Setting Up A New Aquarium

Fish are a very common popular first pet for people and are very intelligent animals. Not only are they beautiful they can bring a calming presence and a lot of joy.

Choosing the correct size aquarium is important and deciding if you are wanting tropical or cold water. Tropical fish require the water to be heated, cold water does not.

Goldfish require cold water. The minimum tank requirements are 70L per fish, then an additional 30L per fish you add, although the bigger the tank the better!

Tropical fish do not require as bigger tank, however this does depend on what fish you are wanting. These temperatures are usually around 24-26°C. Having a thermometer to measure this is very useful ensuring the fish are comfortable and safe in their new environment. It is very important not to turn on your heater until you have water inside the tank. This can also not be removed if it is hot as this may cause the heater to shatter leaving glass throughout your tank.

It is really important to select a suitable location away from direct sunlight, that will be on a sturdy, level surface, away from heaters and drafts and a safe place.

The tank needs to be free of chlorine before adding any fish, using Seachem Prime with every water change is perfect and Seachem Stability will help to cycle the tank and make the water safe for your new addition. They require weekly water changes of 20%. Using a gravel siphon to clean any waste off the bottom of the tank will help to keep the water cleaner. Cleaning the glass before your water change with an appropriate cleaning pad or cloth and wiping down plants and ornaments also help to keep this healthy and clean and looking good.

It is important that you never clean your filters in tap waters as the chlorine will kill any beneficial bacteria so this needs to be done in tank water or dechlorinated water. If you have any concerns about your water condition, you can get test kits which check the water parameters that affect the health of fish. If you are local, we are happy to do this free of charge in store. Cycling of the tank can take up to 2-3 weeks and it is important to only add a few new fish at a time so you don't crash the tank cycle.

You need to use a filter inside the tank which removes waste and bacteria. A filter also aerates the water so your fish can breathe. Most tanks will come with a built-in filter; you can purchase internal and external filters separately depending on the size of your tank. Sponge filters are another popular choice however these require an air pump to make these work.

Having a light will also be beneficial for tropical fish and plant growth. Again, most tanks will come with these or they can be bought separately.

Adding gravel/sand substrate not only looks good but helps with the filtering process of the water in your aquarium tank. This also helps any live plants to develop good root systems and grow healthy. Having live aquarium plants helps to create a more natural environment while also promoting healthier and a more natural ecosystem by producing oxygen, absorbing fish waste (nitrates) as well as providing shelter which helps to reduce any stress for the fish. It is important that any new substrate is rinsed before adding to the tank to ensure any dust is are washed away.

Cycling of the tanks can take up to 4 weeks and it is important to only add a few new fish at a time you you don't crash the tank cycle.

Order of setting up:

1. Purchase the tank.

2. Choose the best postion for this and make sure it is stable.

3. Wash the substrate, ornaments and add to the tank.

4. Fill with water and add the decloiriater.

5. Add your filter if not attached and turn on.

6. Set the heater to the desired temperature. Postion your heater so it is fully submersed and plug in and turn on. Check the temperature against the thermometer.

7. Add small amounts of fish food each day to help cycle the tank, even when no fish are in the tank.

8. Add Seachem Stability for the first 7 days to help with the cycling.

9. Bring your water after 2 weeks instore and we can test this for you.

Food:

We are currently feeding all of our fish in store Maximum Pet Supplies branded fish food which consists of a mixture of the pellets, flakes and Discus Bits/Granules 1-2 times a day and only as much as they can eat in 2-3 minutes. Over feeding will cause too much waste in your tank which is not good for the fish or cleaning. Feeding less is better until you get to know your fish