| So you think it is easy to set a tank up with a | | | | steady rhythm. |
| few tropical fish in it, think again folk's. | | | | If you have a friend or relative who keeps fish, |
| If you get into the technical side of things "oh | | | | you want to be going around to their house |
| boy" you are going to need a P.H.D.in everything, | | | | because I want you to scrounge some of their |
| but that will not happen on this page, I plan on | | | | water and if they are not looking pinch some |
| simplifying this material for you. | | | | gravel. |
| First things first. | | | | You are going to add this to your tank as this will |
| 1. Buy a tank and all of the other paraphernalia | | | | help to establish your water more quickly with |
| you are going to need. | | | | nitrogen and bacteria, beneficial to the fish and |
| 2. You will need a water heater, pump, filter, | | | | plants. |
| gravel, plants, rocks and a background if you are | | | | Just make sure none of your friends fish are |
| going to use one. | | | | diseased, if they are you will only be transferring |
| 3. Fill your tank with water it sounds silly but | | | | it to your tank. |
| make sure it is on something sturdy, because | | | | Run the tank like this for five to seven days, do |
| when full they are extremely heavy, check for | | | | you recall what I said about chlorine well after this |
| leaks then empty the water. | | | | space of time it will all have dissipated. |
| 4. Wash your gravel and rocks under running | | | | This is without doubt the best part of keeping fish |
| water, you will be amazed at the dirt that comes | | | | going to the pet shop to purchase some. I am |
| out. When you think it is clean do it again, | | | | going to give you a few more tips here please |
| remember this is going to be your fishes home | | | | read carefully. |
| for a long time to come. | | | | 1. While you are in the pet shop looking at the |
| 5. Put all the clean gravel in the bottom of the | | | | tanks of fish ask the shopkeeper if he has a |
| tank add your rocks, fit the background at this | | | | quarantine tank, he should have because any sick |
| stage and make sure it is secure. Install your | | | | fish should be in here receiving treatment. |
| filter, heater and pump at this time. | | | | 2. If there is no tank for sick fish leave the shop |
| If you are going to equip your aquarium with lights | | | | and go elsewhere. |
| do it now, it is also a good idea to plant up before | | | | 3. After all if he does not have quarantine tanks, it |
| filling the tank with water. These are simple to do | | | | means he may be selling sick fish to the public. |
| just place the plants directly into the gravel, you | | | | 4. Choose your fish wisely, the kids will try to |
| may have to trim them a little. | | | | tempt you into buying fish you do not need. |
| Now you can fill the aquarium with water, to me | | | | 5. Stick to your guns, the worst thing you could |
| this is the exciting bit. But I hope you have not | | | | do is get some fish that will outgrow your tank, |
| bought any fish yet, fish do not like chlorine and | | | | or a species that will eat every other fish in sight. |
| tap water is full of it. | | | | I hope you do some research before dashing off |
| You will need to buy a water conditioner there | | | | to buy fish, there are plenty to pick from and it is |
| are plenty of different types on the market, that | | | | nice to know what you want, it beats a |
| needs to be put in the tank. | | | | shopkeeper selling you what he wants to sell you. |
| It is time to turn everything on the lights, heater, | | | | Above all have fun, the hobby is sure to grow on |
| filter and pump you will hear some noise and see | | | | you the more you become involved with it, |
| a flow of bubbles, these will settle down to a nice | | | | cheers. |