Page 40 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

38 FRESHWATER FISH: SETTING UP THE TANK

Preparing the tank

A little forethought goes a long way when setting up an aquarium.
Give careful consideration to where you want to site the tank,
because if you make a poor choice, you will have to empty the tank
and strip it down before it can be moved elsewhere. It is also a
good idea to plan the layout of the tank well in
advance so that you end up with an aquarium
that not only looks attractive but also allows the
fish to display their natural behavior.

One of the most important
elements in the aquarium
will be the substrate—the
material covering the floor
of the tank. This not only
forms an essential part of the
habitat for the fish but also
Visualize the finished tank. Knowing provides anchorage for the
how you want your tank to look will roots of aquarium plants and
make it much easier and quicker to a surface on which beneficial
assemble the different elements.
bacteria can develop.
For fish that require a sandy substrate, use filtration sand
or river sand, which are chemically inert (they do not affect
the water) and non-compacting. However, most freshwater
aquariums use gravel as the substrate, since the water passes Use gravel with rounded stones for
through it more easily than sand, making the undergravel bottom dwellers, substrate feeders, and fish that
filter (see p.34) more effective. Aquarium gravel is available excavate the substrate for breeding purposes, such
as this Black Belt Cichlid (see p.138). Avoid rough or
in various grain sizes, but make sure that the gravel you choose sharp-edged gravel, which may cut or scratch the fish.

PREPARATORY TASKS
Before adding components such as decor,
equipment, and plants, you will need to wash
the tank and the substrate with clean, warm
water (do not use detergent) and install the
undergravel filter. Handling a wet glass tank
can be hazardous, so allow the outside of the
tank to dry before placing it on its stand,
which must be level and stable. As a general
hygiene rule, keep equipment used for 1 Wash the tank 2 Position on sponge matting
2
1
aquarium tasks, such as sponges and buckets, Add a little water to the tank and wipe the Glass tanks should stand on specially made
separate from items used for domestic chores. glass with a clean sponge. This will remove sponge matting, to absorb any unevenness in
If possible, pour dirty water down outside dust or tiny fragments of glass left over the surface below, which could cause the
drains, not into a kitchen or bathroom sink. from the manufacturing process. joints between the glass panels to leak.

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