How to Set up and Maintain an Aquarium

In this article, I will tell you how to set up and maintain an aquarium.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aquarium
• Aquarium gravel
• Pump
• Filter for pump
• Water source
• Electrical source
• Small aquarium net
• Aquarium vacuum
• Aquarium hood and light
• Fish food
• Fish
• Plants (optional)

1. First, figure out how big you want your aquarium and where you want it. Now keep in mind, you need to have an electrical source close by. And if you are thinking about getting an aquarium bigger than 55 gallons, you need to check to see if your home can hold it.

2. Next, go and buy the aquarium and everything else you need. I recommend buying a kit, It should have everything you need except the gravel. I also recommend buying an aquarium stand, just make sure that it is made for your size aquarium.

3. Now set up the aquarium. Here's how I do it: first I put together the aquarium stand, then set the aquarium on top. Then, put the pump in. Now you add the gravel. You should rinse the gravel in a spaghetti strainer first. Don't add soap. Fill with water, then put the hood and light on. Now just add fish and some plants, and you have your aquarium.

4. Alright, you have got past the hard part. Now, all you have to do is maintain it. That means changing or rinsing the filter weekly, changing 1/3 of the water monthly, and vacuuming every month. You may also have some algae. You probably won't have to do anything if there is just a little. But if there is alot, just take a paper towel and wipe it down.

Tips & Warnings

• You should have 1 gallon for each inch of fish.
• For gravel, you should have 1 pound of gravel for each gallon.
• Don't overpopulate your tank.
• Don't forget to feed the fish!