Check List for Setting up a Fish Tank
by Dr. Adrian Lawler
(retired) Aquarium Supervisor (l984-l998) J. L. Scott Aquarium Biloxi, Ms 39530 Original to Aquarticles
Check List for Setting up a Fish Tank
--Pick tank wanted
-Verify tank has no leaks, cracks, or any other faults that could cause tank failure.
-Verify tank is clean and disease-/toxin-free (previously washed, sterilized with bleach, and
rinsed).
--Set up tank in display location. Position tank with water, electricity, air, and drain nearby.
-Verify tank stand will support weight of tank plus contents (substrate, water, etc).
-Verify tank is level.
-Verify nothing is under tank that will crack it or cause tank stress when substrate and water are
added.
--Choose substrate.
-Choose particle size, particle shape, type, and amount (to give wanted depth) of substrate.
-Thoroughly wash substrate (until wash water is relatively clear).
--Choose aquascaping.
-Thoroughly soak, and wash any aquascaping materials to leach toxins.
-Remove organics that will quickly decay; slowly-decaying organics as driftwood, etc may
require fairly frequent water changes, depending on tank volume and rate of decay.
--Choose live plants (if to be employed) and determine lighting (duration, intensity, wavelength)
needed to maintain plants.
--Add under gravel filter, if using this type of filter, or another filter type.
--Add substrate, and level (if not level the water circulation will go through thinnest parts, or paths
of least resistance, and you will have "dead zones" in an under gravel filter system).
--Add tank water to be used, and adjust to the salinity (or freshwater) desired.
--Turn on air/filters and circulate tank water until clear.
--Connect up any UV light sterilizers, ozone units, d