Setting Up

• Once you have got your aquarium home, the first thing to do is unpack all the equipment and read all the appropriate instructions
• Decide where you are going to position the aquarium.  This should always be away from sources of direct heat or light such as windows or radiators, and not next to TV or stereo speakers
• Remember your aquarium will be very heavy.  Water weight approximately 10lbs for every gallon (a 54 litre aquarium weighing 80 Kg!).  If you have purchased a stand or cabinet with your tank, this will be built to cope with the weight.  If you are using an existing piece of furniture, make sure it is sturdy and perfectly level.  If the glass base sits directly on the stand, a layer of polystyrene should be used as a cushion
• If you are putting a background picture on the back of the tank, now is the time to do it
• Once the aquarium is in its permanent position, the substrate can be added.  This is usually gravel and should be thoroughly washed in running water before use.  You may also add any decor at this stage eg. Stones, wood or ornaments
• The electrical equipment can now be installed.  This will vary according to the type of aquarium and filtration, but points to remember are;

1. DO NOT switch on at this stage
2. Any wires should loop down below the mains socket to prevent water running into the electric supply
3. Airpumps should have an inline non-return valve fitted to prevent water siphoning back up to the pump
4. For tropical fish, the heater should be set at around 76F (24'C)
5. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician

• The aquarium can now be filled with water.  Tapwater should always be treated with a dechlorinator such as 'Nutrafin Aqua Plus' to remove chlorine and cloramine.  Once filled with water, the equipment can be switched on.  Please note that all filtration systems need to run continuously to work correctly
• After 24 hours, it is useful to add a bacteria supplement such as 'Nutrafin Cycle'.  This contains a culture of beneficial bacteria required for the filter to mature and work effectively as a biological system
• We recommend that the aquarium should now be left running for at least two weeks before thinking about adding fish.  After the first week, live plants can be added which will help towards the balance in the aquarium
• After two weeks, the water in the aquarium should be tested.  You can either do this at home with the available test kits or bring a sample of water in to us and we will be happy to test it.  The water should be tested for;

1. pH - acidity / alkalinity
2. Ammonia
3. Nitrite
4. Nitrate

• Depending on the type of fish you wish to keep, the pH should be around 7.0 (neutral).  Tests for ammonia and nitrite should both be negative before adding fish.  If either are positive you should add more bacteria supplement and run the aquarium for another week.
• If the water tests are satisfactory, you are ready to add fish.  Advise should be taken at this time about the different species of fish available but the important thing to remember is to add only a small number (5 or 6) of hardy fish initially.  The stocking level in your aquarium should be increased gradually on a weekly basis.
• If you have any problems in the first few weeks, you must get your water tested as this is the time when ammonia and nitrite levels can fluctuate easily.  High levels of wither can be fatal to fish
• When introducing new fish to your aquarium, check that they are compatible with those you already have and that the water quality is suitable for that species.  Take the fish bag out of its carrier, avoiding exposure to bright light (turn off your aquarium light).  Float the bag for 20 minutes to allow the water temperature to equalize.  Spend another 20 minutes slowly introducing small amounts of your aquarium water into the fish bag.  This acclimatises the new fish to your water.  You can then carefully release the fish.  Leave the aquarium lights off for a few hours or overnight to allow the new fish to settle.  Please remember that fish are living animals and should be treated with care and respect
• One last point to remember is that when you clean the media (sponge) in your filter, never use tapwater.  Always use a small amount of water from your aquarium.  Chlorine in tapwater will kill the beneficial bacteria that has developed in the filter.  Without this, the aquarium will become unbalanced. The golden rule of fishkeeping is that if you keep your water quality correct, your fish should be fit and healthy.
• If you need any further information, please don't hesitate to contact us using the form provided.  We are here to help.