The launch of a new aquarium is carried out after all the scenery, soil, plants have been bought. This process, contrary to general misconception, does not begin with the purchase of fish and involves five preparatory stages. The lion's share of success depends on the acquisition of all the necessary equipment. It must be of high quality and resistant to wear, as some systems will operate around the clock.
Selection rules
Starting the aquarium from scratch should begin by choosing the tank itself. If the aquarist is a beginner, it is preferable to choose medium-sized models, the volume of which varies from 80 to 200 liters. Such a step will make it easy to maintain biological equilibrium compared to small containers. The step-by-step launch of the aquarium, described below, will help to avoid problems.
Filter
All filters are divided into two large categories - external and internal. For beginners who start the aquarium from scratch, it is recommended to purchase good internal ones, which will also save money. Manufacturers indicate how much water the filter is designed for, so it’s almost impossible to make a mistake. However, experts recommend choosing such equipment with a small margin.
Heater with thermostat
This device maintains a temperature that is comfortable for all participants in the system. Manufacturers also indicate the recommended volume on the package. When starting an aquarium from scratch, the selection is usually straightforward.
Lighting
A special beam spectrum is an important condition for the full existence of aquatic plants. They grow well under special-purpose lamps with intense lighting. On average, a power of 0.6 V is needed per liter of water, that is, at least 60 V per hundred liters, and all 90 is better.
When the aquarium starts from scratch, it should be noted that the daylight hours should be the same. Automation (special timers) copes with this perfectly.
Background
Experienced aquarists recommend giving preference to a special film of black or dark blue color, you can also pull on a tablet commensurate with the parameters of the rear window, the fabric of the desired shade. It is this background that perfectly emphasizes beauty. Haggly glossy photographic backgrounds are not the best choice; starting an aquarium with plants can be ruined.
Carbon dioxide saturation system
In the daytime, carbon dioxide is necessary for the entire vegetation of the system to grow, especially if there are many fish there. It is recommended to pay close attention to CO2 parameters. It is recommended to install a saturation system after stabilizing the biological balance, including when the aquarium with plants is starting up.
Stand
The product must be durable. The weight of a hundred-liter aquarium is 140 kg. You can purchase a special cabinet or adapt existing furniture. The aquarium, the photo of which is presented below, is installed on the pedestal correctly.
Launch. Stage One: Verification
First of all, it is necessary to determine if the container is leaking. To do this, it is placed in the bath, preferably on a flat surface. The aquarium is filled with running water to half the volume, after a day it is completely filled. Such a test is carried out in containers of any capacity - this is the only way to understand whether the glass will burst and the product will transfer the first launch. After checking, the water drains, it is better to wash the container. The aquarium is mounted on a pedestal.
Launch. Stage Two: Soil
As a rule, the soil is represented by fine gravel, which is suitable for most plants. Before placing it in the aquarium, it is better to conduct heat treatment, for example, boiling. After that, most of the soil is mixed with the starting fertilizer.
The base is neatly laid out on the bottom with an even layer, the height of which should not be less than 4 cm. In some cases, it is advisable to arrange an uneven layer: small at the front glass, gradually rising to the back wall. It is better to immediately plan the places where the plants will be placed. At this stage, it is important to conduct everything correctly in order to avoid subsequent improvements. When choosing a place where the stands will be located, it is better to focus on lighting and remoteness from heating appliances. Artificial and natural scenery are placed on the ground.
Launch. Stage Three: Hardware Installation
A heater-thermostat, a pump with a filter are connected to the aquarium. The equipment is still unconnected.
Launch. Stage Four: Planting
When placing live vegetation should be guided by these recommendations:
- Large plantings are placed near the back wall.
- In the middle part, it is customary to plant smaller specimens.
- In the foreground are the smallest, they will be closest to the observer.
Beginners should choose inexpensive, tenacious plants, such as valysneria or hornwort. Such instances help to quickly establish equilibrium, after which they can be replaced. In addition, a special bacterial starter culture can be used to accelerate the stabilization of the biological balance. It is introduced into the water according to the instructions. Plants should be sprayed continuously from the spray gun when planting.
Launch. Stage Five: Water Gulf and Connection
Water can be used the simplest - tap. It must be allowed to evaporate completely. If you do not want to wait, you can purchase bottled drinking water.
To exclude erosion of the soil, a saucer is laid on its bottom. The flow of incoming water should fall precisely on it. The aquarium is full. Then you can turn on the equipment. It is necessary to immediately check how the filters function, heating, and what temperature level has been established in the system. The filter should work all the time, it cannot be turned off. After a few weeks, a bacterial environment arises inside the device, which becomes a biological filter. If you turn it off, the bacteria will die quickly without the influx of oxygen and fresh water. Their place will immediately be replaced by anaerobic microorganisms that produce hydrogen sulfide and methane - from them the whole system will cease to exist.
The final check should take place seven days after the launch. In the first days of work, the water in the aquarium will become cloudy, as part of the plants will die out, and the bacteria will multiply intensively. The activity of microorganisms normalizes this process over time, and we can talk about stabilization of the internal biosystem. Only then is the tank ready to receive fish. It will take about a month to fully form an environment where each resident will feel good. One fish should account for about 10 liters of water.
How to run fish
A week after the start of the launch, it is advisable to increase the lighting time of the aquarium to 12 hours. At this time, you can run unpretentious fish species in an amount not exceeding one third of the population allowed for such a volume. It is important that, with the right launch, the fish should remain hungry at this time - this is absolutely harmless to them. Feeding can disrupt the nitrogen cycle, which will necessitate a restart. Fish can be fed after four days.
In a few days, the aquarium can be populated by half the population. During this period, you can run more whimsical fish. After seven days, you can run all the fish.
If the house has soft water, you should choose those inhabitants who prefer this pH level, and vice versa. The aquarium, the photo of which is presented below, is launched absolutely correctly and delights with its beauty.
Marine type
Starting a new aquarium can be difficult if it is of the marine type. All stages are similar to the previous ones, but water requires special preparation. It should be treated with reverse osmosis, after which it settles for three days. After this, the salt concentration is brought to the required level.
When the optimal salt balance, density and temperature of the water are achieved, you can fill up the soil: sand or coral chips. Further in the system you can place live stones, plant corals, decorate the bottom with shells. After a week, you should check the nitrite and ammonium in the water. One month after water treatment, fish can be launched into a marine aquarium.
Rules for a Successful Aquarist
- you need to buy only healthy fish in trusted stores;
- fish should not be overfed;
- it is better to regularly check how all systems work;
- fish should have sufficient living space;
- fish living in the same system must be compatible;
- nitrogen cycle support;
- periodic filter cleaning;
- even a beginner needs to know what is water hardness, pH, buffer capacity ;
- A partial partial replacement of water is necessary, even if the first launch of the aquarium occurred less than two weeks ago.
Instead of a conclusion
A quick launch of the aquarium in 99% of cases does not lead to the desired results; a repeated preparation cycle is often required. A novice aquarist should be patient so that the system can stabilize and fully function.
The question of how to prepare the aquarium for launch has become very relevant recently. Many families want beautiful fish that swim surrounded by vegetation. However, the content of the system requires some effort from the owner, which is best taken into account at the stage of deciding whether to install an aquarium. In addition, we must not forget about the need for fixed costs for the maintenance of the system, including the purchase of fish food, replaceable filters, etc.