How to Set Up a Tropical Freshwater Aquarium

https://www.wikihow.it/Installare-un-Acquario-d%27Acqua-Dolce-Tropicale

Aquariums make a delightful addition to any setting as they create a vibrant focal point and a source of color and entertainment.Read below to learn the steps needed to set up a tropical aquarium.You will be thrilled with both the procedure and the end result and will have a “water world” all to yourself.

Steps

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Remember that whatever location you choose, it must be suitable to support the weight of the aquarium.
Place it securely in its new home and, if possible, check that it is level.Remember that unless it is a very small tub, once it is full you should never, ever try to move it.Moving an aquarium full of water can lead to real disasters.
If you intend to use real plants, remember to choose the best base layer.Keep in mind that some fish need certain types of gravel/base layer.You will need approximately 250 g of gravel for each liter of the tank (depending on the setup).It is important to have plenty of gravel as this is where colonies of bacteria form.Before placing it in the tank, you will need to rinse the gravel well in order to remove the dust and dirt that will have accumulated due to moving it.If you use an under-gravel filtration system, install it now.Slowly measure the gravel into the tub so as not to damage or scratch the glass.Generally it is better to create a slight slope with the gravel:deeper at the back and shallower at the front.
Place a clean saucer on the gravel bottom of the aquarium and pour the water onto it to avoid disturbing it.If you are a new aquarium enthusiast, it will be easier to use tap water.
(A liquid that will make tap water suitable for fish life by removing chlorine.(Better brands boast the ability to remove chlorine, ammonia, and nitrites.) Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Remember to only use decorations appropriate for freshwater aquariums.In fact, not all types of stones/pebbles are suitable for this type of aquarium;do some research or ask your trusted aquarium dealer for advice.Take into consideration the species you are going to include;the decorations for an aquarium with cichlids from African lakes will be different from those for an aquarium in which goldfish will be placed, for example.
The filters are all different so make sure you follow the instructions.Once it's properly docked, you can plug it into a power outlet to check that it's working properly.If you are using a canister filter, consider attaching the “spray bar” so that it agitates (creating ripples) the surface of the water.Such a device will be useful for dissolving oxygen for your fish.All other types of filters, however, normally agitate the water.
Follow the instructions carefully!Some heaters are completely submersible, while others are not. Wait at least 30 minutes before attaching the plug to the heater! If you don't do this, you risk damaging the heater due to temperature changes.Set the heater to the appropriate temperature.This operation may require some attention depending on the heater model.
Ideally, most freshwater tropical fish like a constant temperature between 24°C and 28°C.Research the species you want to include to learn more about specific temperature requirements.
Note that most lighting is functional for whatever species you decide to include, however you should do some further research regarding plants.Natural plants often require more than standard lighting.Some aquarium experts believe that connecting the light to a timer has beneficial effects.
A drip loop consists of forming a sort of U with the cable to ensure that the water drops fall on the floor instead of entering the electrical socket!
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Check the water. It tests for pH, carbonate hardness (KH), total hardness (GH), nitrites, nitrates and ammonia.There should be no trace of ammonia, nitrites or nitrates unless your tap water contains them.Calcium carbonate (hardness) is related to pH.If you have soft water (in this case it's the opposite of hard), the pH of your tank can become unstable.In this case, add a stabilizing salt and powdered KH to the tank to prevent the pH from falling.Most freshwater fish are able to live at pHs ranging from 6.5 to 8.0.The neutral pH is 7.0 and is preferred by the majority of fish.Ask your trusted retailer to test the pH of your tap water.If the values obtained are higher or lower than the appropriate ones, ask the staff of the specialized store you usually go to for advice.
- Remember that fish are very adaptable.They are more likely to get sick at a variable pH than at a stable even if not perfect pH.
- Test your pH at least once a month and never let it drop below 6.0.
Grab a book or browse the Internet to decide what type of fish you prefer.You will have to wait at least 48 hours before inserting your first fish.Introducing too many fish at once is usually the worst mistake beginners make and often leads to total failure.
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Add fish and understand your new aquarium. Adding fish is the most exciting part of setting up an aquarium!Unfortunately, however, it is also the part where the most mistakes are made.By following these steps, you'll avoid the heartbreak you might get from finding all your dead fish:
- Run your aquarium for 48 hours without anything inside.This way you will help stabilize the temperature and ensure that the parameters are safe, making the latest improvements to the installation.
- If you're going to use real plants, go ahead and include them.They will favor the start of the biological process necessary for the life of the fish in the tank.
- Try to understand that your aquarium is not just a "golden" cage for your fish but represents an entire ecosystem.Fish produce a lot of ammonia when eliminating waste substances and through breathing.This is what the filter is for, are you there?Well, yes and no.The filter only works properly when it is rich in nitrifying bacteria.These are the "good" bacteria necessary for the life of fish.Without these bacteria, the ammonia produced by fish remains in the water and poisons them.Your new aquarium, being clean and freshly assembled, does not contain these bacteria.If you introduce a group of fish without the bacteria breeding in the tank, you are condemning them to death.These bacteria take 2 to 6 weeks to establish!So what to do?There are several methods to make bacteria reproduce in an aquarium...then, boot the system.
- If you know someone who has had an aquarium with healthy fish for more than two months, you can borrow some used filter media.Keep the filter media wet and add it to the tank (it will keep those good bacteria alive!).The good bacteria will get a boost to start populating your tank.If you don't have friends who own an aquarium, you can purchase live bacteria in various forms from your local retailer.
If possible, add no more than 1 or 2 small fish per 40 litres.For the first week, feed them in moderation (and in small doses) every day.It's not a question of cruelty:remember that overfeeding could kill them at this stage.If you have your own water testing kit, do it daily, paying particular attention to ammonia and nitrite levels.If you notice ammonia or nitrites rising to dangerous levels at any time, perform a 20-30% water change.At this stage, never remove more than 30% of the water or you risk killing your bacteria and always replace it with dechlorinated water.After a week the conditions should be suitable for adding a few more fish and repeating the process.If no problems arise, you should have a stable aquarium within 4-6 weeks.Once your tank is ready, you can feed the fish regularly and add more.Remember:Adding a large amount of fish at one time can create a temporary imbalance in your aquarium, so be careful.Also remember that your tank can accommodate a limited number of fish depending on its capacity.This number depends on the size of the fish and their eating habits.

