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Your First Aquarium
The first thing to do
when you get home is to ensure that whoever is going to set up the aquarium
either has some experience of this or has received suitable instruction from our
staff before doing it.
Certain things must be taken into consideration :-
Do not site the aquarium opposite a
window or where it may get knocked into.
Ensure that the stand (if not purpose
built) is strong enough and perfectly flat.
Most aquaria these days are of a “raised base type” and don’t require anything
underneath the glass, but all-glass aquaria with a flat base should be placed on
a layer of polystyrene which is placed on top of a strong flat board such as ply
or contiboard.
Backgrounds should be cut to size and affixed to the outside of the tank with
a propewr gel, sellotape or bluetack.
Most aquaria
come pre-wired and it is just a matter of plugging the components into a “5 way
extension cable” ( not supplied). Remember that a 2-3 amp fuse will normally
suffice.
DO NOT TURN ON THE ELECTRIC UNTIL THE AQUARIUM IS FILLED WITH WATER AS THE
HEATER GLASS WILL BREAK.
- Remember to wash
the gravel or sand before putting it into the tank.
- Now add the
decorations and rockwork to your own liking ensuring that the stones cannot
fall against the glass.
- At this stage
fill the aquarium 3/4 full with hot and cold water from the tap, the plants
can be added at this stage.
- Then top up with
water to the correct level
AFTER DOUBLE-CHECKING
THE ELECTRICS - SWITCH ON.......
Ensure that the light,
filter and heater all operate correctly and remember that the filter needs to
agitate the surface of the water,(in the case of internal power filters
they should be positioned so that the top of the pump is just at the water
surface).
At this stage add the water conditioner/dechlorinator and we then recommend that
you check the tank daily for approximately one week to ensure that all is well
and that a stable temperature is maintained (24-27 C for tropicals) before
returning to us for your first fish ( see seperate fact sheet).
When using Sea Chems STABILITY , fish can be added at any time, although it is
best not to add too many at one time.
Should you have any queries our staff will be pleased to help
you.
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