Set-Up Instructions for Your Freshwater Aquarium

These instructions are for our Master Kits Sets, but can apply to most other set-ups.

1. Select a Suitable Permanent Location

Put the aquarium in an area where you will be able to enjoy it and view it daily. An area with a lot of family activity is the best choice. This way the fish will get used to movements and will not be shy when you go to view them.

Put the aquarium on a solid level support. Use an aquarium stand or a strong level table. (Your aquarium will weigh about 10 pounds per gallon when it is fully filled.) In order to avoid stress on the glass make sure that all four corners are level and supported.

Direct sunlight can cause problems with excessive green algae growth, especially during the summer months. Green algae are not harmful to the fish but it is unsightly. Therefore, do not locate the tank next to a window or in an area where it will receive direct or reflected sunlight. If the tank gets reflected sunlight provide a background for the tank to block the sunlight.

2. Rinse the aquarium with water

Never use detergents or cleansers on aquarium equipment because they can leave a residue that will be harmful to the fish. We suggest that you get a clean bucket that has never been used for detergents. Mark the bucket "For Aquarium Use Only." Use this bucket any time you add water to the tank.

3. Install the undergravel filter and Power Head

Place the undergravel filter in the tank. Attach the "Power Head" to it. If you purchased the aquarium from us our staff will pre-install your undergravel filter, and adjust the size of the lift tubes. Do not plug in the powerhead just yet.

4. Rinse the gravel, then add it to the tank

To rinse gravel, place it in a bucket and stir it while running water through it. Rinse several times until the water runs clear.

5. Decorate the tank

This is a chance to add your own unique touch to the aquarium, whether your tastes lean toward splashes of color or realistic recreations of natural habitats. One practical and eye-pleasing arrangement is to leave the front center of the tank free of decorations, providing an area of swimming room for the fish. Put taller plants and ornaments toward the back, with smaller plants and rocks along the sides. The gravel can be gently sloped toward the back so that debris will accumulate at the front of the tank, where it can be easily removed.

If you are using live plants fill the aquarium half way with water before planting.

6. Fill the tank with water to within an inch of the top

Use tap water that is approximately room temperature.

7. Plug in your Power Head to begin operation of the undergravel filter

8. Install your outside power filter

Outside power filters such as the Hagen AquaClear, or Whisper Power Filter are easy to install by following the instructions on the package. (Fill them with water before you plug them in.) Once the filter is installed plug it in to begin operation.

9. Install the aquarium heater

Hook the heater on the backside of the tank. Follow the instructions supplied with the heater.

Do not plug in the heater until it has been in the water for about half an hour. This gives the thermostat time to adjust. After one half hour plug in the heater, then turn the knob on top until the pilot just comes on. The heater will then be set at the temperature of the aquarium at that time. You may later have to increase or decrease the temperature to get it between 74 and 80 degrees. The ideal temperature for most tropical fish is 78 degrees.

Put the thermometer into the tank. Digital thermometers will attach to the outside glass.

10. Add water conditioner and salt, and Fritz-Zyme

Add NovAqua tonic to neutralize chlorine and condition the water. We also recommend the addition of one tablespoon of non-iodized salt per five gallons of water.

Fritz-Zyme is a tonic that will add living bacteria to your tank. These bacteria will establish themselves in the tank and will provide biological filtration.  Add Fritz-Zyme according to directions.

11. Add the light and cover

Follow the instructions supplied with the light.

Plastic cut-offs on the back of the hood can be removed to accommodate your outside power filter and heater.

Congratulations!

Your aquarium is installed and will be ready for fish in a short while. While it is possible to add a couple of fish now it is safer to wait overnight before stocking the tank.

It is not uncommon for a tank to become cloudy a few hours after it is set-up. This cloudiness is temporary and the tank should clear on its own within a few days. Brite N' Clear (or "Filter Aid") tonic will help speed the clearing process. Sometimes you will see tiny air bubbles form in the tank shortly after it is set-up. The air bubbles are caused by mixing hot and cold water and will go away in a short while.