Setting Up Your New Aquarium

Rinse your new tank in warm water. Do not use soap as it will taint the new water and do not use hot water because it may loosen the adhesive used in the tank.

Figure out the weight of your new Aquarium, 8½ lbs per gallon. Find a hard level surface that will support all of this weight, and is not in direct sunlight as this leads to algae growth.
If you plan to use an under-gravel filter this should be placed in the aquarium now according to the manufacture’s specifications.

All of the new gravel should be rinsed using a strainer, this will release most of the smaller particles and chemicals used in manufacturing contained in the bag. Place the clean gravel in the tank.

Add water to the tank, that is slightly cool to the touch 70-80°F. Do not use bottled water there is vast amounts of chlorine used in the filtering of this water, also do not used distilled water.

Place the thermometer in the tank in its proper position, allow a few minutes for the thermometer to adjust to the same temperature of the water. Set the temperature to heat the water to maintain a range of 75-78°F.

Set up you filter system as directed by the manufacturer.

Use a water conditioner and an A.C.T. (a double bacteria culture) necessary for the water to properly be conditioned for your new fish. Chlorine in the water will kill the A.C.T. bacteria, so do not add until the day that you will be introducing the new fish. Add one teaspoon of Sea Salt per gallon of water for all tropical fish (especially important for live bearing fish)

Adjust the pH of your tank to a range of 6.8-7.4, and be extra careful when adding chemicals to your tank. Recheck the pH before adding fish or at least once a week.

Initial Checklist

• Proper Size Tank
• Gravel
• Filter and Media
• Sea Salt
• A.C.T. or an inclusive starter kit
• Water Testing Agents
• Heater and Thermometer