Table of Contents
Step by step explanationto get a Setting up an aquarium for beginners:
- 1. Select location, type and size of aquarium
- 2. Buy and use technology for the aquarium
- 3. Filling from the substrate
- 4. Decorate the aquarium
- 5. Planting of the aquarium
- 6. Filling the aquarium with lukewarm water
- 7. Dose the cleaning bacteria and water conditioner according to the instructions
- 8. Running-in phase
- 9. Insertion of the fish
- 10. Feeding the fish
Setup of the aquarium
Goldfish used to be kept in a round jar, but this is not species-appropriate housing for fish. In addition, the sound waves (noises) are reflected in a round pelvis and cannot orientate themselves via the lateral line organ. A rectangular aquarium is therefore the best choice to give the fish a perfect home.
Nevertheless, the aquariums come in different sizes, shapes and with different decorations. When buying an aquarium, you can choose an aquarium with or without accessories. For beginners, however, an aquarium with accessories (technology) is very good, so that everything is available for the setup. The set for beginners includes the following basic equipment: basin, lid, heating element, internal filter and lighting. External filters are also included in the set for larger aquariums. These are very powerful. Some basins are also offered with a base unit.
1. Select location, type and size of aquarium
location of the aquarium
The location is very important and should be chosen well. The following places should be avoided: next to the music system, near the door and where direct sunlight shines through windows. The most beautiful place is near the sofa or dining table. The aquarium should be in one area to relax and rest and watch the fish activity.
If you buy an aquarium without a base cabinet, then consider that the piece of furniture must be able to withstand the load of the aquarium. A liter of water corresponds to a kilogram, plus the substrate and the decoration in the aquarium. The piece of furniture should also be water-repellent. If there are any bumps in the piece of furniture, these can be removed foam mats be compensated. But it is only possible if the conditions are in the millimeter range. If the conditions are not balanced, tension or even cracks can occur in the glass.
When buying combinations (cabinet with aquarium), no mats are usually required. Align the aquarium with a spirit level so that it is level.
Size
A larger aquarium has better water parameters. The water parameters are more stable and fewer problems arise. But small aquariums, the so-called nano tanks, are also available. These are mostly used for keeping snails, shrimp and dwarf crabs. Most beginners opt for an aquarium with an edge length of 60 x 30 x 30 centimeters. The capacity is 54 liters. If you want, you can also opt for an edge length of 80 or 100 centimetres. Take into account the fish stock and the space that the aquarium requires. The growth size of the fish must also be considered.
2. Buy and use technology for the aquarium
In order to ensure smooth operation of the aquarium, the associated technology is very important. This gives you good water quality, a balanced ecosystem, healthy plants and colorful fish frolic in the aquarium.
Filter
The heart of the aquarium is the filter, it serves to circulate the water. The water is cleaned of bacteria and highly toxic excretions and the growth of algae is reduced. Internal filters are suitable for aquariums up to 120 liters. An external filter is used for larger aquariums. Internal filters are attached to the back wall of the aquarium with rubber suction cups.
The filter can be well hidden if you use underwater plants and decorations that are a little higher. External filters are located in the cabinet under the aquarium. The filter is connected to the aquarium via hoses. The water circulates to keep the water cycle going. By using the external filter there is also more space in the aquarium.
The underwater world appears more harmonious because the fish and plants have a larger living space. The internal filters are cleaned every month. With the external filter every three months. The filter must be in continuous operation to maintain the balance in the aquarium. If you were to turn it on and off with a timer, the bacteria responsible for cleaning would die off and the water balance would be upset.
heater
The heating element is there to ensure that the correct temperature is reached in the aquarium. The temperature remains constant and even. Even a temperature difference of two degrees is harmful to the fish and puts a strain on their small bodies. There are fluctuations during the day and at night. The temperature can be regulated by the automatic switch-off. The heating rod requires a permanent power supply to keep the temperature constant between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius. The temperature is set on the heater. Depending on the temperature, the heating element switches off or on automatically.
