both). Place
the plants in groups with taller plants in the back. Dig small holes in
the gravel to put the roots or base in. Push the gravel around the bottom
of the plants.
- Fill your tank with water.
- Add water conditioner to neutralize chlorine
instantly.
- Place the cover and light on the tank. Turn on the
filter, pumps and lights. Leave the filter and pump running at all times.
Check for leaks and temperature (74 to 78 degrees). Allow setup to cycle
for a day.
For
success things to remember
For beginners, wait at least 24 hours before adding fish to your tank. Start
with a few fish at first, in order to start a biological filter, i.e. 6 to 10
small fish for a 10 to 20 gallon aquarium. Use bacteria stimulants such as
Seachem Stability or Hagen Cycle to help in the cycling of the aquarium. After
7 days, before your purchase any more fish bring in a water sample so we can
verify good water tank conditions.
Feed fish so they
eat all food off the top of the water in about 30 to 60 seconds, allowing none
to settle to the bottom. (If it looks like it's snowing in the tank, you've put
in too much.) Feed for a total of 5 minutes, 1 or 2 times a day.
Tank
Maintenance
Simple partial water change with a Gravel vacuum, is the
best way to maintain water quality and healthy fish. Removing 1/3 of the water
off the bottom, every 3 or 4 weeks, will help maintain good aquarium
conditions. You can also perform water
changes on a week to bi-weekly basis 10-15% would be adequate. Replacement water should be same temperature,
dechlorinated, using Prime or any other water conditioner. Any algae that may form needs simply to be
wiped away with an algae pad. Once you see visible algae growth it is okay to
add an algae eater such as a plecostomas. Leave your aquarium light off part of
the time (8-12 hour light cycle on a timer is ideal) and place a background on
your tank to reduce light and possible algae growth.