Setting up an aquarium at home does not have to be an overwhelming or difficult task. There are a few steps that you need to follow in order to do so. Once you have completed them you will be all set to keep your fishy friends safe and comfortable.
The first step in the process is to prepare the items that you will be putting in the tank. Washing each item before putting it in will ensure that it is clean when you add the fish. It is important to note that washing these items should be done with nothing more than water. Using detergent or soap to wash the items you put in your aquarium will put your fish in danger. Both of these things can kill fish if they are exposed to them.
One of the things you will need to wash before placing it in the aquarium is the gravel. This should be done using a plastic pan and a colander. All you have to do is add water and stir it around. You may have to stir the water and drain it more than once in order to properly get the gravel clean. When the water runs clear the gravel can be placed in your aquarium.
More to think about with an aquarium at home
The next step is to fill your aquarium with water poured into the aquarium using a bucket that has been thoroughly cleaned. You will need to use room temperature water to fill 1/3 of the tank. To help keep the gravel still it helps to place a saucer or plate on the gravel and fill it with water. The water must then be de-chlorinated with a product that is safe for fish. This is something that can be purchased at most pet stores.
After the water and gravel are added to the aquarium, you need to make sure the tubing is connected to its pump on one end and outlets on the other end. Various decorations can be used for this purpose. It is essential that you make use of an aquarium check valve which prevents the water from becoming backed up. This way, if the power source is interrupted no harm comes to your fish.
You can then choose to add either plastic or live plants to your aquarium. Arranged properly these are the types of items that will help disguise the equipment used to keep the tank running properly. When using live plants ensure that the water in the aquarium is warm enough to support them. The roots of the plants should lie just under the surface of the gravel.
Now your tank is ready to have more water added to it. There should be some space between the surface of the water and the cover of the tank. Once the filters are set up and the water has been cycled the final step is to put the thermometer in the tank and turn on the air pump, heater and power filter.