Lighting
Lighting is very important in an aquarium. It represents sunlight. The starter sets already contain the right illuminant. The luminous color of the daylight tubes is usually warm white or cold white. Color lights are perfect when you want to get the most out of the colors of the fish.
With this light, the blue and red tones are emphasized, while the light appears much more intense and lively. The reflectors on the tubes double the intensity of the light. The reflectors are attached to the tubes with clips. The light is reflected down into the aquarium. With the same energy consumption, the brightness of the light is doubled. Not only is it useful and efficient, but it also boosts the growth of plants.
A timer regulates switching the aquarium lighting on and off. The lighting time should be between 10 and 12 hours. The day and night rhythm should be regular, i.e. always on and off at the same time. The time change from summer to winter time should be taken into account. The plants in the aquarium need enough brightness and proper lighting to ensure photosynthesis (proper growth).
Lighting intensity, lighting duration, etc. must be right so that the growth of the plant is not disturbed. Today, LED lighting technology is becoming more and more popular in aquaristics. Lower energy costs and sustainability are very beneficial. Nevertheless, the demands in the color spectrum and the sanctity are fully covered.
Interior of the aquarium
All accessories are available, now the setup and decoration of the aquarium can take place. Just as a garden design needs to be well planned and thought out in order to be harmonious, the interior design of the aquarium needs to be planned and well thought out.
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3. Filling from the substrate
The substrate is usually made up of two layers. One third of the total substrate volume is nutrient soil. It consists of energy for the plant roots and fertilizer. The plants are supplied with all the main nutrients and energy via the roots over a longer period of time. Then a layer of gravel is applied that is about four to six centimeters high. The gravel gives the roots of the plant a good grip.
For beginners in aquaristics, using gravel is the best solution. The diameter of the gravel grain should be about one to two millimeters. If you keep bottom fish, it is important to use rounded gravel, because the fish rummage through the bottom for leftover food with their barthels. With sharp-edged gravel, the fish can injure their barthels.
You can achieve a more intensive effect if you pour the gravel towards the back wall. Grey, black or brown are natural colors and therefore look like a river or sea floor. Of course you can also choose other colors of the substrate, according to your taste.
Special fish species love fine sandy bottom. These include rays, discus fish, cichlids, etc. The sand absorbs contaminants more quickly. That's why food leftovers rot very quickly on sandy ground. The sand layer should only be about one to two centimeters. There should also be regular cleaning of the sand from feed residues. Use a substrate calculator to work out the right amount.
4. Decorate the aquarium
The territory boundaries and hiding places for the fish should be made of natural material. Decorations, such as old roots from the garden or forest, as well as stones, should not be used. Roots rot quickly and stones can release substances that are not compatible with the fish. Purchased natural slabs of slate, lava stones, mangrove roots or red moor roots are particularly good. If you have sucker catfish in the aquarium, roots are very important because they need wood fibers for digestion and health.
rear wall
A textured rear wall is both visual and appealing. You can adapt this to the size of the aquarium and stick it to the rear pane. If a background wall is used in the aquarium, the fish feel much more comfortable. It provides backup and serves as a guide.
5. Planting of the aquarium
Plants for the aquarium are very important for good water quality. If plants are used, fewer care products and water additives are required. Fast-growing plants such as cabomba, vallisneria and waterweed are particularly suitable for this.
TIPP: Two to three plants should be used for every 10 liters of water. If you take good care of the plants in their different colors and shapes, you save yourself the need for compensating agents. The CO2 system ensures that the plants grow beautifully. Weekly care includes iron fertilizer and complete fertilizer.
Now the decorative items such as stones or roots are used. That's called hardscape. Arrange it as he pleases. The insertion of the plants is called soft cape. The materials for transport (pots, lead rings, cotton wool, etc.) are removed and the plants are now planted in the gravel using planting tweezers. Either in clusters or single stems. In between, moisten the plants.
6. Filling the aquarium with lukewarm water
After planting the plants as you like, slowly fill the aquarium with water. The water should be lukewarm. To do this, use a hose, either from the tap or from the bucket. The substrate must not be stirred up, so keep your hand underneath when filling. There is also an old plate that is placed at the bottom of the aquarium. Then let the water run onto the plate.
