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How to Set Up a Successful Aquarium!
Small getting started guide by Chris Mailloux

1) Purchase the proper tank. It is best to purchase a tank that provides your fish the most room and surface area.

1 inch of fish = 30 square inches of tank surface area. (For enough space and Oxygen) A 10-gallon tank has approximately 122 square inches of surface area, so a 10-gallon tank can accommodate around 4 inches worth of fish.

Fact about Goldfish – They can grow large up to 10 inches, and produce a lot of waste. A single goldfish requires at the least 10 gallons of unshared water for itself.

2) Purchase gravel, plastic/real plants, and rocks so fish have places to hide.

3) Purchase the proper tank filter.
For smaller tanks such as a 10-gallon, a corner filter or lower end power filter will do. For larger tanks, power filters are good for filtration.

4) Fill tank with water, treat with de-chlorinator (Aquarium Water Conditioner) and let the water sit in the tank for a couple days before adding fish.

5) Purchase your first few fish! Add them to your tank. But not too many at once or else there could be a sad outcome. Wait a few weeks to allow your tank to cycle before adding more fish to your tank.

6) Feed your fish twice a day, no more than they can eat within 2-3 minutes each time.

7) Perform weekly maintenance - Water changes of 10 to 20%; vacuum your gravel for waste with a gravel vacuum; replace your filter media (wool/carbon) every 2-4 weeks.

Tip: Make sure you research fish that will be adequate for your aquarium. Make sure their behaviors are compatable with other species of fish that you may purchase.



* An aquarium can take up to a month to cycle; it is critical for removing toxic ammonia
* A well-kept tank with properly fed fish will ensure the health of your fish

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