Easy Steps To Set Up A Fish Tank
Whether it is your first one or not, getting a fish tank can be very exciting. However, despite what many people believe, it is generally more than just buying a few fish and putting them in a bowl of water. When it comes to setting up a fish tank, many people do it incorrectly. Although some aquariums can be very simple to set up, it is essential that it is done correctly in order to avoid problems and keep the fish inside the tank happy and healthy.
Luckily, we’ve put together some simple steps to help you set up your fish tank. Remember, when you need aquarium equipment to start up your fish tank, you can find what you need at Melbourne Tropical Fish. Whether online or in our Melbourne aquarium store, you will be sure to find the essential aquarium supplies, fish, and equipment that you need to get your fish tank up and running!
Steps To Setting Up A Fish Tank
Fish tanks can be more challenging and difficult than what most people think. What’s more is that many people end up setting their tank up incorrectly, which can potentially lead to some issues. If you are planning on getting a fish tank, follow these simple steps to ensure you are doing it correctly.
1. Find a good fish tank.
Buying a fish tank can be intimidating. However, it does not have to be. In fact, purchasing a fish tank is generally the easiest part of the process. Before choosing a tank, you’ll want to consider whether a saltwater aquarium or freshwater aquarium is right for you. Once you decide and do research on the different requirements each one has, you can begin to shop for the right fish tank.
2. Get the right equipment
Some aquarium kits will include equipment and supplies needed to help get your fish tank up and running. However, there may be additional equipment that you need to purchase in order to set your fish tank up properly. Let’s quickly review the common equipment that you will need for a happy and healthy aquarium.
Aquarium Filter. A good filter is one of the most important accessories that you need for your aquarium. Aquarium filters help remove excess food, decaying organic matter, dangerous chemicals, free-floating particles, and other waste from the water. For filtration that you can trust, consider buying an Aqua clear filter.
Aquarium Heaters. If you plan on keeping a tropical fish tank, a heater is something that you will most likely need. An aquarium heater will help keep the water temperature in the tank stable and safe for the fish. There are many different types and styles of heaters to choose from, but when shopping at Melbourne Tropical Fish, you can find some of the best aquarium heaters available.
Water conditioner. Water conditioner is essential for fish tanks, especially those that use tap water to fill them up. Water conditioner will help remove chlorine and other harmful contaminants from the water in your tank, making it safer for fish.
Aquarium Substrate. The substrate of an aquarium is the material used on the bottom of the tank. Most substrates are usually gravel, but they can be plants too. The substrate can affect the water chemistry, filtration, and health of the aquarium inhabitants.
Air Pump. Aquarium air pumps are necessary for the promotion of gas exchange between the water and atmosphere. While every aquarium may not require an air pump, there are some that do. For example, if you plan to use a filter that needs an aquarium air pump to work, then getting one is obvious. If an external power filter or canister filter are being used in the tank, then an aquarium air pump is most likely optional. These pumps force air into the water, which creates water motion while providing oxygen to it that the aquarium inhabitants need to survive.
Aquarium Decorations. Although they aren’t necessary, adding unique and cool fish tank decorations will help your aquarium look personalized and more appealing. Not to mention, some aquarium fish may use the decorations to hide. Artificial plants, rocks, caves, logs, and more can make great aquarium decorations.
3. Allow your tank to cycle
For many beginners, cycling an aquarium is one of the most difficult parts of the process. This step is necessary to provide the aquarium with bacteria to provide biological filtration. Proper biological filtration will help ensure an aquarium is in good health and that the water is free of toxic elements. Once the bacteria exist in your aquarium, a unique cycle begins to help create a more stable environment for aquarium fish and plants to live in. This cycle is a crucial process that all aquariums must undergo in order for them to become established.
4. Add fish to your tank
Finally, the exciting part! Once you have let your tank cycle, you can begin to add fish. However, just like everything else in this hobby, stocking your tank with fish requires knowledge, time, and patience. First of all, you need to be sure you are adding the right fish to your tank. If you are choosing to have a freshwater tank, then you certainly won’t want to add tropical or saltwater fish to it. It is important to do research to determine which fish are best for your aquarium depending on the type, size, environment, as well as other additional factors. Once you have a clear understanding, you can begin adding fish to your tank. To start, it is best to add them one at a time. After cycling your tank, it is likely that it is still building its levels of beneficial bacteria and adding too many fish at once can cause an overload and create an unsafe environment for the aquarium inhabitants. After the first fish you add is active and in good health — after a week or two — you can add another fish, and so on and so forth. If you need help figuring out what fish to add to your aquarium, the experts at our Melbourne fish store can help!
5. Keep up with aquarium maintenance
Once your fish are added, you’re pretty much all set! The only thing left to do is to maintain the health and operation of the aquarium. Although cleaning a fish tank and changing the water is a chore you would likely rather avoid, it is essential in order to keep a healthy fish tank. Ignoring aquarium maintenance will lead to a whole bunch of problems in your fish tank which will eventually affect the health and well-being of the inhabitants inside. In order to keep your aquarium healthy, be sure to keep up with regular water changes. This will help remove toxic substances, such as nitrates and nitrites. Some of these substances are removed through the nitrogen cycle, but changing the water is the only way to get rid of harmful nitrates. Be sure to keep an eye on algae levels and use aquarium cleaning equipment to make maintenance a bit simpler.
Setting up a fish tank, although it is not too complex, is something that will not happen overnight. However, it is a very fun and rewarding process for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike. By following these simple steps above, you should have no problem setting up your fish tank and keeping it running for years to come. If you are interested in getting a more advanced fish tank, you may want to seek out professional aquarium installation to ensure the setup is done right. Regardless, it is important to keep up with aquarium maintenance, ensure your fish are healthy, and enjoy your fish tank!
Start Your Aquarium at Melbourne Tropical Fish
When you are ready to start a fish tank of your own, it is important to ensure that you have everything you need. From aquarium supplies to freshwater and tropical fish, Melbourne Tropical Fish has everything you need! Shop our aquarium products today online or in our Melbourne fish store.
Contact Us
Melbourne Tropical Fish
Factory 2/41-43 Sinclair Rd
Dandenong VIC 3175
(03) 9792 5513