The Basics of Setting up an Aquarium
How to set up an aquarium.
Anyone can have a successful fish aquarium! Fish aquariums are a fascinating hobby, they add beauty to your living quarters, and they’re just plain fun! This crystal-clear box of water can keep you entertained for hours at a time.
Did you know that an aquarium can actually lower a person’s blood pressure? How much does a 5-gallon tank weigh? Which fish are social together? Read on to learn more….
Planning - Placement
Place your aquarium out of the direct rays of the sun. An excess of light encourages the growth of tiny plants called algae that turn the water green. The sun can also overheat the water in the aquarium. Artificial lighting will safely provide your fish with the ‘daylight’ they need.
A 5-gallon tank weighs about 50 pounds, so it will need to be placed in a stable area. It’s almost impossible to move a tank without creating leaks or cracking the glass, so once you've decided on a spot, it should stay there.
Type of Tank
A rectangular tank that is about 3” higher than wide makes an excellent choice for the novice aquariumist. Why? Optimum surface air that is vital for the health of the fish. Fish expel carbon dioxide that must escape into the air through the surface of the water. If not, the fish in the aquarium will suffocate.
Hood Cover
You will also need to invest in a cover for your aquarium. The cover helps prevent foreign objects from falling into the tank, as well as keeping any ‘high jumpers’ from escaping to a waterless death.
Décor
Gravel and sand add beauty to your aquarium and create a natural looking setting for your fish. You should wash the gravel before adding it to the tank to rid any impurities.
Plants are not a necessity, but like the gravel, they add beauty. The fish also like to hide among them and sometimes will lay eggs in or on them. Place your plants along the back of the tank to make a beautiful background for the fish. Some great plant choices to experiment with include Arrowhead, Fanwort, and Waterweed.
Aquarium ornaments also make fine additions to your setup. These come in just about any form imaginable – from frozen-looking frogs to moving skeletons!
Water Condition
The water is the most important ingredient that will go into your aquarium. Properly conditioned water will help ensure healthy fish and plants. The best water is water that fish have lived in – conditioned water. However, plain tap water works very well too.
Bring tap water to room temperature. This will rid the water of the chlorine that is harmful to your fish. Pet shops also sell special drops that aid in ridding chlorine.
Fish can be added at this point, but make sure you have any other additives to your aquarium in place, such as gravel, decorations and plants.
The water may look cloudy but that is typical and will become crystal clear indefinitely. A key point is not to overcrowd your new aquarium with fish, or with the food that you feed them. For the first couple of weeks feed very little to your fish.
Overcrowding – Dirt & Fish
Dirt
There are two kinds of ‘dirt’ that will inhabit your aquarium; clean dirt and dirty dirt. Clean dirt is the waste products produced by the fish. Dirty dirt is the uneaten food and the bodies of dead fish and should always be removed as soon as possible to prevent disease from taking over your aquarium.
Most aquarium fish need to be fed every other day, so avoid overfeeding. Don’t worry about starving your fish. They can go about a week without a feeding because they have microscopic plants and animals that live in the aquarium to feed on.
How Many Fish?
It is important not to overcrowd your tank with fish. A fish requires 2 gallons of water per inch of body measurement, not counting the tail. Allow ¼ of this amount for tropical fish.
Type of Fish
Not all fish are sociable together. If you desire an assortment of fish, a good mix includes guppies, platty, danos, tetras and catfish.
Sick Fish
Sick fish should be isolated until they are well so they won’t spread a potential disease to your healthy fish.
Other Accessories
A pump, an underground filter, a filter system, and a thermometer may also be necessary depending on the selection of fish. Your local pet shop can guide you through the simple setup process.
Aquariums can also benefit your health by lowering your blood pressure. Try an experiment the next time you are near an aquarium. Look into the aquarium and you will discover that almost immediately you will feel relaxed.
One last thing. Don’t forget to name your fish!
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