| So you decided to brighten up your living space | | | | your fish and create an environment that |
| with a tropical fish tank. It's a simple and | | | | simulates your fishes natural home. Happy fish are |
| rewarding process but following these simple | | | | much more rewarding to watch. |
| guidelines will ensure a satisfying result. | | | | Time to fill your new aquarium with water. Don't |
| Step 1 - Choosing the right equipment | | | | worry too much about the temperature of the |
| A smaller tank will be much easier to maintain but | | | | water at this stage as the tank's heater will have |
| will limit the number and size of fish you can keep. | | | | built in thermostat and will control the |
| You must also carefully consider where you plan | | | | temperature for you. You will need to add a |
| to site the tank in order to select the right size | | | | water purification product to remove harmful |
| and shape. Even a relatively small tank of around | | | | chemicals like chlorine before introducing any fish. |
| sixty litres will be very heavy when full of water, | | | | It is also advisable to buy a simple test kit to |
| decorative stones and gravel. It is therefore, | | | | ensure nitrate/nitrite levels are not dangerously |
| essential that you position your tank on a suitable | | | | high although provided you carry out regular |
| stand. | | | | partial water changes (weekly 15%) this should |
| Some tanks are sold complete with built in filter | | | | never be a problem. Be sure to follow the |
| and heater. This is a great option as the | | | | manufacturers instructions regarding the set up of |
| equipment is perfectly balanced to the tank size. | | | | your filtration and heating equipment. |
| If not you will need to select a suitable filter and | | | | Step 3 - Stocking your new aquarium |
| heater for your tank, make sure they are | | | | So, to the fun part. Choosing your fish is really |
| appropriate for the tank size you choose. Most | | | | about personal preference, but it's worth checking |
| tanks come with a lid which has a built in light so it | | | | with your stockist as to the compatibility of fish |
| won't be necessary to purchase this separately. | | | | species. If you follow their advice it is quite |
| Step 2 - Setting up and aqua-scaping | | | | possible to create a community where all parts of |
| Gravel is available in many types, I prefer the | | | | the aquarium are busy with colourful active fish |
| finer types in natural colours but it's purely a | | | | without creating a battlefield. |
| matter of personal preference. When decorating | | | | Step 4 - The most important part |
| your tank it's useful to consider the rocks or | | | | Make some coffee, put your feet up and enjoy |
| driftwood you're using are more than just | | | | the peaceful, mesmerizing world of tropical fish. |
| decoration. They serve also as hiding places for | | | | |