Here are some simple hints to assist you in creating the aquarium you have been hoping for. These hints are based on general rules of tank and fish care.This page is created in a logical order for your benefit or simply use the links to jump to the area you are interested in.
| Tank Selection | Tank Preparation | Filtration | Water Conditioning |
| Tank Placement | Temperature Regulation | Decorations | Fish Numbers |
| Tank Stands | Lighting | Filling The Tank | Introducing Fish |
It is important to select the right tank size for your needs. Changes in water conditions can occur rapidly in a small tank, while a large tank can be a burden for a beginner. It is recommended that you purchase a 38 to 76 litre tank to start with. Avoid tanks that are deep or narrow; you're much better of with a large water surface area and less depth.
The location of the tank is very important. Do Not place the tank on top of or close to any heat source, or in areas of strong drafts, cold or direct sunlight. Remember to choose a location where filters and apparatus can be serviced easily.
A tank on its own is not overly heavy, but when it is filled with water it is exceptionally heavy. Tank stands are purpose built to take the weight of a filled tank. Purchase a tank stand that suits the tank you have. The tank should be placed on a level surface that will support the weight.
All-glass tanks seldom leak, but if you have purchased a second hand aquarium it is recommended that you check this just to be safe. Once the tank is in place, slowly fill the tank with warm water and allow to stand for 24 hours. Check for leaks and if none are detected drain the tank. Then clean the tank thoroughly with a soft cloth dipped into a dilute solution of aquarium salt. Wash all inside surfaces of the tank; do not use abrasives, soap or detergents of any kind. Then rinse out the tank thoroughly. Do not fill the tank yet..
Aquarium heaters are essential pieces of equipment for tropical fish. Used in conjunction with an accurate thermometer, a good thermostatically controlled heater is a necessary investment. Different species of fish have varying temperature requirements, but most are comfortable within a range of 22 - 27 degree C. Be careful to monitor the water temperature as sudden changes in can be harmful to your fish. A large range of heaters is carried by A1 Tropicals.
A well illuminated aquarium allows better viewing, highlights the colour of your fish and promotes live plant and algae growth. Depending on the size of the tank and the wattage used, 4 - 10 hours of artificial light will be adequate for most fish and plants. Let A1Tropicals assist you in your selection of the proper light fitting.
To maintain the water conditions a filter is used. Many types of filters are now available, including internal and external canisters, hang on filters, under gravel filters, and trickle filters. All these filters are biological to clean and purify the water. A1Tropicals staff will be only too happy to assist in the selection of a filter to suit your needs & budget.
The aquarium decoration is a matter of personal taste, however there are some important guidelines. Gravels, decorative rocks, ornaments, live and artificial plants sold in aquarium shops are safe. Beware of items you may collect yourself. Items such as beach sand, sea shells, builders gravel and others may be harmful as they may contain soluble materials that will leach into the aquarium and pollute the water. Some plants can be rooted into the gravel while others float freely in the tank. Placement is up to the individual but for viewing purposes it is advisable to place tall plants at the rear of the tank and the shorter ones at the front. It is recommended that you immerse plants in a solution of aquarium salt for 5 minutes before introducing them to your aquarium. Gravel used should be washed several times before it is placed into the tank and is generally used at a rate of 1 kilogram of gravel to 4 litres of water.
If you have chosen an undergravel filter place this in the tank first. Then cover with gravel at the recommended rate. The gravel should slope from the back of the tank to the front of the tank. A coverage of about 7.5 cm at the rear to about 2.5 cm at the front should provide enough slope to allow waste to accumulate at the front where it can be easily removed.
At this point you can begin to add water by placing a cup or deep saucer into the tank and pouring the water into it, allowing the water to gently overflow the sides. If you pour a stream of water directly onto the gravel you will disturb it.
When the tank is half full add plants and decorations. Rooted plants need to be secured evenly under the gravel to prevent them floating to the surface.
Now you can install and test the heating and filtration systems. In doing so, pay strict attention to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the equipment. After having made necessary last-minute adjustments to decor and equipment, bring the water level to within 2.4 cm of the top of the aquarium.
Chemicals like chlorine and chloramine used by most communities to treat waterand kill bacteria, are harmful to fish. These chemicals must be neutralised. There are a number of products on the market for treating your aquarium and bringing the water to a correct balance. A1Tropicals staff will assist and advise in the use of these chemicals.
Ph and Hardness
Two characteristics of water that will directly affect your fish ar Ph and hardness. Ph is a measure of the number of hydrogen ions in the water. This determines the waters relative acidity or alkalinity. Ph is measured on a scale from 0 - 14, with acidic water being less than 7 and alkaline water being above 7. A reading of 7 is considered neutral.
When reading the scale it important to realise that the scale is logarithmic. This means that a reading of 8 is ten times more alkaline than a reading of 7 and 100 times more alkaline than a reading of 6.
Most tropical fish will be happy with a range of 6.5 to 7.5 but it is important to make sure that the community of fish that you create can survive happily in the same Ph range.
The Ph levels of an aquarium are adjusted with chemicals and are monitored with a test kit. The rapid change of Ph levels in an aquarium can be harmful to your fish and chemical buffers are also available.
Hardness is a measure of dissolved mineral salts, chiefly calcium and magnesium. This is measured in parts per million, 200 considered to be hard and 50 being considered soft. The concentration of minerals increases as the water evaporates from your tank. A sample of your water needs to be tested for hardness.
The staff of A1Tropicals will recommend the correct chemicals for your needs and give instructions at time of purchase in their use.
The number of fish an aquarium can hold depends on a number of factors but a good rule of thumb is 2.5 cm of fish to 4 litres of water. Larger fish require more water surface area than smaller fish, and some fish (like gouramis) are capable of breathing air to some extent and are less dependent on the water to provide oxygen. A1Tropicals can advise you on how many fish can be maintained by your tank.
It is important to keep the tank as free of pollutants as possible and so a monthly partial water change is important. Siphon approximately one third of the water from the aquarium and top up the tank with fresh water to reduce the accumulation of dissolved wastes. It is important to make sure that the introduced water be the same temperature as the existing water and that it be treated and tested to return the overall balance to the water.
Communities
The expression "big fish eat smaller fish" is somthing to consider.
Not in the sense that its size that matters but in the types of fish that
you put together in an aquarium to form a community. Some species of fish
are more aggresive than others and will reduce the population. Other factors
that will need to be taken into account when creating a community aquarium
is the temperature and Ph levels. As discussed earlier some fish live in
certain temperature and Ph ranges. Ensure that the fish that you keep in
one tank are similar in nature, temperature and Ph requirements. Below are
two examples of Communities that will live peacefully together in a 38 litre
aquarium.
| EXAMPLE 1 | EXAMPLE 2 |
| 2 Black Tetras | 6 neon (or Cardinal) Tetras |
| 2 Glowlight Tetras | 4 White Clouds |
| 1 Female Betta | 2 Rasboras |
| 6 Guppies | 2 Angelfish (approximately 2 - 5 cm in size) |
| 4 Platties |
When a fish is purchased it will be brought home in a plastic bag. The water in the bag will vary in temperature with the water in your tank. To avoid shocking the fish open the bag and lower it into the water till it is floating in the tank. Keeping the fish in the bag for about 15 minutes. During this time make a number of exchanges of water from the bag with equal amounts from the tank.
While the fish are in the bag, if the fish show any signs of distress, especially gasping for air at the surface, immediately release them into the tank.