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Checklist
for Getting Started
with Your Freshwater Aquarium
Affordable
& Easy to Maintain
Aquariums are beautiful, living art that are affordable and easy to maintain.
They are a beautiful addition to both homes and offices. Customize your
aquarium with the aquarium style, colored gravel, ornaments, plants and
fish (colors, personalities and sizes) to suit your taste.
- Tank Location.
Choose a location away from direct sun, heat vents and air conditioning
vents. The location will determine your tank size.
- Fish Tank.
Choose the shape and size you like. A larger tank is easier as the environment
is more stable.
- Cover &
Light. The fish tank cover keeps fish in and airborne pollutants
out. The light is in the cover.
- Table or
Stand to hold your aquarium. Choose a table or stand that will
easily support your filled aquarium. A gallon of water weights approximately
eight pounds.
- Filter.
A successful aquarium has three types of filtration: mechanical, biological
and chemical.
o Mechanical filtration removes particles from the water.
o Biological filtration converts fish waste products into nontoxic compounds.
o Chemical filtration removes some types of dissolved organic compounds
from the water.
- Air Pump.
Pumps provide oxygen in the water. Choose your air pump based on the
kind of filter you get.
- Plants.
Choose from a variety of live and/or artificial plants. Plants add beauty
to your tank and your fish with the security of hiding places. Live
plants also provide oxygen, help water quality and control the growth
of algae.
- Gravel.
Place pea-sized gravel in the bottom of your tank. Use one pound of
gravel per gallon of tank size. Gravel should be 1 -2 inches deep.
- Landscaping
Materials. Use material made for aquariums, including ornaments,
stones, real or imitation wood, to create a natural environment for
your fish.
- Water Conditioner.
Removes chlorine and heavy metals from your tap water to make it safe
for your fish. It also adds electrolytes and reduces fish stress.
- Net.
Use to place fish in the water or catch fish.
- Siphon
Hose. Cleans gravel and siphons the water during the monthly
25% water change.
- Algae Scraper.
Cleans algae off the glass on the inside of the tank.
- Thermometer.
Choose from various types including floating, standing, stainless
steel and liquid crystal thermometers. Water temperature should be maintained
between 75 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit for most tropical fish.
- Heater.
Helps you maintain a constant water temperature in the tank.
- Fish Food.
Comes in several styles including flakes, pellets, freeze-dried, sun
dried and granular. Choose food that is best suited to the types of
fish you get.
- Tropical
Fish. Choose fish that are compatible with each other. After
setting up your tank wait at least 24 hours before adding fish. We suggest
extremely hardy ammonia/nitrite tolerable fish to begin with.
You’ll find
everything you need in our on-line store or stop
into our Issaquah, Washington store.
Next, follow these
Ten Easy Steps to Successful Freshwater Aquarium
Installation to get your tank setup and ready for fish.
[Ten
Easy Steps to a Successful Aquarium Installation] [Tips
for Adding Fish to Your New Aquarium]
[Tips for Choosing Fresh Water Fish]
[New Tank Water Change Schedule]
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