Setting Up a 10-Gallon Fish Tank
Other People Are Reading
-
Cleaning the Tank
-
Even a new tank and new equipment need to be rinsed and scrubbed before the fish take up residence. The tank should be washed with plain water if possible to avoid traces of cleaning fluids being left after cleaning. Using a clean toothbrush to scrub the inside of the tank and everything that will go into the tank is the best way to ensure no unwanted fluids or particles end up in the aquarium water.
Filter and Air
-
The tank will need a filter, aerator and gravel. If you choose an undergravel filter, place it at the bottom of the tank and connect the clear tubes that come with the filter to the round holes at the sides or center of the filter, depending how the filter is configured. The gravel is placed over the filter. If you have a side filter, place the gravel on the bottom first. The filter will be attached to the back or to one side of the tank with suction cups. With an undergravel filter, the aeration comes from a tabletop aerator that pumps water through the clear air tubing that then is fitted with an air stone on the end and threaded down through the clear filter tubes that are attached to the undergravel filter. If you are using a side filter, you can choose an air pump that hooks onto the back of the tank or you can use a tabletop air pump and thread the air stone into the water on its own.
-
Final Setup
-
Any decorations, such as plastic divers or plants, should be placed in the tank before the water is added. Once the tank has all of the supplies set up, add the water. Go slow to avoid upsetting the gravel, especially if you are using small gravel. Many types of small fish-tank gravel contain pieces that can float or break apart if they are disturbed by fast-moving water. Once the tank is full, add a chlorine-stripping fish-tank additive to remove the chlorine from the water. Let the water sit for at least one hour to make sure any small gravel pieces have settled, the chlorine has been removed and the water has acclimated to room temperature before adding fish.
-
