If you get into the technical side of things "oh boy" you are going to need a P.H.D. in everything, but that will not happen on this page, I plan on simplifying this material for you.

How To Set Up A New Fish Tank, And Stock It With Fish
By Chris Emmerson

So you think it is easy to set a tank up with a few tropical fish in it, think again folk's.

If you get into the technical side of things "oh boy" you are going to need a P.H.D. in everything, but that will not happen on this page, I plan on simplifying this material for you.

First things first.

1. Buy a tank and all of the other paraphernalia you are going to need.

2. You will need a water heater, pump, filter, gravel, plants, rocks and a background if you are going to use one.

3. Fill your tank with water it sounds silly but make sure it is on something sturdy, because when full they are extremely heavy, check for leaks then empty the water.

4. Wash your gravel and rocks under running water, you will be amazed at the dirt that comes out. When you think it is clean do it again, remember this is going to be your fishes home for a long time to come.

5. Put all the clean gravel in the bottom of the tank add your rocks, fit the background at this stage and make sure it is secure. Install your filter, heater and pump at this time.

If you are going to equip your aquarium with lights do it now, it is also a good idea to plant up before filling the tank with water. These are simple to do just place the plants directly into the gravel, you may have to trim them a little.

Now you can fill the aquarium with water, to me this is the exciting bit. But I hope you have not bought any fish yet, fish do not like chlorine and tap water is full of it.

You will need to buy a water conditioner there are plenty of different types on the market, that needs to be put in the tank.

It is time to turn everything on the lights, heater, filter and pump you will hear some noise and see a flow of bubbles, these will settle down to a nice steady rhythm.

If you have a friend or relative who keeps fish, you want to be going around to their house because I want you to scrounge some of their water and if they are not looking pinch some gravel.

You are going to add this to your tank as this will help to establish your water more quickly with nitrogen and bacteria, beneficial to the fish and plants.

Just make sure none of your friends fish are diseased, if they are you will only be transferring it to your tank.

Run the tank like this for five to seven days, do you recall what I said about chlorine well after this space of time it will all have dissipated.

This is without doubt the best part of keeping fish going to the pet shop to purchase some. I am going to give you a few more tips here please read carefully.

1. While you are in the pet shop looking at the tanks of fish ask the shopkeeper if he has a quarantine tank, he should have because any sick fish should be in here receiving treatment.

2. If there is no tank for sick fish leave the shop and go elsewhere.

3. After all if he does not have quarantine tanks, it means he may be selling sick fish to the public.

4. Choose your fish wisely, the kids will try to tempt you into buying fish you do not need.

5. Stick to your guns, the worst thing you could do is get some fish that will outgrow your tank, or a species that will eat every other fish in sight.

I hope you do some research before dashing off to buy fish, there are plenty to pick from and it is nice to know what you want, it beats a shopkeeper selling you what he wants to sell you.

Above all have fun, the hobby is sure to grow on you the more you become involved with it, cheers.

Chris Emmerson full of aches pains and woes but sorry folks still around contrary to some folks wishes

Article Source: Chris_Emmerson
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