How to set up a freshwater fish tank

Having an aquarium in your home is rewarding and relaxing. There are many sizes of tanks and varieties of fish that can be maintained with very little trouble.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aquarium
• Tank stand
• Gravel
• Water conditioner
• Filter
• Air pump
• Heater (for tropical fish)
• Decorations
• Aquarium salt

1. Consider your space and what kind of fish you want. To do this, consult with someone at a pet store who has been trained in aquarium setup and maintenaince. They are one of your best resources when it comes to this process. They will be able to tell you what size tank you'll need for the type and number of fish you want.

2. Once you've purchased your supplies, place your tank stand somewhere that is not subject to drafts or direct sunlight. Also avoid areas that are extremely busy in your house (as this can stress your fish) and the kitchen due to smoke or cooking sprays that can land in the water.

3. Place the tank on the stand and make sure it is level and straight.

4. Wipe the tank out with a wet paper towel.

5. Place your gravel in a strainer and rinse it until water runs completely clear.

6. Gently place the gravel in the tank and spread it out evenly. You'll need about an inch to an inch and a half of gravel.

7. Place your filter on or in the tank, depending on the kind you purchased. The filter should come with directions on how to set it up. Don't turn it on yet. Place a cartrige or other filter medium in the appropriate slot.

8. Place the heater in the tank if you are going with tropical fish.

9. Rinse any decorations and place them in the tank. If you are using an air stone or a bubbling decoration, hook this up to the air pump at this time and place the bubbling end at the desire point in the tank.

10. Fill the tank with water, stopping about an inch and a half from the top. You want there to be a short drop between the water coming out of the filter and the water level in the tank. If you are adding plants, place them after you have filled the tank about halfway. This way you can tell what they look like wet and they are easier to move around.

11. Add the appropriate amount of conditioner and aquarium salt. (Even freshwater fish need a small amount of salt to keep them healthy.)

12. Place the hood on top of the tank, making sure that all the equipment fits through the appropriate openings. Most hoods have perforated sections that can be cut or punched out to make room. Never let the hood sit on top of an air line or electrical cord.

13. Place the light on top of the hood if it is separate, plug it in and turn it on.

14. Turn on your filter and air pump. Always follow your filter's directions. Many of the filters that hang over the back of the tank require you to fill the reservoir with water before turning it on.

15. Your tank should now be looking beautiful and your filter and pump should be humming along nicely. Wipe any drips off the outside of the tank and stand. Admire your handiwork and perform any other necessary cleanup. After 15 minutes have passed, plug in your heater.

16. The hardest part is not the setup, but waiting to fill your tank with fish. Wait at least 5 days before slowly starting to add your little aquatic buddies. Again, follow the advice of a fish expert on how many and how often you can add fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't skimp on gravel. This is where you good bacteria will live. The bacteria are what keep your tank healthy by breaking down waste.
• Always lift your tank from the bottom as lifting it from the plastic frame at the top can cause the seams to weaken.
• Never move your tank with water or gravel inside.
• Use conditioner even if you've filled your tank with well water or bottled water. These can still contain heavy metals that conditioner will render harmless.
• Don't turn on any of the equipment until the tank is full. For heaters always wait 15 minutes after it's gone in the water to turn it on. Turn it off and leave it in the tank for 15 minutes before attempting to remove it.

[Kilogramm]

on 9/15/2008 Lots of detailed steps, you made it sound easy, 5 stars!