| Aquariums - The Definitive Guide | ||
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Creating the complete aquarium by Frank MamoneThe total aquarium is something more than the sum of all its parts. To have a complete aquarium selecting the proper equipment, accessories, and inhabitants is the first stage. Setting them up in a balanced, harmonious setting is the second stage. Bellow is a step-by step procedure: * The first thing you have to do is to clean up the tank by washing tank thoroughly with water and a clean rag (use no soap or detergent). * Place tank into permanent position, to avoid breakage and disorganization of the community during movement. * Place the filter plate, and any necessary tubing under the tank. * Wash sand or gravel and spread it into the tank, sloping from back to front. Level of gravel should vary from three inches to one inch. * Place under water ornamental materials like bogwood, rocks, shells etc at strategic spots inside the tank. Attach tubing to aerating ornaments. * Place a sheet of newspaper or polythene over the gravel. On the top of this, place a saucer or small pen. * Fill about a quarter or half of the tank with prepared water. * Remove the paper or nylon and dispose it. * Adjust gravel and ornaments displaced by the water. * Rinse plant materials. * Plant large vegetation in corners, and graduate in a design which follows a pleasant regular line - curve, parabola, slope etc. Larger plants should be placed toward the rear. * Trim dead or broken leaves. * Finish filling tank by pouring water gently (on palm may be held under the water to halt the pressure of falling water. * Start up the filter and ornaments and adjust * Check the temperature, hardness, pH, and chlorine neutralizer with test kit if necessary. * Add one teaspoonful of salt for each five gallons of water if brackish water species are to be introduced. * Plug on the lights and leave on for 72 hours to provide light for the new plants. * Allow aquarium water to stand for three days before introducing fish. | ||