When you first start an aquarium, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but it can be a rewarding and calming hobby. Whether the rich greenery of aquatic plants or the vivid colors of tropical fish pique your interest, setting up a tank takes some thought and expertise. We’ll take you through ten crucial steps in this guide to help you start your aquarium off right.
Ensuring a thriving aquatic habitat requires careful consideration of every step, from selecting the appropriate equipment and tank size to creating a healthy environment for your fish. In addition, we’ll offer professional advice on how to keep your fish happy and healthy and steer clear of typical blunders. You’ll be well on your way to building an exquisite and well-balanced aquarium if you adhere to these rules.
In order to learn how to set up your tank like a pro, continue reading if you’re ready to dive into the world of aquariums. A little planning and attention to detail will soon have you taking in the serene and alluring world that lies beneath the surface of the water.
- Preparatory stage
- Installing an aquarium
- Strength test
- Preparing and laying the soil
- Installing decor and background
- Equipment
- Filling with water
- Video on the topic
- Instructions on how to install and start a 220-liter aquarium for beginners from A to Z!
- Starting an aquarium. How to start an aquarium correctly.
- HOW TO CORRECTLY START AN AQUARIUM – aquaristics
Preparatory stage
It is crucial that you bring a pen and a notebook so that you can record the following key parameters:
- Aquarium volume;
- Number of fish and their types;
- Vegetation;
- Other inhabitants, including snails;
- Presence of light and filter;
- Type of soil.
Buying aquarium containers larger than 45 liters is not advised for those who have never maintained an aquarium before. Fish are no different. Better still, the more straightforward and amiable their personalities are.
Installing an aquarium
You must select a location within the home that satisfies the following requirements:
- Removal from a heat source (batteries, radiators, heaters) – in winter, fish and face discomfort due to an increase in temperature.
- The darkest place possible, away from windows and artificial light sources – sunlight provokes the formation of algae and pathogenic flora in the aquarium.
- Reliability of the design – the aquarium should stand firmly on a flat surface, which will be allocated specifically for it. The surfaces of a chest of drawers, a cabinet, a dressing table and other frequently used interior items are not suitable.
- Accessibility and ease of maintenance – the aquarium should be easily accessible so that you can feed the animals or change the water at any time.
- Remoteness from frequently passed places in the room, so that people do not accidentally knock over or break the artificial reservoir.
It is necessary to treat the aquarium before moving it to its permanent location. Experts advise eliminating dangerous microorganisms safely with soda and a washcloth. Running water should be used to thoroughly rinse the aquarium after treatment.
Strength test
It is unfortunate that after the aquarium is completely filled, on the third or fourth day, a damp area appears beneath the surface, which was not present during the store inspection. It will require effort, patience, and nerves to perform all of the manipulations in reverse order. Proficient aquarium keepers recommend routinely inspecting the glass tank for leaks. This is carried out in the manner described below:
-
Fill the aquarium 1/3 with water, let it stand for 2-3 hours, check the result at the seams.
-
Add water to the maximum mark and leave for another 5 hours.
-
For maximum load, put a lid or a sheet of glass with a liter jar of water on top.
Especially focus on the seams and joints. Only when the aquarium is completely filled can they leak, and this won’t be evident when checking in the store. You can drain the water and move on to the next step if there isn’t a leak.
Preparing and laying the soil
Once the packaging has been opened, transfer the stones into a large basin and submerge it in water. Rinse well, draining the liquid ten to fifteen times.
The soil has to be thoroughly mixed by hand. It’s ready for installation as soon as the water turns clear.
Aquarium soils typically don’t need to be disinfected before use. If you’re still unsure, after you’ve rinsed it, you can add two to three tablespoons of peroxide to the water. After leaving it for three to four hours, remove the water.
The following is the order in which the soil is laid:
-
Distribution of the substrate (nutrient substrate) – used if there are plants with a developed root system that need mineral fertilizers. If there are few plants, then the substrate is laid only in those places where they will be planted.
-
Laying the soil itself – carefully pour pebbles in small portions into different parts of the bottom, leveling the surface with your hand. If there is a lot of soil, you can make beautiful embankments in which to put the decor.
