Creating The Complete Aquarium

The total aquarium is something more than the sum of all its parts. To have a complete aquarium selecting the proper equipment, accessories, and inhabitants is the first stage. Setting them up in a balanced, harmonious setting is the second stage.

Bellow is a step-by step procedure:

* The first thing you have to do is to clean up the tank by washing tank thoroughly with water and a clean rag (use no soap or detergent).

* Place tank into permanent position, to avoid breakage and disorganization of the community during movement.

* Place the filter plate, and any necessary tubing under the tank.

* Wash sand or gravel and spread it into the tank, sloping from back to front. Level of gravel should vary from three inches to one inch.

* Place under water ornamental materials like bogwood, rocks, shells etc at strategic spots inside the tank. Attach tubing to aerating ornaments.

* Place a sheet of newspaper or polythene over the gravel. On the top of this, place a saucer or small pen.

* Fill about a quarter or half of the tank with prepared water.

* Remove the paper or nylon and dispose it.

* Adjust gravel and ornaments displaced by the water.

* Rinse plant materials.

* Plant large vegetation in corners, and graduate in a design which follows a pleasant regular line - curve, parabola, slope etc. Larger plants should be placed toward the rear.

* Trim dead or broken leaves.

* Finish filling tank by pouring water gently (on palm may be held under the water to halt the pressure of falling water.

* Start up the filter and ornaments and adjust

* Check the temperature, hardness, pH, and chlorine neutralizer with test kit if necessary.

* Add one teaspoonful of salt for each five gallons of water if brackish water species are to be introduced.

* Plug on the lights and leave on for 72 hours to provide light for the new plants.

* Allow aquarium water to stand for three days before introducing fish.