Having a freshwater fish tank is a great way to add a wonderfully decorative element to your home, and can be fun to care for as well. However, there are some specialized pet care procedures that need to be followed in order to ensure that your fresh water aquarium will be able to be habitable for fish. Being aware of the steps involved in caring for a fresh water fish tank is essential, since it will increase the likelihood that your fish will be able to survive in your tank. Here are some general steps that you can follow when choosing to set up a fresh water fish tank.
PURCHASE SUPPLIES
Before anything else, you need to purchase all of the supplies that you will need in order to set up your fresh water fish tank. Decide on the size of tank you wish to have before anything else, since this will affect the type of filter that you will need. Try to purchase a water filter that cycles the total volume of your tank four times per hour, in order to ensure that your tank’s water stays clean. In addition to this, you can also choose to purchase aquarium substrate (rocks), decorative plants or rocks, fish food specific to the type of fish you plan to keep, and water testing supplies, among other things. Most of these items are available in the fish care section of pet care supply stores.
SET UP YOUR AQUARIUM
Begin by washing your tank, decorations and aquarium substrate in clean, soap-free water. Soap residue can be very harmful for fish, so it’s very important to avoid using it at all costs. Once you have checked your tank for leaks, you can begin by adding gravel, decorations, rocks and other items to your fresh water fish tank. When adding water to your fish tank, you can avoid disrupting your decorations by placing a small plate in the center of the tank, and directing the water flow onto the plate. Install all equipment (water filter, heater, etc) and wait approximately fifteen minutes before you plug it in. Once your aquarium is running, it’s best to wait approximately two to five days before you bring home fish for your tank.
ADDING FISH TO YOUR FRESH WATER TANK
Once your tank has been running for several days, you can begin selecting fish for your aquarium. It’s best to first start with hardy species of fish, so that you are able to ascertain if your tank is habitable. Danio fish, goldfish, cherry barbs or some species of catfish are good first choices for a new tank. Be sure to select your fish carefully, and note any discolorations or odd behavior (since this could be a sign of disease). Float the bag containing your fish in your tank for approximately fifteen minutes before opening the bag, since this will allow the fish to adjust to the water temperature in your fresh water fish tank.