Freshwater Fish Tank Set Up

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Sunday, February 4th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Freshwater fish tank set up in 5 easy steps

Goldfish are the most common pets found in homes today. They make easy and enjoyable pets and are relaxing to watch. If you are interested in setting up a freshwater fish aquarium you might want to start with a 10 or 20 gallon tank while you learn the basics of goldfish care. Never put your goldfish in a bowl - there will not be enough room for the fish to swim properly, they will become stressed and probably die.

Freshwater fish tank set up - a step-by-step guide

Visit your local pet store or fish supplier and choose your tank. The store will be able to advise you on the necessary accessories for successful fish keeping.

Situate your indoor aquarium away from direct sunlight. Sunlight will call algal growth in the tank. Also, set up your freshwater fish tank away from drafts and room heaters that can cause undesirable temperature changes.

You will need a filtration system, which is arguably the most important part of the environment. This is the part of the freshwater fish tank that will filter out impurities and excess debris in the water and help keep the water clean and healthy. There are several varieties of filters available, and your pet store should be able to advise you on the best system for your aquarium. You can choose an undergravel filter, a biological filter or even a charcoal activated filter so ask for advice and consider the maintenance requirements of the different types.

A heater is frequently not necessary in a freshwater fish tank. Most freshwater fish will be happy and healthy in temperatures ranging from 50 degrees Farenheit to 76 degrees Farenheit. If your tank requires a heater then also instal a thermometer so that you can monitor the temperature.

The size of the tank will determine the size of the stand needed to hold your aquarium. Be sure to take into account the finished weight of the tank, including all equipment, fish, rocks / gravel, ornaments, and of course, the heaviest component – the water. One gallon (4.5 liters) of water weighs 10lbs (4.5kgs). When setting up your gold fish tank place a layer of polystyrene, rubber or other impact absorbing material between the tank and the stand. Failure to buffer the bottom of the tank can lead to “pressure points” which make tanks more vulnerable to cracking.

Clean your tank and all equipment that will go in the tank thoroughly. Do not skip this step just because the tank looks shiny and new - your fish could die due to left over contaminants that can dissolve in the water.

Choose lighting that is appropriate for the size of your tank and the number of fish you wish to keep. Not providing adequate amounts of light and poorly circulated water can lead to serious problems that are detrimental to fish health. Purchasing appropriate lights and filters at the time you are setting up your gold fish aquarium will make the job much easier.

You may also need to purchase a water test kit. Maintaining the correct water balance is crucial to the success of the aquarium. pH levels and nitrates are the most crucial components to monitor – some suggest the former should be checked at least weekly and the latter every other week.

Aquarium cycling

Once all of the gravel and equipment is installed it’s time to fill the tank with water and test its chemical stability. In the initial setup of the goldfish tank, it’s fine to add the full amount of water and add chlorine neutralizer if your tap water contains chlorine.

Test that all the equipment is working and run the filter for at least 48 hours to stabilize the water.

Adding fish

Now you can start adding fish to your tank. Starting with at least two test fish is advisable – these fish will produce waste that will need to be removed from the system, and the better your tank handles this task, the better the environment will be for your fish. Monitor your fish and be alert to any problems. Make any necessary adjustments to the water chemistry before adding the remainder of you fish.

Adding aquatic plants when you are doing your freshwater fish tank set up will also assist in maintaining a healthy balance in the water.

There is more to a freshwater fish tank set up than the limited coverage we’ve been able to give to the subject here. Follow the links for more in-depth information and enjoy your new aquarium. Healthy fish in a well-maintained aquarium will bring you many years of pleasure.

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