1 POSITION TANK IN DESIRED LOCATION

The tank

Besides the most popular rectangular aquariums, other shapes available are triangular, hexagonal and octagonal aquariums. Tanks can be custom made.
The size of the tank depends on two things: the size of your house and the size and desired number of fish. Richard recommends getting the largest tank possible, as larger aquariums are easier to maintain.
NB: We used a 2ft (600mm) long tank. This is the size that most people start out with.

The stand

It is strongly recommended that the aquarium is placed on a sturdy, purpose built, manufacturer recommended stand.
The tank should be supported at all four corners so that no stress is placed along the length of the sides as warps or unevenness can lead to stress cracks in aquarium glass or leaks in the silicone that seals the tank.

The location:

It is important to locate the tank away from drafts, air-conditioning vents and direct sunlight. Air-conditioning can cause rapid temperature swings and sunlight will encourage the growth of algae. A quiet place in the room far from windows is ideal. Bear in mind that once the aquarium is set up it is difficult to move.
The aquarium will need to be set up close to power points. A power board with multiple outlets of electrical supply may be needed for the filter, heater and lighting.
2 WASH GRAVEL

This will remove dust and dirt which would otherwise cloud the water.
3 PLACE GRAVEL IN TANK

The gravel placed on the bottom of the tank forms the basis for successful care of fish and plants. It offers the useful bacteria that break down pollutants and also provides support for aquatic plants.
4 HALF FILL THE TANK WITH COLD TAP WATER

Use a saucer or bowl to break the force of the water. This prevents the gravel from whirling up.
5 PLACE ORNAMENTS, ACCESSORIES AND PLANTS

Ornaments and accessories

It is best to purchase ornaments and accessories from a specialist aquarium store to guard against parasites, diseases or pollutants.

Plants

Plants fulfil several important tasks in the aquarium:
1. With the bacteria in the gravel, the plants form an effective filter system.
During photosynthesis, plants consume carbon dioxide and enrich the water with oxygen.
2. Plants offer the fish hiding places and thus reduce stress. Young fish need a dense planting of fine plants to hide themselves from their hungry fellow occupants.
3. There are many different varieties of water plants available all differing in appearance, height, growth rate, fertiliser requirements and sensitivity.
6 COMPLETELY FILL THE TANK WITH COLD TAP WATER

7 CONNECT FILTER, LIGHT & HEATER

The filter

Filters are designed to remove contaminants such as fish waste, leftover food, and organic materials like dead leaves. If these are not removed regularly, the chemical balance of the water will be affected, which can kill the fish.

The Light

Fluorescent lighting is the most common form of lighting used as it is efficient and generates less heat.
Special bulbs are available to highlight the colours of fish, grow live plants in fresh water, or provide the special light requirements of living corals in reef aquariums.

Heating

A heater is required to keep the water at a temperature the fish are accustomed to (25C).
8 ADD WATER CONDITONERS

Water conditioning to the fishes' natural requirement is important. Tap water is not suitable as aquarium water. Chlorine and other disinfectants, metal ions and various dissolved salts harm fish, plants and microorganisms.

Water conditioners and pH buffers need to be added directly to the water prior to placing fish in the tank. These water conditioners not only de-chlorinate the water but also buff the pH, detoxify certain heavy metals and restore the protective coating on fish.

NB: It is recommended you wait a week before adding any fish. In that first week the water changes a lot in its chemistry and beneficial bacteria develop.
9 PLACE FISH

Fish

It is recommended for people with no aquarium experience to start out with a few hardy specimens. In an aquarium shop you will find fish of all colours, shapes and sizes. There are many that are easy to care for by beginners, but some species are only suitable for advanced aquarists or specialists. A qualified aquarist will be able to help with fish selection.

The number of fish should be limited, as the new system cannot support full a organic load until the natural cycles have had a chance to establish. It is also important not to overcrowd the tank with fish. The basic rule is 1cm of fish per litre of water. Therefore, an aquarium of 100 litres provides enough space for around 20 fish sized 5cm. (Consider the expected final size of the fish.)

Be aware that some fish are not compatible with others, they will kill or fight.

Fish should also be kept in groups of at least 6 — 8 per species. In doing so, the fish are better kept according to their natural requirements and are also more attractive.

Placing fish

1 Float the unopened bag of fish in the aquarium for about 20 minutes.
2 Open bag and pour some aquarium water into the bag.
3 Wait 5 minutes and pour some more water into the bag.
4 Wait a final five minutes and then carefully release the fish into the aquarium using a net. This gives new fish a chance to acclimatise themselves, a little at a time, to the conditions in the aquarium before being released.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

• Never overfeed the fish. Only feed as much as the fish can eat in two minutes without any food remaining in the aquarium. Remove uneaten food. The best basis for nutritional diet of aquarium fish, according to their requirements, is a varied diet of high quality brand food.
• Inspect fish daily to ensure they are acting normally — undiscovered problems have a way of escalating into serious crises.
• Check aquarium temperature daily.
• Ensure filtration is always adequate and perform regular maintenance of all filters.
• Complete regular water changes. Removal and replacement of waste is vital to maintaining healthy conditions within the aquarium. Always make sure any water that is added to an aquarium is safe for fish.