Setting up a freshwater fish tank may sound complicated especially if we hear the word "Cycling".
Don't let it scare you because it's actually very easy.
After you have decided what fish you want, the next thing to decide on is your aquarium.
Is it big enough to accommodate all the fish and ornaments? The fish should have an enough room to swim at so they'll stay happy and active.
With regard to ornaments, remember that crowding your fish with too many ornaments will not do them any good.
There are plenty to choose from but make sure you plan everything well so you won't end up wasting money.
We're lucky because technology and some advancement enable us to care for our fish easily and more affordable.
To get started, place your freshwater fish tank in a suitable location.
It is not advisable to put it where there's a lot of sunlight coming in and where there's a lot of traffic.
Rinse the aquarium or clean it out with a slightly damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.
Adding a background is a great way to mask the cords that will be hanging behind the wall.
It also adds drama and depth to your aquarium and it makes it more pleasing to the eyes.
Now it's time to add your substrate.
Choose something that will best suit your fish.
Make sure to wash the substrate or gravel to get rid of fine particles or any dirt materials.
If you are going to use live plants you can use a clay-based gravel substrate.
The main role of a substrate is to bed beneficial bacteria with the aid of the tank heater.
The next step in setting up your freshwater fish tank is to fill it with 1/3 water.
Place a plate at the middle so that when you pour the water, gravel will not be displaced.
Add plants and other ornaments according to what you like it to look like.
Driftwood and silk plants are ideal for beginners.
Fill the aquarium with more water (3 quarters full) and then install the heater.
Mount the thermometer on the other side of the aquarium (opposite the heater).
I don't suggest floating thermometers because they're hard to read sometimes.
Fill the remainder of the aquarium with water and don't forget to pour a couple of drops of chlorine remover.
Set up the filter and plug it.
Wait for 24 hours for the temperature to be stable.
Now it's time for cycling.
You can complete this just by pouring a biological additive and then wait for another 24 hours and then test the water for ammonia and nitrite content.
Test your water everyday and this can take up to two weeks.
Once the water's ammonia and nitrite level becomes zero, you can add your fish but do it a few at a time and then you're done!
Don't let it scare you because it's actually very easy.
After you have decided what fish you want, the next thing to decide on is your aquarium.
Is it big enough to accommodate all the fish and ornaments? The fish should have an enough room to swim at so they'll stay happy and active.
With regard to ornaments, remember that crowding your fish with too many ornaments will not do them any good.
There are plenty to choose from but make sure you plan everything well so you won't end up wasting money.
We're lucky because technology and some advancement enable us to care for our fish easily and more affordable.
To get started, place your freshwater fish tank in a suitable location.
It is not advisable to put it where there's a lot of sunlight coming in and where there's a lot of traffic.
Rinse the aquarium or clean it out with a slightly damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.
Adding a background is a great way to mask the cords that will be hanging behind the wall.
It also adds drama and depth to your aquarium and it makes it more pleasing to the eyes.
Now it's time to add your substrate.
Choose something that will best suit your fish.
Make sure to wash the substrate or gravel to get rid of fine particles or any dirt materials.
If you are going to use live plants you can use a clay-based gravel substrate.
The main role of a substrate is to bed beneficial bacteria with the aid of the tank heater.
The next step in setting up your freshwater fish tank is to fill it with 1/3 water.
Place a plate at the middle so that when you pour the water, gravel will not be displaced.
Add plants and other ornaments according to what you like it to look like.
Driftwood and silk plants are ideal for beginners.
Fill the aquarium with more water (3 quarters full) and then install the heater.
Mount the thermometer on the other side of the aquarium (opposite the heater).
I don't suggest floating thermometers because they're hard to read sometimes.
Fill the remainder of the aquarium with water and don't forget to pour a couple of drops of chlorine remover.
Set up the filter and plug it.
Wait for 24 hours for the temperature to be stable.
Now it's time for cycling.
You can complete this just by pouring a biological additive and then wait for another 24 hours and then test the water for ammonia and nitrite content.
Test your water everyday and this can take up to two weeks.
Once the water's ammonia and nitrite level becomes zero, you can add your fish but do it a few at a time and then you're done!