Setting Up Your Fish tank Aquarium

Now that you’ve chosen a size of fish tank that suits your purposes you need to get the rest of your aquarium ideas figured out and what accessories you will need to keep the water quality good for both temperature and ph level.  Just read through this web page to understand why you need certain items and then I’ll provide a list at the bottom you can print off to help you out when you go shopping.

The aquarium filtration system is an important item to consider so let’s delve into that area first.

There are three functions a filtering system performs.

First it removes biological matter and detoxifies the water from the dissolved particulates.

Second it mechanically filters any particles out of the water other than biological by trapping it in the filter.

Last it will usually use charcoal to chemically remove any organic waste that has dissolved into the water from plants or food.   Chemical filtration that is working well creates clean and clear water.

There are several different types of filters.  The most common used is an under gravel system where a perforated plate is placed in the bottom of the tank and aquarium gravel is laid over top, (approx 2-3 inches of gravel recommended).  The water under the plate is sucked up a tube and blown back out to create surface movement that helps the water absorb oxygen for the fish. 

Filters can also be outside the tank.  Quit often they hang on the side and are typically called outer power filters.  They can also be totally separated from the tank and hidden underneath in the stand or somewhere less conspicuous. 

No matter which type of filter you choose you will need active carbon (charcoal) and filtering floss in front of the water flow to the charcoal.  For beginners I recommend an under gravel system.

Aquarium lighting is another item that needs to be considered.  Not just so you can see your fish but to also provide light to plants and aquarium algae as well as create that ambiance so essential to a good looking aquarium.  The growth of Algae is important as certain fish do eat it and it also helps to absorb carbon dioxide given off by the fish in breathing.  Just don’t allow a whole lot of it to grow and overrun the tank.  Aquariums should receive at least 8 hours of light per day maxing out at around 11.  It’s not totally critical but the idea is to try and create a day and night period that the fish will get used to and the plants will flourish with.  Lights mounted in the aquarium lid are a typical method for supplying light.  There are special bulbs suited to plant life that give off a particular wavelength of light that plants prefer.  Of course this kind of ties in with getting a hood that will support a lighting system.  The other way to create light is to locate the aquarium so it receives natural sunlight.  The only concern here is to make sure you have a good heating system if you’re close to a window and live in a cold climate during the winter.

I use this method and just use blinds to limit the sunlight in the summer.  I find algae can overrun you pretty quickly with natural sunlight, so you have to stay on top of opening and closing the blinds.  

If you choose the natural method of lighting you will still need a hood to keep the fish from being able to jump out.  My first aquarium lid was a basic piece of screen that I cut out from an old window screen and bent the edges to fit my aquarium measurements. 

I’ve since graduated to a plastic hood with lights that has a flip lid to open and feed the fish. 

There are some other necessary items you will need to begin the process of filling your tank with water and getting it ready for fish.

You will need a plastic pail. (tip mark it for fish tank use only)

You must have a good thermometer to constantly monitor the water temperature and make sure your heater is at the right setting

You need water conditioning additive to neutralize your tap water or water source.

A testing kit to test aquarium ph, NO2, and NH3 which will tell you if or when you’ll need to get some additive to raise or lower the ph level before you add fish.  Once you add fish you can monitor the NO2 and NH3 levels as well to know when your aquarium has become balanced and then more fish can be added.

 Ok so here’s the primary shopping list.

1. A lid, canopy, or hood ( decide on lighting before buying)
2. A water pail (tip mark it for aquarium use only)
3. A filtering system. 
4. A stand.  (See weight issues)
5. A heater
6. A thermometer
7. An air pump and associated hosing and bubble making system.
8. Gravel for the bottom.  Plan on at least 1 lb per gallon size, or take the square footage of your tank and multiply by 10 to get a figure for the number of pounds you will need to purchase.
9. Water conditioner
10. A testing kit

The above list is the bare essentials to get set up.  You might want to consider the following also.

10    Aquarium plants

11    Decorative aquarium rocks or other items

12    Gravel vacuum (great for aquarium maintenance)

13    Algae scraper or sponge

14    Fish net or nets

So go shopping and ask lots of questions if you find a guru at the store.