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| Creating an Aquarium |
| This exclusive DIY kit shows you how to create and maintain an aquarium. |
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Materials: Tank (40 gallons at least)
Clean, damp cloth
Aquarium gravel
Rocks
Small bowl
Pitcher
A pH and salinity test kit
De-chlorinating salt mix
Pump and filter
Note: Please don't buy the fish until the tank is setup. Saltwater fish are generally easy to care for if you setup the aquarium the right way. If you start with a tank larger than 30 gallons, remember that it could weigh as much as a piano and should be placed near a load-bearing wall. - Wipe out the tank using a clean, damp cloth.
- Add the aquarium gravel, which has active bacteria that breaks down waste. Simply pour the gravel into the tank and smooth it out.
- Add various rocks -- all sizes and shapes -- on the bottom (figure A). Not only will these different rocks enhance the aquarium, they also give fish a place to hide.
- To add the water, place a small bowl on the gravel and pour the water into the bowl. Let it run over the sides (figure B), filling the tank without disturbing the gravel or rocks.
- When the tank is full, add de-chlorinating salt mix. Warning: DON'T use household salt. It will KILL fish.
- When the aquarium is full, test the water with a pH and salinity test kit. Once the water has stabilized, you can add live aquarium plants.
- Before adding fish, you will need a pump and a filter -- external filters work best.
- Place a cover with a light on top of the tank to prevent the fish from jumping out (figure C).
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