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Advice

Before purchasing fish – DO research on the species you want to include in your aquarium.Never act on impulse but always do adequate research so as to avoid purchasing an animal that is not suitable for you.
When you purchase fish, you need to provide them with a tank that will be large enough even when they become adults.
Don't forget to continue adding bacteria to the aquarium weekly.
The larger the tub, the easier it will be to maintain its stability.You will find that the water chemistry in a large tank is easier to create than in a smaller tank.Tanks with a capacity of less than 40 liters are more complicated to maintain, especially for beginners.If you are a novice, consider getting a tank of at least 20 litres, unless you intend to place a Siamese fighting fish in it.
Don't forget that you are bringing animals into your home and that it is unfair to skimp on their needs.Make sure you have the finances, and time, to dedicate to an aquarium.
Before inserting ornamental elements such as gravel and wood into the aquarium, make sure you have washed them thoroughly.
Siamese fighting fish can also live in communities but you need to do some research into which species can coexist.
When adding a fish such as the fighting fish (betta Splendens) avoid placing it in a community because other fish can bite their fins and fight with cichlids and other labyrinthids.
Classic aquariums with goldfish can be considered cruel.Goldfish reach a minimum length of 20 centimeters and can live up to fifteen years.For this, they also need a filtered aquarium.Goldfish are not entirely suitable for beginners!For one goldfish you need a tank of approximately 80 liters and you will have to add 40 liters for each additional goldfish.

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Warnings

Don't believe everything fish dealers tell you.In the United States you can consider yourself lucky if you have an aquarium dealer near your home that you know, because in many cases they are difficult to find.In the UK the situation is slightly better but even though you are in a shop with a good reputation, still be careful and don't forget to always do your research!

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Things you will need

An aquarium
A heater (or more than one, depending on the size of the tub).
A filter (or more than one, depending on the size of the tank).
Approximately 250 g of base layer (gravel) per liter of water.
A bath thermometer
A water test kit (ammonia, pH, hardness, nitrites and nitrates)
Bathtub lid and light
Water dechlorinator/stabilizer
Patience

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