Freshwater Aquarium Help

So, you’ve decided to set up a home freshwater aquarium. You’ve seen them around and now you want to know how to set it up.

The process is not that difficult and the rewards are well worth it.

Firstly, you need to find out as much as you can about setting up a home freshwater aquarium.

There is a lot of literature telling you how to do it. Magazines, books, and the internet are the three most common resources to finding out what you need to know.

Before you embark on this project, get a notebook and write down a few questions:

Where would you place your home freshwater aquarium?

You need to take into consideration exactly where you want it to be and if it is suitable for an aquarium. Is there a power socket available?

You will have to use electricity for lights, filter and a water heater.

What surface are you going to place your freshwater tank on?

Depending on how big a tank you will be buying it would need to be able to handle the weight. Is the surface waterproof? 

This is necessary when cleaning it because you may splash water. For this reason a surface like your lovely wooden dining room table is not suitable.

Take into consideration the makeup of your household.

Do you have pets and children? Cats particularly will try to get the fish out the tank because it’s their natural instinct.

Young children are also curious, and if able to climb up they could knock over the tank resulting in a big mess and loss of your fish.

You will need:

• A tank that is large enough to accommodate plants with sufficient space for your fish to manoeuvre around comfortably.

• A filtration device is important for the health of your fish. There are quite a few to choose from. Consult with the supplier of your tank which filtration device is suitable for the size of tank you wish to purchase.

• A water heater is important for keeping control of the temperature of the water.

• Lighting is very important for the wellbeing of your fish and also the plants in your tank.

• Substrate and rocks to decorate the tank.

• A water siphon or vacuum to remove debris.

• Plants that are suited to the climate, location, and types of fish in the tank. Beware of some plants as they may be toxic for your fish.

The necessary steps when setting up your home freshwater aquarium are:

1. Arrange rocks inside.
    
2. Pour water in until half way up the tank.
    
3. Add plants and accessories.
    
4. Fill the aquarium.
    
5. Set the filtration system in place. Plug it in to circulate the water.
    
6. Add chemicals to remove chlorine from the water.
    

Before putting fish in the tank leave the lights on and the pump operating to allow flora and fauna, bacteria and other micro-organisms to grow.

Your home freshwater aquarium is now ready to be stocked with fish and to be enjoyed as your newest hobby.