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A Few More Aquarium Tips

Just a few more pointers to help you out.

New Tanks :

- When setting up new tanks, make sure you thoroughly rinse your gravel and give your tank a rinse as well.(no detergents, use boiling hot water to set the colour in the gravel).
- Make sure you also clean any decorations you are planning to use in your new tank.
- Gravel should measure a minimum of 2" to 3" from the bottom.
- After you have placed your decorations, use a small plate slightly tilted over one of the larger decorations and begin slowly filling your tank with water. NOTE : if you have a water softener, make sure you ONLY use HARD water (drinking water, distilled water, or purified spring water).
- After the water is in the tank, make sure it is filled to about the lip on the black trim.
- Next, insert your filter and heater.
- FILTER HINT : when setting up a new tank, you should use the amonia cartridge as well as the carbon and the sponge. The amonia bag should be taken out after 2 weeks to a month.
- BIG BIG NOTE : when first setting up your new tank, you should not add any fish for at LEAST 2 weeks. If you do not adhere to this rule, your fish are going to die within days. The reason for this is that the nitrates and the bacteriua levels need to be at a higher level then when they just come out of the tap. Please remember this, or you've just wasted your time and money!!

Existing Tanks.

-For better water quality do a gravel cleaning every two weeks at the very least.
-When changing the water you can leave all fish in.
-Use a gravel cleaner (siphon) to change your water and clean the fish debris out of the bottom.
-For best results take out all decorations and clean the whole tank.
-When changing your water NEVER take the water level down past half. If you do you will loose all your vital bacteria.
-When filling your tank with new water you can use drinking water but use water conditioner.
-Be shure to use tepid water. Not to cold not to hot. Should be about room temperature!!
-At the same time you should check your filter and if needed change the filter media. Never change all the media at the same time!!! Do them in two week intervals.
- When your filling the tank back up put all decorations back in before you put the water in. You can use the rocks to pour the water over so it doesn't disturb your gravel.
-At the same time you can check your glass lid and clean it if there is any calcium built up on it. Use a razor blade to do this.
-At the end you should have a crystal clean aquarium. If the water is not clear give it a day to get rid of the fogginess.