| If you are setting up a giant freshwater aquarium, | | | | appropriate amount of gravel. It is important to |
| you may need to make special considerations | | | | note that there should be a slight, half an inch rise |
| than if you were using a smaller tank. Whether | | | | near the back of the aquarium. |
| you simply want large fish or large schools of | | | | If you added the gravel, then it is time to arrange |
| smaller fish, a giant aquarium can be an exciting | | | | your aquarium according to your fish's needs. Put |
| hobby if set up correctly. | | | | each item where you'd like it to stay and begin |
| If you live or work in any area that is not the | | | | adding the water. To avoid displacing your |
| ground floor, your first consideration should be the | | | | décor, try placing a plate against the |
| weight of your aquarium. A fifty-five gallon | | | | gravel and carefully pouring your water over the |
| aquarium filled with water can easily weigh five to | | | | plate. |
| six hundred pounds. In some case, it can weigh | | | | Now attach your power filter and heater. Be sure |
| even more than that. You will want to check with | | | | to place a thermometer where you can easily |
| your landlord to ensure the floor can properly | | | | view it. Do not forget to treat your water with |
| support your aquarium. | | | | dechlorinator. Many water systems use chlorine to |
| You will also want to ensure you have an | | | | keep their water healthy for people. |
| aquarium stand that will support your tank | | | | Unfortunately, chlorine is not so healthy for your |
| properly. Different tanks have different | | | | fish. Failing to add dechlorinator to your fish's |
| requirements for aquarium stands so make sure | | | | water could easily harm or kill them. |
| you talk to an expert. | | | | If you have followed the above steps |
| Once you have gotten the weight and aquarium | | | | (double-check to make sure you did not miss |
| stand questions out of the way, it is time to begin | | | | one!), you can place your lighting and hood where |
| setting up your aquarium. You will want to clean | | | | they belong. Now flip on all of your appliances and |
| your aquarium with tap water and a clean sponge. | | | | test them. Check the water temperature and pH |
| Do not use soap or any type of cleaning agents. | | | | level as needed. Is everything in order? |
| Chemicals inside the soaps or cleaning agents may | | | | If so, congratulations. You have finished setting up |
| be harmful to fish. | | | | your freshwater aquarium. Now, you need only |
| When your aquarium is properly rinsed, you should | | | | wait twenty-four hours before adding your new |
| add an undergravel filter system to your tank if | | | | starter fish. Remember, each step list above is |
| you purchased one. Set it up according to the | | | | essential for the well-being of your new pets. |
| manufacturer's instructions. Now add the | | | | |