how to Set Up of an Aquarium step by step....

 

Setting Up of an Aquarium

Choosing a Location

• The tank should be set up in an attractive and convenient place.
• It should be free from direct sunlight.
• Possible locations include:
1. Home
2. Hospitals
3. Restaurants
4. Hotels
5. Other public places
• In homes, it can be fitted in several ways:
1. Built into a wall and showcase
2. Built into a bookcase
3. In a study room
• The aquarium should stand on a very firm base to avoid jerking and toppling.

Selection of Aquarium

• Rectangular all-glass tanks are preferred for maintaining ornamental fishes.
• Larger tanks provide better appearance and more space for fish.
• Recommended tank size is 60 X30 X30 cm or larger.
• Larger water surface facilitates good oxygenation.
• Follow guidelines when stocking ornamental fish in aquarium tanks.

Setting Up of Freshwater Aquarium

• Setting up an aquarium is also known as aquascaping.
• Aquascaping has two purposes:
1. To make the bare tank more attractive for viewers.
2. To simulate a natural environment with aquatic plants, rocks, gravels, etc.

Steps involved in setting up of a freshwater aquarium

1. Fitting an Under Gravel Filter
• The filter removes dirty materials from the aquarium.
• Under gravel filters are also called biological filters.
• Beneficial bacteria convert toxic substances like ammonia and nitrite into relatively harmless substances like nitrate.
2. Adding the Gravels
• Use gravels with a particle size of  3-5  mm for good water circulation and plant rooting.
3. Installing the Air Pump
• The air pump operates the biological filter for airlifting and aeration.
4. Adding Rocks
• Large rocks are placed firmly on the gravel.
• Rocks can be grouped to create a natural look.
• Several rock pieces can be stuck together with silicon gel to create cave-like structures, essential for cichlid fishes.
5. Filling the Tank
• Fill the tank with water using a hose directed over a rock to avoid displacing gravels.
6. Keeping Plants
• Tall plants are placed at the back and sides, while short plants fill the corners.
• Roots should be buried in the gravel.
7. Putting the Cover Glass into Position
• Cover glass or plastic sheets are used to cover the top, with cutouts for cables and feeding access.
8. Fitting the Electrical Wiring
• Properly connect electrical wiring for lights and filters.
9. Setting Up the Hood and Lighting
• Fluorescent tubes are fitted inside the hood, which can be made of metal, wood, or fiberglass sheets.
10. Adding the Fishes
• Introduce companionable and compatible fishes to avoid fighting.
• Recommended stocking density:
• For tropical freshwater species: 30 cm square surface area is required for each 1 cm length of fish.
• For freshwater (cold water) species:  75  cm square area is required for each  1 cm length of fish.
• Before introducing fishes, allow the polythene bag containing transported fishes to float in the water for 10-15 minutes to equalize temperatures, then release the fishes.

Introduction Care

• Newly purchased fishes should not be released immediately into the aquarium.
• Place the polythene bags in the tank water to equalize temperatures.
• Mix a small quantity of tank water with the water in the polythene bag and keep it for about 15 minutes for acclimatization.
• Transfer fishes into the new tank using hand nets.
• Avoid immediate feeding after stocking.
• Water quality is crucial for successful breeding:
• Most egg-laying fishes require soft water.
• Live-bearers require hard water  (200-300 mg/l) for breeding.