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Ten
Easy Steps to a Successful Freshwater Aquarium Installation
Here are a few
simple guidelines to follow in order to make your tank set-up easy, fun
and successful.
- Rinse out the tank
and wash the gravel with water (do not use soap or chemicals).
- Put your tank on
a strong base away from direct sunlight, heat vents and air conditioning
vents. If not using a stand purchased from Blue Sierra Exotics, in wood,
make sure your tank is on a suitable flat surface where water staining
is not a problem, not Grandma's old oak dresser or the TV.
- Gently pour the
clean gravel into your tank.
- Setup the filter
and pump following the manufacturers instructions. Read and follow all
equipment instructions. Please call us with any questions.
- Position landscaping
materials such as stones, wood and aquarium ornaments in the gravel.
- Fill the tank half
way with water; try not to disturb the gravel.
- Add your plants
(artificial, live or both). Place the plants in groups with taller plants
in the back. Dig small holes in the gravel to put the roots or base
in. Push the gravel around the bottom of the plants.
- Fill your tank
with water.
- Add water conditioner
to neutralize chlorine instantly.
- Place the cover
and light on the tank. Turn on the filter, pumps and lights. Leave the
filter and pump running at all times. Check for leaks and temperature
(76 to 78 degrees). Allow setup to cycle for a day.
Things to Remember
Wait at least 24 hours before adding fish to your tank. Start
with a few fish at first, in order to start a biological filter, i.e.
6 to 10 small fish for a 10 to 20 gallon aquarium. Use bacteria stimulants
such as Bio-Spira or Cycle to help in the cycling of the aquarium. After
7 days, before your purchase any more fish bring in a water sample so
we can verify good water tank conditions.
Feed fish so they
eat all food off the top of the water in about 10 to 15 seconds, allowing
none to settle to the bottom. (If it looks like it's snowing in the tank,
you've put in too much.) Feed for a total of 5 minutes, 1 or 2 times a
day.
Tank Maintenance
A simple partial water change with a Gravel vacuum, is the best way
to maintain water quality and healthy fish. Removing 1/3 of the water
off the bottom, every 3 or 4 weeks, will help maintain good aquarium conditions.
Replacement water should be same temperature, dechlorinated, using Prime
or any other water conditioner. All this will set your fishes minds and
bodies at ease. Any algae that may form needs simply to be wiped away
with an algae pad. Once you see visible algae growth it is okay to add
an algae eater such as a plecostomas. Leave your aquarium light off part
of the time (8-12 hour light cycle on) and place a background on your
tank to reduce light.
Thank You, Blue Sierra
Exotics
Any Questions don't hesitate to call
425-392-5360
Use this handy checklist
when you purchase your tank, equipment and supplies
[New
Tank Water Change Schedule] [Getting
Started Checklist]
[Tips for Choosing Fresh Water Fish]
[Tips for Adding Fish to Your New Aquarium]
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