Four centimeters should be the minimum thickness of soil. This is more than sufficient to strengthen the plant rhizomes and form the bottom. To prevent fine-grained soil from being drawn into the purifier, the thickness is lowered to 1-2 cm in the area closest to the filter.
Installing decor and background
Here, it’s crucial to remember the fundamental guideline: abundance does not equate to beauty! First and foremost, fish should be at ease and unrestricted. Some guidance from professionals:
- The total area of decor should not occupy more than 1/20 of the bottom area.
- Avoid sharp objects that can injure fish.
- Do not use houses and towers that have windows and other openings. Bottom fish readily swim into them and get stuck.
- Buy only those decorative elements that are intended for use in aquariums.
- Driftwood and natural components are subject to rotting and the development of pathogenic flora on them. The water will have to be changed more often, and you cannot do without air conditioners.
You must adhere the background in order to highlight how distinctively colored the ornamental fish is. There are many options available in pet stores that will showcase the aquarium’s inhabitants in a positive light. The pattern-covered film is carefully trimmed and adhered to the exterior of the rear wall.
Equipment
The following equipment is a must if the aquarium holds more than ten liters in order to establish the ideal microclimate:
-
Filter and compressor – helps to purify water, removing bottom silt and increasing the oxygen content. When choosing, you should take into account the throughput, which is selected for aquariums of different capacities.
-
Lighting – water lamps are attached with suction cups to the bottom or back wall of the aquarium. Surface lighting is installed on the cover of the aquarium so that water does not get on the device.
-
Thermostat – controls the water temperature and starts the heating process, if necessary.
Since the network powers every device, experts recommend designating a distinct outlet that can accommodate all of the plugs.
Filling with water
The aquarium needs to be prepped before adding water. Use the tap water only after it has settled for one to two days if it is soft. This is required to remove chlorine, which is harmful to plants and animals in large amounts.
Water should be poured into a saucer that is set on the aquarium’s bottom. In this manner, the stream will not damage the bottom’s structure. Fill the aquarium to half of its capacity.
There will be air bubbles on the walls, but this is normal. They’ll vanish within a few hours.
Step | Recommendation |
1 | Choose the right size aquarium for your space and budget. |
2 | Pick a suitable location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. |
3 | Install the necessary equipment like a filter, heater, and lighting. |
4 | Set up the substrate and decorations, and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the tank. |
5 | Add water, treating it with a dechlorinator to make it safe for fish. |
6 | Set up and test the equipment to ensure everything is working correctly. |
7 | Cycle the aquarium to establish beneficial bacteria, which helps in breaking down waste. |
8 | Test water parameters regularly to ensure they are within safe ranges for fish. |
9 | Introduce fish gradually to avoid overloading the system and causing stress. |
10 | Perform regular maintenance, including water changes and monitoring fish health. |
It can be immensely satisfying to start an aquarium, but it’s important to get it right from the start. You’re putting yourself in a successful position if you adhere to the 10 steps listed and consider the advice of experts. Recall that creating a healthy environment for fish and plants to flourish in is just as important as selecting the right fish and plants for your aquarium.
Patience is one important lesson to learn. Before adding more fish, give your aquarium time to establish itself. Rushing the process can cause issues later. Since water quality is essential to a healthy aquarium, pay attention to it. Maintaining your tank’s aesthetic appeal and keeping your aquatic friends happy will require routine testing and upkeep.
Investigate the particular requirements of the fish and plants you select as well. Knowing the needs of each species will enable you to establish a harmonious ecosystem. For novices, starting with resilient species can also simplify the process.
To sum up, setting up an aquarium requires careful thought, perseverance, and continuous maintenance. You will be well on your way to taking pleasure in a stunning and vibrant underwater world if you adhere to the instructions provided and keep yourself informed. Cheers to many years of fishkeeping!
Although keeping an aquarium can seem overwhelming at first, it can be a rewarding and fun hobby with the correct steps and advice. This post will simplify the procedure into ten simple steps, ranging from selecting the ideal tank and accessories to creating a wholesome habitat for your fish and plants. Throughout the process, you’ll receive professional advice on how to keep your aquarium healthy and balanced so that it can be a stunning and low-maintenance addition to your house.