SETTING UP OF AQUARIUM

Steps involved in setting up of a aquarium i) Adding the gravels Gravels with a particle size of 3-5 mm are used to allow good water circulation and to enable the plants to root.

Steps involved in setting up of a aquarium – Contd… ii) Installing the air pump Air pump is installed to operate biological filter for airlifting and aeration. iii) Adding rocks Large rocks are firmly laid down on the gravel. The rocks are grouped for creating natural look. Several rock pieces can be stuck together with silicon gel to make a cave like structure, which is essential for maintaining cichlid fishes.

Steps involved in setting up of a aquarium – Contd… iv) Filling the tank Tank can be filled with water through hose pipe directed over a rock in order to avoid displacement of gravels. v) Keeping plants Tall plants are kept at the back and sides. The corners are filled with short species. The roots are buried in the gravel.

Steps involved in setting up of a aquarium – Contd… vi) Putting the cover glass into position Cover glass or plastic sheet are used to cover the top. This type has cutouts for cables and for feeding access. vii) Fitting the electrical wiring Electrical wiring with respect to light and filters are properly connected.

Steps involved in setting up of a aquarium – Contd… viii) Setting up the hood and lighting This is the last stage before introducing the fishes. Fluorescent tubes are used which is fitted inside the hood. The hood may be made of metal, wood or fiberglass sheets. ix) Adding the fishes Companionable and compatible fishes are introduced in order to avoid fighting between the fishes. The recommended stocking density of fishes in ornamental fish tank is given below. Surface area of the tanks is taken into consideration for calculating stocking density.

Steps involved in setting up of a aquarium – Contd… Tropical freshwater species For 1 cm length of fish, 30-cm2 surface area is required. Freshwater (Cold water) species Fore 1 cm length of fish, 75-cm2 area is required. Before introducing the fishes the polythene bag containing transported fishes is allowed to float in the water for 10-15 minutes to equalize the two water temperatures. Then the fishes are released.