Setting up an aquarium

THERE can be nothing more relaxing than watching a tank full of fish swimming leisurely around. It is a hobby which is gaining more and more in popularity, but setting up that tank is a hit-and-miss affair.

Your new tank will need thoroughly rinsing to remove dust and dirt to avoid any scum forming on the surface of the water. Plain cold water and a sponge are all that is needed. Never use water from the hot tap. It is held in a copper cylinder and will contain minute traces of copper which are fatal to fish. Don't use any household cleaners. The substrata, usually gravel or sand, should be rinsed clean. Any rocks and decorative wood should be soaked in readiness.

A tank full of water and gravel is a considerable weight and must be placed on a sturdy and level base. Between the aquarium and the stand you should place a layer of polystyrene which will even out any pin points of pressure on the glass base. At some stage later on, when you are cleaning out the tank, the base will get wet. Make sure you don't place the tank on a chipboard base because it will warp when it gets wet.

The position of the tank is also very important. Obviously it should be such a position where the fish can be watched in comfort. It should be close to an electrical power point but far enough away so that you can't touch it when you have one hand in the water. Proximity to hi-fi systems, video recorders or televisions should be avoided. Doors which open towards the tank can prove hazardous, especially if the knob hits the glass. Direct strong sunlight will make viewing difficult and will increase the build up of green algae on the inside of the glass. A quiet, dark corner of the room is ideal.

Having positioned your tank it is now time to fill it with water. If you are putting an undergravel filter system in (I will be discussing the various types of filter systems in a later article), the filter plate should be placed on the base. The gravel should be carefully placed over the plate, making sure that none of the gravel gets underneath. For all other systems carefully put in the gravel or sand. Rocks and ornaments together with any equipment such as airlines or heaters should be put in position at this stage, when it is easier to move the tank before it is filled with water. If you are using a background picture put it in position now. You can now add some water. Place a cup and saucer on top of the gravel and gently fill the cup, letting it overflow on to the saucer and then on to the gravel. It requires a little patience but the flow of water will not disturb your gravel or your ornaments.

Fill the tank one third full and check to see if the water is level. At this point it is advisable to position any live plants to avoid root disturbance, which would have occurred if you had planted them before you put any water in. If you are satisfied, continue to fill the tank to within one inch of the top. You are now ready to switch on the heater. Place a condensation tray and a hood on top of the tank. The lighting, which is housed in the hood, can also be switched on.

The water has to be allowed to mature to produce natural filter organisms which are able to nullify the waste products produced by the fish, particularly ammonia. There are products capable of speeding up this process. It takes about five or six weeks for new water to become mature, so it is wise to proceed with caution.

Only buy a few fish at first and avoid expensive ones. Replace a third of the water each week for the first four weeks and then a third every month thereafter. There are water testing kits which can determine the condition of the water.

Over-feeding of fish is very common and should be avoided like the plague. The food rots on the bottom and besides clouding the water it removes vital oxygen and if the fish eat the decomposed food they can end up with digestive upsets. These are just a few points which may help you to start a new and fascinating hobby but I would advise you to read as much as you can to learn about the subject.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.