There is much to be done when setting up an aquarium for the first time, especially before any fish can be added to the water. It is helpful to know beforehand what types of fish will populate the tank, so that the appropriate equipment and proper size aquarium can be obtained.
Aquarium Size and Placement
Depending on how many and what size fish are desired, a large aquarium may be required. One should take the time to research the prospective fish and determine how large it gets. Make sure the selected aquarium can properly accommodate the fish, and that the tank will be crowded. Fish with too little space often become aggressive and sickly.
Aquariums should be placed in stable, quiet, low-traffic environments. Fish can be easily stressed by excessive noise or movement. For stability, tanks should be positioned in corners or along main walls. This will help if there is ever an earthquake or strong vibrations in the walls or floor. Larger, heavier aquariums should be placed on the ground floor with a suitable foundation for support.
Preparing the Aquarium Substrate
The choice of substrate will largely be a personal, aesthetic choice. If a planted aquarium is desired, then specialized substrates containing supplemental nutrients and minerals should be considered.
Some substrates come prepackaged with beneficial bacteria and certain additives. These substrates do not need to be rinsed. Be sure to carefully read the packaging. All other substrates need to be thoroughly rinsed to prevent the introduction of outside contaminants and to reduce the initial cloudiness of the water when the tank is filled. If the gravel or substrate is not rinsed, the excess dust can cloud the water for several days.
If river sand or other natural substrate taken from outside is to be used, then the sand should be boiled first to kill off any foreign bacteria or parasites that may be present.
Using the Right Aquarium Equipment for the Job
Setting up and properly outfitting an aquarium can be expensive, especially with larger tanks. However, it is definitely worthwhile to purchase better equipment in the beginning. Purchasing cheaper, low-quality equipment will cost far more in the long-run due to breakdowns and malfunctions, as well as a rise in fish mortality.
Again, it is useful to know in advance what species of fish are desired for the aquarium. Is the species a warm water or cold water fish? What temperatures do they need to live comfortably? These answers will clearly affect decisions regarding the purchase of an appropriate heater, or possibly even a water chiller. Make sure that if a heater is purchased that it possesses enough wattage per gallon for the selected aquarium.
All fish require clean water, and therefore the best possible filter should be purchased. Canister filters and filters with large amounts of biological filtration are excellent choices. The more biological filtration and media at work, the greater the filter’s ability to reduce ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in the water. For smaller or delicate planted aquaria, sponge filters hooked up to an air pump or power head are very effective. Planted aquariums and reef tank setups will also need sufficient lighting, which can be another significant expense.
Saltwater aquariums require their own specialized equipment. Protein skimmers are the single most necessary item needed to keep a saltwater tank healthy, as they remove excess organic matter from the water. Saltwater aquarium owners will also require extra power heads, both for circulation of the aquarium, and to pre-mix saltwater in advance of their water changes.
Taking the Time to Properly Cycle the Aquarium
One of the most important and overlooked steps of setting up an aquarium is cycling the water properly before adding fish. What this means is that nitrogen and ammonia (fish poop) need to be introduced to the water and the necessary bacteria needed to break down those substances have to grow to sufficient numbers. If the bacteria is not present in the water, or if it is present but not properly established, the fish will produce waste and the ammonia given off by that waste will build to toxic levels in the water and kill the fish.
Adding several feeder fish after the aquarium has been set up and running for a few days is an effective way to initiate this nitrogen cycle and begin building beneficial bacteria. Feed these fish regularly so that they produce waste. Perform few if any water changes during this time, as you do not want to kill off bacteria colonies.
Freshwater aquariums need to cycle a minimum of four to six weeks before additional fish can be added. Using pre-established water, plants, and mature filters and media will help accelerate this process. Make sure to test your water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates before adding any fish. Saltwater aquariums need to be cycled significantly longer, roughly one to three months.
Taking the time and effort to properly set up an aquarium will ultimately save time, money, and frustration in the long run. If the right equipment is used and the tank is properly cycled, then future tank inhabitants will be healthier and happier.
Aaron Guzman - Aaron Guzman currently lives in Eureka, California and works as a freelance writer. He spends his spare time writing fiction, playing ...
