Set up a Coldwater Aquarium

Setting up a coldwater aquarium requires a lot of planning. In order to purchase the appropriate tank and materials, you will first need to determine what kinds of fish, as well as how many fish will be in the tank. When setting up your tank, place it on a sturdy surface and away from heat sources and direct sunlight to ensure that it stays cool. Clean the materials that will go inside the tank with warm water before arranging them in it. Then, install a high-quality filtration system before filling the tank with water, and let the system run for at least a week, if not two, before putting your fish in the tank.

Steps

Getting the Essentials

1. Determine what kind of fish you want. Before you buy your tank and other supplies, determine what kinds of fish and how many fish you will have in the tank. This way, you can buy an appropriate sized tank, and the appropriate gravel or substrate.
2. Buy a tank. It is recommended that you buy a large tank versus a small tank. Larger tanks are easier to clean, and you can add more fish to larger tanks. Larger tanks also allow your fish to grow while still being comfortable. Keeping fish in an overcrowded tank is the fastest way to reduce water quality and introduce toxins and diseases to the water.
   • It is recommend that you start with a fish tank that is somewhere between 20 and 55 gallons.
   • It is also better to buy a wide tank versus a tall tank. Wide tanks have more surface area, and thus, allow more oxygen to enter the water and more waste gases to escape.
3. Select the appropriate gravel. Gravel, or substrate, comes in various sizes, colors, and forms. You can choose from gravel, sand, or crushed coral. Gravel is the most common form of substrate and comes in large to small sizes. It is recommended that you buy gravel that is medium in size.
   • Do not buy gravel with sharp edges. The sharp edges can harm the fish, especially fish that like to pick up the gravel or dig into the gravel.
   • Sand substrate is great for fish with delicate barbells such as the Corydoras catfish. However, it is very difficult to clean, and can get stuck in your filter.
   • Crushed coral gravel is great for fish that prefer a higher pH such as African cichlids.
4. Choose a high-quality filter. There are three different types of filtration systems. There are external, internal, and under gravel filtration systems. However, whichever one you choose, make sure it is a high-quality filter. Internal filters are great for small tanks.
   • Under gravel filters move the water through the gravel, which induces biological filtration to occur.
   • Examples of high-quality filters are the Fluval External filter, Penn Plax Cascade canister, and the EHEIM Classic External canister.
5. Pick your decorations. There are a variety of decorations you can choose from. There are aquarium backdrops, rocks, driftwood, plants (both real and fake), and furniture or decoration caves, tunnels, and bridges. Make sure to purchase a variety of decorations.
   • Plants and furniture allow your fish to hide out, feel safe, and relieve stress.
   • Aquarium backdrops are great for hiding cables and equipment behind the tank. They also create an illusion of depth for the fish.
   • Make sure the decorations you buy are safe and non-toxic, for example, sharp objects are harmful for fish, especially the Eye goldfish and the Black Moor fish.

Setting Up the Tank

1. Clean the tank. The tank and other materials (gravel and decorations) that will be placed in the tank need to be cleaned with warm tap water. Do not use soap or detergent to clean the tank and the other materials. The residue left by soap or detergent is toxic to fish.
2. Place your tank on a sturdy surface. One gallon of water weighs 10 pounds, and the average tank size is 30 gallons. Therefore, the object that you place your tank on needs to be very sturdy. Place your tank on a sturdy, wooden cabinet or table.
   • If you do not have a sturdy cabinet or table, then it is best to use a cabinet or stand that is purposely built for holding fish tanks, especially if it is a big tank.
   • Make sure to place your tank in a cool area, i.e., away from heat, and out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating the tank.
3. Add the gravel. Before placing the gravel, also known as substrate, into the tank, clean it. Run tap water through the gravel until the water runs clear, i.e., at least five times. Place the gravel on the bottom of the tank until it is about two to three inches high. Spread the gravel evenly in the tank.
4. Arrange the decorations. If you bought an aquarium wallpaper or backdrop, attach it to the back of your tank, first. Then, begin arranging your decorations as you like. Put the larger decorations near the back of the tank and smaller ones near the front of the tank.
5. Install the filtering system. Most filters require assemblage before placing them into the tank. Assemble your filter according to the manual provided by the manufacturer. For most filters, you just need to assemble a few parts. Do not turn on the filter until the tank is filled with water.
   • For gravel filters, you will need to place the filter underneath the gravel. Make sure it is stable under the gravel. Attach the pump airlines and power head to the appropriate lift tubes before turning on the filter.
   • For internal and external filters, mount it onto one of the tank’s walls, preferably onto the wall that is closest to an outlet. These filters have an external power cable that connects to the main power for filtration to begin. Make sure the power cable will not come into contact with the tank’s water.
6. Fill the tank. Begin filling the tank with cold water. Slowly add the water to the tank with a pitcher or a hose so as not to disrupt or displace the gravel. Most tanks have a water line indicating where you should fill it to. Once the tank is filled, add the water conditioner or de-chlorinator and stress coat to the water per the instruction manual.
   • The water conditioner and stress coat make tap water safe for your fish to live in.
   • Place a bowl on the gravel when filling the tank with water to prevent the gravel from moving and dispersing.
7. Let the filter run. Once everything is set up, turn on the filter. Let the filter run for at least a week before placing your fish in the water. Letting your tank run or cycle allows beneficial bacteria to build up. These bacteria help keep the tank’s water stable for the fish to live in.
   • The longer you let the tank filter the safer the water will be for the fish.
   • Add the sturdiest and strongest fish first, i.e., starter fish, before adding in more fish.

Cleaning the Tank

1. Purchase the cleaning materials. In order to the clean the tank you will need a net to safely remove the fish, a vacuum or siphon to remove the debris, and a five gallon bucket to change the water.
   • You do not need to remove the fish from the water each time you clean the tank. It is best if you can try to keep the fish inside the water while you clean it. If you need to remove the fish, then use the net to transfer them to a large container. Make sure the water is de-chlorinated before placing the fish in the temporary container.
2. Vacuum the tank. You will need to vacuum or siphon feces and debris from the tank at least once a week. Use a siphon to remove the debris. If you have gravel in your tank, run the vacuum over the top of the gravel. If you have sand, hold the vacuum slightly above the sand to avoid dispersing and/or sucking up the sand.
3. Change the water. You will also need to change the water once a week. Use a five-gallon pitcher to remove and replace the water. Replace a third of the water with fresh water each week.
   • If algae is growing on the tank’s walls, then clean and remove this, as well. Use a clean rag to remove the algae.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Set Up a Plant‐Only Aquarium
• Start an Aquarium Shop
• Set Up a Freshwater Aquarium
• Create Aquariums So Lizards and Fish Can Coexist
• Set up a Guppy Tank
• Set up a Tropical Freshwater Aquarium
• Prepare Fish Tank Gravel
• Set up a Healthy Goldfish Aquarium
• Make a Marine Ecosphere
• Set up a Five Gallon Fish Tank

Read more ...