The Ultimate Guide to a Bulletproof Fish Tank, by Aquarium Guy on YouTube. 16 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 16 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- About 2 hours, plus 2 to 6 wee
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Decide on the tank style and size before you buy anything. A bigger tank holds steadier water, so pick the largest one your space and budget allow.
Collect the basic gear: a filter rated for your tank size, a heater, a thermometer, a light and a water test kit.
Sketch the layout on paper. Decide where the filter, heater and open swimming space will go so plants and rocks do not block the flow.
Rinse the substrate in a bucket until the water runs clear, then spread it across the bottom and slope it toward the back.
Place the rocks and driftwood first, then add the plants. Push rooted plants gently into the substrate and tie others to the wood.
Fill the tank with tap water poured over a plate so the substrate stays put. Add water conditioner to remove chlorine, then dose beneficial bacteria.
Cycle the tank before you buy fish. Test ammonia and nitrite every few days and wait until both read zero and nitrate shows up.
Choose fish that suit your water temperature and tank size, and check that the species you pick get along with each other.
Float the bag in the tank for about 15 minutes, then net the fish out. Do not pour the shop water into your tank.
Change about 20 to 25 percent of the water each week, rinse the filter media in old tank water and check the temperature.
Tips and common mistakes
Never rinse filter media under tap water, because the chlorine kills the bacteria your tank depends on.
Unplug the heater and light before you put your hands in the water.
Add fish a few at a time so the bacteria colony can keep up with the waste.
Keep the test kit handy and test the water when fish look off instead of guessing.
Questions
How long does it take to cycle a new tank?
Usually 2 to 6 weeks. Test every few days and only add fish once ammonia and nitrite stay at zero.
Can I put fish in the tank the same day I set it up?
No. A new tank has no bacteria to break down fish waste, so fish added straight away can die. Cycle it first.
How often should I change the water?
About 20 to 25 percent once a week. Small, regular changes keep the water steadier than a big change every few months.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
