How to Set up an aquarium

Aquarium's can be a fun ,enjoyable way to relax.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. This is for fresh water fish. A Salt water fish tank requires more equipment and supplies and can be very costly.
   
   Here is a list of a few things that you would need to start a Salt water tank.
   Aquarium substrate such as live sand or crushed coral
   Live Rock
   Saltwater Mix
   Saltwater Hydrometer
   Aquarium filter
   Aquarium vacuum
   Multiple Powerheads (2 or 3)
   Heater
   Protein Skimmer
   Saltwater test kit(s) to test water parameters and monitor the aquariums nitrogen cycle
   And in most cases it can take as long as 30 days
   just to get the tank ready for the salt water fish to be introduced to the tank.

2. Choose a place where the tank can be out of the way and away from any windows.
   You do not want the sun to shine on it.

3. Place the filter bottom in place.
   This is the plastic tray with many vent hole in it. It fits laying on the bottom of the tank.
   Depending on the filter system that you have.
   With the tray there may be hoses that fit in the corner areas or you may have a box filter
   which sets on the bottom of the tank. For this one you will need to add some charcoal and on
   top of that some cotton which can be purchased at a pet store or a Wal-mart.
   Put them in place, with the rubber tubing hook them to the valve splitter or directly to the filter pump.

4. Now you can place the gravel in the bottom.
   Fill with water. If your tap water has chlorine , you need to let it set for 24 hours
   so the chlorine can dissipate.

5. There are pH testing kits so that you can keep the water at a safe level.
   High or low pH levels can stress fish. pH balance is 7. Most freshwater fish thrive
   when you have a pH level between 6.6 and 7.8.
   
   Conducting a pH test, and you find the pH level to be unacceptable, you can raise or lower your pH levels
   by purchasing chemical products from a pet store such as Aquarium Pharmaceuticals pH Up or pH Down
   
   
   pH level in a basic saltwater system is between 7.6 and 8.4 slightly higher than fresh water fish.

6. You can purchase your fish from a pet store or even from Wal-mart
   
   Choose the fresh water fish that you like.
   Weather it be a guppy gold fish or a Oscar they are all relaxing to watch.
   
   There they will place your fish into a plastic bag(Do not keep them there to long; because the oxygen dissipates quickly.)
   Once you have your fish home Do not just open and place him in there.
   First place the bag in the water allowing it to float on top.
   Let it stay for a few minutes so that the water in the bag reaches the same tempter as the water in the tank.

7. Now you can release your fish into the tank.
   
   
   Sit back and relax watching them as they swim around in the new environment that you have made for them.
   
   
   ENJOY

Tips & Warnings

• Change the water every two or three weeks and never take out more then 50 percent of the water at a time.
• You never want to take all the water out, that would cause stress to your fish.

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide.

[ssanchez]

on 7/9/2009 Great tips, I will share with my son.

[loyal123]

on 6/19/2009 Great article great tips 5 stars