Online Tropical Fish Encyclopedia

Easy Ways of Setting Up an Aquarium
When thinking about a hobby to pursue, many people turn to reading or writing, or probably pursuing a new sport. Still others might turn to keeping pets. But even when pets are involved, rarely do people opt to have fish, most of them would choose to have dogs or cats or even bunnies. Although hairy and cuddly pets are highly therapeutic, this doesn't diminish the fact that fish can equal this effect. So if you are undecided whether to buy that white bunny or to keep some cute fish, better read this first.

When you would want to have fish in your home, what is the very first thing that you should consider? Of course, the fishes’ home! Aquariums come in many varieties and they also come with different accessories. Here are the most common but useful tips in setting up your new pets’ home:

1. Before barging into the nearest pet shop, be sure to know what type of fish you want to keep in your aquarium. Another thing to consider is, can my choices of fish live together or will they eat each other? Know which ones can live symbiotically.

2. Prepare the aquarium together with all the other equipment that you are going to use. It is highly advisable that you start out with an under gravel filter. Also, be sure to provide ample lighting by putting a fluorescent lamp on the aquarium’s plastic top. A heater and an air pump will also be necessary purchases.

3. As soon as you have the fish tank (a.k.a. the aquarium) be sure to wipe it clean with freshwater and sponge. Wipe it dry.

4. Mount your choice of background. Be creative. Make sure to put in the design that will match all the other accessories and equipment (and your mood, too!).

5. Prepare to put the tank on its stand. As soon as you are decided on where to best enjoy your aquarium, level both the tank and the stand. Just be sure that the tank is away from direct sunlight, as this will greatly increase the growth of algae.

6. If you have purchased an undergravel filter, make sure to place it as soon as you have set up the tank on its stand.

7. Next, put two lift tubes (this is when you are using an air pump) in their sockets. If you have a power head instead of an air pump, then one lift tube would be sufficient.

8. Put in the gravel. Make sure to wash the gravel thoroughly before putting it in.

9. It’s now time to put in the heater and the water pump. Be sure to place the water pump above water level (for safety reasons).

10. For starters, you can begin practicing a tank set up by using plastic plants, wood and stone decors instead of using the ‘real thing’ immediately. Get a ‘feel’ of how to keep an aquarium balanced. If you are bolder, then you can opt to have live plants and real rocks. Now it’s time to set them all up inside the tank. Remember that plastics float once you put the water in so don’t be dismayed to see them floating all around. To avoid this, make sure that they are weighed down by gravel.

11. Put in water but the water treatment should only be added when the tank is full.

12. You should be ready to test your mini-marine world. It is highly preferable that you test the aquarium for a couple of days before purchasing the fish that will go in it. Once the tank is operating smoothly, it’s time to add in your choice of fish.

13. Welcoming home your pets doesn't end your commitment in keeping them. In fact, everything has just begun. Be patient in the next couple of weeks as this will test whether you can begin the cycle process.

Now that you have set up your new hobby, it is time to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Looking at your new pets would have a calming effect on you that will sweep away the hours, even days that you’ve spent in setting up your new pets’ home.

This website is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the regular veterinary care for your cats, dogs or other pets, that a licensed veterinarian provides through regular, routine office visits. We do not provide advice or consultation regarding immediate emergency attention. If your pet has been in an accident, or is in immediate medical need, you need to contact your regular veterinarian or local animal hospital immediately.