How to Fish Aquariums / Setting up your tank for your new pets

Setting up and taking care of a fish tank

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. A day before you buy the fish, cover the bottom of your fish tank with
   1 1/2 to 3 inches of clean aquarium gravel or sand.
   Rinse the plants you are going to use in clear water and embed them in the gravel or sand.
   Fill the tank with tap water, careful not to uproot plants.
   Let the tank stand, at least 24 hours.(uncovered).
   When it's time to add your fish to the fish tank, float the fish around in their plastic bag until it's the same temperature as the tank water.
   (no longer than 30 minutes)
2. Keep the aquarium out of direct sun-light (tank could become over-heated and algae will grow quicker).
   If you cannot get proper light, you can install a fluorescent light placed above the fish tank.
3. To care for your fish tank, use a glass scraper with a long handle to remove algae from the sides.
   Siphon the bottom of the tank, replacing it with water that has been sitting for 24 hours (tools can be purchased at any pet store).

Tips & Warnings

• Slope or slant the gravel or sand to make it a little hollow in the middle because it will catch dirt and make it easier to clean.