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In this video i am setting up a new 127 litre aquarium. Adding plants such as swords plant,
cryptocoryne, anubias, java fern, bolbitus and adding lots of mopani bog wood. It is
a sand base. Fish include rainbowish, angel fish, ancistrus catfish, kuhli loaches, synodontis
petricolor and others. Lights are TMC Growbeam 500 + 600 LED, filtration provided by Fluval
FX5 Enjoy!
Setting up a new aquarium, whatever the size or shape, seems a complicated process if you have never
done it before. The first thing you need to do is make a plan about what you intend to
keep in the aquarium. This, in my opinion, is the most important step to setting up an
aquarium.
For example do you want a mixed community, large predatory fish, hard to keep sensitive
fish or maybe a singular display fish. Once this is decided you can purchase the correct
size aquarium for that particular type or types of fish.
Plan what you want in terms of decoration and substrate in your aquarium.
Do you want live plants or will you be using plastic? Do you want lots of rocks or will
you be keeping catfish which require wood in their diet? Do any of
your intended fish need a soft substrate or do they prefer pebbles?
Once these questions are answered you can begin to setup your tank using the following procedure.
1. Place your intended aquarium on a stand capable of holding its weight. How to work
this out: 1L of water weighs 1kg, plus the weight of substrate, any decorations and of
course the weight of the aquarium itself. I also like to add another 20% on just to
be sure.
2. Wash your substrate / decorations in water to remove as much dust and dirt as possible
3. Setup your substrate and decorations within your aquarium as desired.
4. Put a dish or glass into your aquarium and fill it up using tap or rainwater. At this stage
use and aquarium dechlorinator such as this.
5. Hook up your heater, filter, lighting and any other electrical equipment you intend
to use. At this stage it is also a good idea to add the filter media you desire.
6. Add some biological filter treatment such as this and run the tank for at least 1 week
without any fish. Allow your tank to cycle before adding any fish. During this phase
you will need to test your aquarium regularly to determine when it has cycled.
7. Add your fish slowly. Adding around 25% of your intended total every two weeks is
a good idea. This allows your aquarium bacteria to adjust between batches of fish and reduces
the chances of disease and sickness for your fish.
8. Enjoy your aquarium and watch it flourish! Remember to do regular maintenance of your
aquarium to keep it healthy.