7. Dose the cleaning bacteria and water conditioner according to the instructions
Water is vital, not only for us humans, but especially for fish and aquatic plants. Therefore, water care and water additives are very important. The balance of the water must be maintained with the regular addition of water additives and also water testing.
Water conditioner, plant fertilizer and filter bacteria
These above things are indispensable. The water from the tap has to be treated because it is contaminated with heavy metals and disinfectant residues. By using the water conditioner, the substances are rendered harmless.
The self-cleaning process is activated with filter starter bacteria. The bacteria convert the waste they ingest as food into non-toxic end products. These end products are consumed by the plants. The food cycle is closed. However, plants also use other nutrients that have to be supplied separately. These are plants full and iron fertilizers.
IMPORTANT: Note the dosage.
Water test
Control the processes of the ecosystem with a water test. Test strips or drop tests quickly reveal the most important water values. Clear water is not always a guarantee for healthy water values.
partial water change
Regular changing of the water is not spared. Due to the excess of substances that are not broken down so quickly, algae develop and the fish do not feel well. Change 30 percent of the water and top up with tap water. Changing the water should be done every 10 to 14 days.
Accessories for cleaning
If there is algae on the panes, dirt in the aquarium or leftover food, the accessories are used for cleaning. Dead plant remains, food residues or dirt particles are removed with the vacuum cleaner. The disc magnet ensures that dirt and algae are removed from the inner discs. Limescale and water stains are removed with glass cleaner for the aquarium.
Dose water conditioner
Dose the water conditioner according to the instructions. After one hour, the cleaning bacteria are dosed. It takes a few days for the cleansing bacteria to multiply. It can take several days, around two to three days. Don't be fooled if the water is clear. Always do a test and write down the values.
NOTICE: Don't add any fish yet. Harmful and beneficial bacteria conduct a territorial battle during this time.
The values of the water must be partially corrected. NO2 (nitrite content) may be too high or water hardness too low. Either biological substances are added or excess pollutants are removed with an adsorber. Since the aquarium is an artificial body of water, a balance must be created with natural substances.
The following water values should be aimed for for a standard stocking in the freshwater aquarium:
| designation | water values |
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Introducing the fish - everything is ready and the introducing of the fish can take place. But here, too, there are several points to consider.
8. Running-in phase
The aquarium should first start up without fish. It is important that all the technology is already up and running. The filter bacteria multiply and you can see whether all the technical devices are working. The running-in period should be seven to ten days. If all values are stable for three days in a row, fish can be used. Robust fish should be used. Small sucker catfish or armored catfish are very suitable for this because they are not so susceptible. Get advice from a specialist retailer.
If the fish have survived the time well, less robust fish can be introduced after about three to five days. Water parameters should be tested beforehand. Repeat this at least three to five times. After about four weeks the complete stocking is reached.
9. Set up an aquarium with fish
The technology is there, the water is right? Then it can finally start. The aquarium can finally be stocked with pretty and colorful fish. But of course there are a few things to consider here too.
inhabitants of the aquarium
In advance, think about what kind of fish you want your aquarium to house. The fish come from different parts of the world. There should be no mixing. The fish should be at least from the same continent. Otherwise it can happen that the fish do not get along.
Put the fish in a clean bucket so they can get used to it. Then fill up the aquarium water every three to five minutes until the water from the transport has reached three times the amount. The newcomers are transferred to the aquarium with a landing net. Turn off the lights to help them acclimate to their new surroundings and calm down.
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10. Feeding the fish
Nutrition
When feeding, it is better to give less food but more often. Leftover food pollutes the water environment. Rule of thumb: What was not eaten within two minutes was too much food. Small amounts, feeding one to three times a day makes more sense. Variety is important when it comes to eating. Live food, dry food or frozen food is very suitable. Drizzle vitamin concentrates on the feed several times a week so that the fish are supplied with all the vitamins they need.
Key point: It takes time to set up
Take your time setting up the aquarium so that you can enjoy it. It usually takes a few weeks or even months to have the aquarium properly tuned. Don't be swayed by setbacks. It's worth the trouble.