Start A New Aquarium And Avoid New Tank Syndrome
Research has shown that watching fish swim in an aquarium reduces stress and blood pressure. Beginning a brand new aquarium requires some understanding of the process. If done without any understanding, many fish put into a new fish tank may die of new tank syndrome. This article will show you exactly how to start a new aquarium and reduce the frustration of new tank syndrome.
First, you need to decide what size tank you would like. You can find tanks from small desk-top sizes to tanks that hold more than 55 gallons of water. You will also need a stand to set your tank on. Be sure it is sturdy enough to hold the tank size you plan to purchase. To calculate the approximate weight of the tank when filled with water, multiply the number of gallons of water the tank holds by 10. So, for a 20 gallon tank, you would multiply 20 x 10. A 20 gallon tank weighs about 200 pounds when filled with water.
In addition to purchasing a fish tank, you will also need a hood, heater, water conditioner, gravel and gravel siphon, as well as pH, ammonia and nitrite test kits and some aquarium decorations. Plan on buying between a pound and a pound-and-a-half of gravel per gallon of water. Do not buy the fish at this time. The use of an EcoBio-Stone will help shorten new tank syndrome, but it needs time to establish the colonies of beneficial bacteria
If you have an EcoBio-Stone, the first thing you must do after purchasing your aquarium supplies is to put it in chlorine-free water, allowing it to soak for 24 hours. Next, rinse the tank and gravel very well with plain water. Never use any type of soap or detergent. Once this is complete, set the filter and heater up.
Next, the gravel, decorations and air pump can be added to the tank. Add conditioned water with a pH of 7.0. Most fish do best at a pH level of 7.0. There are a few fish that require a higher pH level. The heater should be set to keep the temperature at a steady 76-78 degrees Fahrenheit. You can then add your soaked EcoBio-Stone to the tank. The next step is cycling your new aquarium.
Cycling an aquarium is the process that all new fish tanks must go through in order to have an environment conducive to fish life and a healthy tank. During cycling, the beneficial bacteria build up in high enough concentrations to handle nitrite and ammonia levels created from the fishes’ waste products. Left untouched, the average tank requires just over a month to build up enough bacteria. The process can be speeded up, however, by the use of the EcoBio-Stone. It will last two years and keep your fish tank’s water crystal clear during that time.
Once this time has passed, you can now select some fish for your tank. Upon arriving home, put the plastic bag the fish are in into the tank. This allows the fish time to adjust to the new water temperature. After about 10 minutes, release the fish into the tank. They will probably go into hiding if you have any ornaments or plants in the tank.
Each week you should check the pH levels, nitrite and ammonia levels. The latter two should be zero. Each month change 20% of the water (remember to add water conditioner), clean the gravel using the siphon. Add new activated carbon to the filter and wash the filter itself. If you take the time to learn how to start a new aquarium, you will avoid new tank syndrome and enjoy your new fish tank for years to come.
An EcoBio-Stone is a must when you prepare to start a new aquarium. It helps to provide clean and attractive equipment and healthy home for the inhabitants.
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