Setting Up Your New Aquarium

• First, decide where your new aquarium will be. Choose a place that is free from direct sunlight and not a high-traffic area where an accident may occur. Also, stay away from any area with frequent temperature changes, such as near an air-conditioner or radiator. Don't forget that you will need a power outlet nearby!




• Second, provide a sturdy, level base for your aquarium. A stand designed especially for this purpose is the best choice, because filled tanks are extremely heavy. A ten-gallon tank full of water weighs almost one hundred pounds! If the aquarium is not level, place pieces of non-corrugated cardboard (like cereal boxes) under the egdes. Be very careful...glass doesn't bend, and an uneven aquarium can shatter under the stress.




• If you purchased an undergravel filter, place the plates inside the tank. The next step is to add the gravel. Be sure to rinse the gravel with plain water first to remove any dust.




• Fill the tank about halfway with water. It is easier to decorate a partially filled tank because you can get a better idea of what it will look like once completely filled and stocked.




• Decorate your tank with whatever plants and ornaments you have chosen. Keep in mind the habits of the fish you will be buying. If you plan on keeping shy fish, provide a densely planted are and places to hide. If you are considering active fish, leave plenty of swimming space. Most of decorating is personal choice. Remember not to use any rocks, shells, or driftwood from outside, as these can release toxins into your water! Also, do not use real shells or coral in a freshwater tank...these will raise your pH!




• Tape the background onto the outside of the tank.




• Install your heater, but don't plug it in yet! If you have a submersible heater, be sure it is fully submersed. If you have a heater that hangs on the tank, place it on the back. Also, apply your thermometer now. Don't forget to READ AND SAVE ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND PACKAGING from your equipment!




• Install your filter, whatever type it may be, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Don't plug anything in yet. Be sure to rinse all filter cartridges or bags of carbon first to remove the black dust.




• Fill your tank the rest of the way with water, being careful not to disturb your decorations too much.




• Fit your hood onto your tank. Most hoods have space in the back or a removable piece to accommodate your filter, heater, and any other equiment or cords that stick out. Adjust the positionings until everything lays flat. If you have airline tubing, be careful not to squish it under the hood, or the air flow will be diminished.




• Finally, it's time to plug everything in! Be sure your heater has at least 15 minutes to sit in the water before it is plugged in, or it may crack. Fill the basket of the power filter with water before you turn it on. You will probably have a lot of electrical cords coming from your tank. For safety, be sure each one has a "drip loop" -- that is, each one has some extra sag in case water drips down the cord. If you have an air pump, this is especially important to do with the airline tubing. It is best to use a surge protector (like the one you're probably using for your computer) to plug everything into. Also, it is recommended to elevate your power source and your air pump above the tank (but where it can't fall in). However, this is not always practical, so find the arrangement that works the best for you. Plug everything in, turn everything on, and sit back and enjoy your new tank...imagine it has fish in it!
  
  
  
  Back to Aquariums and Fish-Keeping
  
  Back to the Zoo
  Email: tierarztin@yahoo.com