How to Set Up a Freshwater Aquarium Properly

Maintaining a tropical freshwater aquarium is one of my favorite hobbies. I have been a tropical fish enthusiast for over ten years. Over this period of time, I have acquired my knowledge of tropical fish through reading and experience.

The most important lesson of being a tropical fish enthusiast is knowing how to properly set up a freshwater aquarium. Healthy fish will not be able to survive in an aquarium that is not set up correctly. I would like share eleven steps that will help you get past the learning curve of setting up your first freshwater aquarium.

First, here are all the materials you will need:

*Aquarium-I suggest that you choose an aquarium that does not exceed twenty five gallons. Stay away from the larger tanks until you get more experienced.

*Aquarium Gravel-Try to stay away from the loud colors such as yellow and red. Your fish will feel more comfortable with gravel that is similar to the colors that are in their natural habitat.

*Filter-The filter will keep the water clean.

*Heater-The heater will keep the water close to the temperature that tropical fish are used to in the wild.

*Decorations-Real or artificial plants, ships, and other various items will do just fine.

*Test kit to monitor the nitrogen cycle.

*Food-You can alternate between flake food and live food. Alternating between the two will stimulate your fish and increase their life span.

*Aquarium Vacuum-This tool is instrumental in keeping your gravel clean. The vacuum will suck up fish waste and decaying food out of the gravel.

*Fish Net-You will use the net to handle your fish.

*Aquarium Glass Cleaner-You will use this tool to clean the algae that will build up on the glass walls of the aquarium.

*Bucket

Here are the eleven steps that will help you become a start up a healthy aquarium:

Step One-You must realize that your new aquarium will require some of your time. A healthy aquarium will require regular cleanings and its tenants will require daily feedings.