How to maintain an aquarium
Learn how to maintain an aquarium.
An aquarium can be a lovely addition to your home and is something that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The first thing that you need to decide is what size you want your aquarium to be. It is a good idea if you have never had an aquarium before to start with a ten gallon tank. You can purchase this tank in many department stores or in your local pet store. The cost of the tank will be about ten dollars.
Some things that you will need before you begin are:
- The tank(cost-$10.00)
- A filter(cost-$20.00)
- An air pump with an air stone(cost-$16.00)
- A heater(cost-$10.00)
- Aquarium rocks(cost-3bags at $4.00/bag)
- Plants(cost-about6 plants at $3.00/plant)
- Water conditioner-(cost-$5.00)
Total Cost- $91.00
The Location
Where you plan on putting your aquarium should be planned out very carefully. Keep in mind that one gallon of water weighs eight pounds, therefore a ten gallon tank will weigh over eighty pounds by the time you put the rocks and the rest of the necessary things in it. The tank should be put on a sturdy table which can hold that weight or a fish tank stand that is made for that purpose.
Preparing The Tank
When you bring the tank home it should be rinsed with warm water to remove any dust or dirt that may be inside it. Never use any soap in the tank as soap is very toxic to fish. You can brush the inside of the tank with a brush if necessary.
The next step is to put the tank on the table or fish tank stand.
Now it is time to put the aquarium rocks in the tank. You can purchase the rocks in a department store or pet store. The cost is about four dollars a bag. You will need at least three bags. The rocks will need to be rinsed very well before you put them in the tank to remove any dust. Once you have rinsed the rocks you can carefully pour the rocks into the tank. Push the rocks around so they evenly cover the bottom of the tank. Some of the rocks can be left in little mounds for a more natural appearance.
It is now time to put the plants into the tank. Push the plants down into the rocks and push some rocks up around the bottom of the plants to hold the plants down. Taller plants should be placed in the back of the tank and the shorter ones should be placed in the front.
You will need to put the filter in next. The filter should be placed in the back of the tank. The filter helps to keep the water clean and also circulates the water.
The next step is to set up your air pump, which will put air into the water. The air pump can be purchased in a department store or pet store for about fifteen dollars. You will also need to get an air stone to attach to the end of your air hose. The air stone should be pushed down into the rocks and completely covered with rocks.
Depending on what type of fish you decide to have in your tank will determine whether you need a heater or not. If you have goldfish, you do not need a heater. If you want tropical fish you will need a heater. The heater will cost about ten dollars. Place the heater in the back of the tank. You are now ready to fill the tank.
You can fill the tank with tap water unless you have chlorinated or hard water. If your water is chlorinated or hard you will need to buy spring water. Place a saucer in the bottom of the tank when you are pouring the water in as to not disturb the rocks and plants. Fill the tank until it is about an inch from the top. Now you can plug in the filter, the air pump, and the heater.
The tank should be set up and left alone for three or four days before you put any fish in it. This gives the filter a chance to clean up any dust or particles that may be floating around. It also gives your heater a chance to warm up the water. You can also buy a water conditioner which will make your tank safe to put fish in right away. I would still wait a few days anyway just to be safe.
After a few days you can go to the pet store to pick some fish for your aquarium.
Goldfish are very easy to keep. They do not need a heater. Some other fish that are good for beginners are Mollies, Tetras, and Guppies. These fish are very hearty and do very well in a community aquarium.
When you bring your fish home they will probably be in a plastic bag. You will want to place your fish in the tank in the bag for about fifteen minutes until the temperature in the bag and the temperature in the tank are the same. After fifteen minutes you can open the bag and let the fish swim out.
Maintenance
Your tank will need to be cleaned with gravel cleaner about once a month. You can buy gravel cleaner in your pet store.
The inside of the tank should be scrubbed with a brush about once a month also.
The cartridge in the filter has to be replaced about once every two months.
Now you can sit back and relax and enjoy your new aquarium.
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