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This is a collaborative post.
Figuring out how to set up an aquarium is a matter of two different elements. First, you need to cover the main requirements, which obviously tackle the necessities of your fish or plants. Second, you have to use your imagination and creativity to design something appealing and attractive.
Reaching that perfect balance could be a bit tricky, but here are a few useful ideas to make it happen without too much headache.
How to find the best location for your aquarium?
Where you put the tank is part of learning how to set up an aquarium. Basically, it has to be on a solid and sturdy surface, as well as a flat one. If you can get a certain cabinet for it before getting saltwater fish online, even better.
The tank shouldn’t be in direct sunlight, exposed to temperature variations (such as close to the radiator) or noise, movement and vibration. Things like these can disturb fish.
Substrate comes first
Substrate is part of the design. When learning how to set up an aquarium, you’ll have to decide on a specific substrate. Gravel is a good idea, but sand may also work. Make sure to wash the substrate thoroughly in small amounts, only to remove dust and dirt. Such things will cloud the water.
If you plan to keep live plants, you can also combine decorative gravel with a nutrient rich base underneath.
Extra decoration ideas for your aquarium
Apart from fish, you also want to decorate your tank with other things. Moreover, fish like to explore around and perhaps have some hiding places as well. Decorations can be quite varied and may include plants, ornaments, plastic stuff, wood, rocks and so on. Try to imagine the tank from the fish’s point of view and create a few safe zones where they can retreat.
After getting decorations, soak them for a few hours to remove things that could color or contaminate the water. Like for substrate, clean these things with nothing but water. Soap and other chemicals will hurt fish. Like your fish, décor should be bought from a reputable retailer.
What are the most important technical elements of an aquarium?
Learning how to set up an aquarium isn’t all about decorations, but also about the technical stuff, meaning you’ll have to pay attention to the heater, filter and lighting as well.
Heating
Heating depends on the fish you plan to take. For example, tropical freshwater fish will require heated water. Install the heater according to the manufacturer’s manual. Add a thermometer as well, only to monitor the temperature. Check it daily in the beginning to make sure the heater maintains a consistent level instead of fluctuating.
Filtering
The filter is required regardless of what fish you get. Again, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some aquariums may also have built-in filters. Either way, this is part of learning how to set up an aquarium. Like other things that imply electrical usage, health and safety are extremely important here.
Lighting
Last, but not least, lighting is essential for a few things. For example, plants usually require some form of lighting in order to grow. Lighting can also make your aquarium look nice with shades and different nuances, depending on where you install it.
There are more lighting systems, so pick one based on the type of fish and plants you’ll have. LED lights in particular are popular because they last for ages and don’t require much energy. While lights can be around or above the tank, they shouldn’t be in contact with water.
How to fill the aquarium tank?
Once everything is in place, you’ll have to add things to make it lively and good-looking. With water, plants and fish, your aquarium will look much better. Assuming all the hardware is installed, it’s time to fill up.
Don’t just pour water into the aquarium, as it may damage your environment or cloud everything. Instead, add a bowl at the bottom, on the substrate. Pour water into it. As it fills up, the water will go above the sides and into the aquarium.
Remove the bowl before it’s covered by water, trying to keep your hands out of the water. If you accidentally disturb decorations, adjust them now while the tank is only partially filled.
While requirements may vary, as a general rule of thumb, tropical fish will require at least one liter of water for each centimeter at an adult size. Cold-water fish should need a liter of water for each half of a centimeter of adult size. More is better, so try to give your fish as much space as possible.
Final steps before adding fish
If you’re planning to have some live plants, this is the right moment to add them. If you don’t skip to the next step and work on the water.
Fill the aquarium, then start filtering the water. Water must be cleared of chemicals, which are in abundance. While relatively safe for us, these chemicals will harm your fish. That’s why you need the aquarium to “run” for at least a few weeks before the fish gets in.
Let it settle and stabilize, then you can add the fish. Introduce them slowly, starting with a small number and monitoring how they behave and how the water parameters look.
Learning how to set up an aquarium isn’t the most difficult job in the world. The technical stuff is generic, while your creativity and preferences will often make the difference in the final design.