How to Set Up a 90-Gallon Bow Front Aquarium

Bow front aquariums get their name from the arc of glass on the front of the tank. This differs from regular aquariums which have flat glass on the front of the tank. Bow front aquariums usually use a dual filter system. They use an undergravel filter which uses powerheads to filter the water. They also use a canister filter which is hidden under the tank.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aquarium gravel
• Decorations
• Thermometer
• Heater
• Chlorine remover
• Water conditioner
• Canister filter

Prepare Tank and Undergravel Filter

1. Wipe the inside of the tank with a clean cloth.

2. Place the tank on the stand.

3. Place undergravel filter plates on the tank bottom.

4. Attach the uplift tubes to the filter plates according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Connect powerheads to the uplift tubes. Leave powerheads unplugged.

Decorate and Fill the Tank With Water

6. Rinse the gravel you picked and add it to the tank on top of the undergravel filter plates.

7. Put any decorations into the tank. Decorations must be rinsed before you place them in the tank. Use the gravel to anchor the decorations if needed.

8. Fill the tank with water. Water should be room temperature.

9. Place thermometer in the water or on the glass on the outside of the tank. The type of thermometer will determine which of these you must do. Add a tank heater if necessary.

10. Add chlorine remover and water conditioner to the water.

11. Hook up a canister filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.

12. Plug in all electric accessories. Use a surge protected power strip for added protection of your accessories.

Tips & Warnings

• Some products are both chlorine remover and water conditioner all in one. Check the label to see if the product you purchased is an all in one.
• Do not use any cleaning agents to clean the tank. Cleaning agents can poison the fish you put in the tank.