subject: How To Setup A 55 Gallon Aquarium The Right Way [print this page] How To Setup A 55 Gallon Aquarium The Right Way
Setting up a 55 Gallon Aquarium
In setting up a 55 gallon aquarium you need to remember to buy all the supplies before you purchase the aquatic life. The tank and all the supplies need to be set up and running through its cycle period before purchasing the fish and introducing them to their new home. If the fish are not properly introduced in a healthy manner to their new home, there is a great possibility of loosing those fish within the first few days. Some of the supplies you will need are: Gravel, filter, heater, water pump, fish net, fish food (depending on which fish you choose to get), thermometer, testing kits, and decorations.
Now in setting up the tank, put the 55 gallon aquarium where you want it be. Next, you should take the gravel and decorations and wash them off thoroughly before placing it into the aquarium. The gravel should be 2 inches thick surrounding the bottom of the tank. You are able to fill the tank halfway next with tap water. Once that is filled, set up the heater, filtration, and thermometer. Before adding anything else you should wait until the tank maintains a temperature usually anywhere around 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit. With the test kit test your PH levels and make sure they are good for the fish. Usually you let the water cycle for a period of 48-72 hours before purchasing and bringing your new fish home.
Acclimating the fish to their new environment is a very important part of setting up your 55 gallon aquarium. The purpose of this procedure is that the fish you bring home in the bags are in different temperature waters, and the PH level is most likely different as well. You have to slowly introduce them to the new water in the aquarium otherwise the fish can go into shock from the change.
The floating method is the most commonly used. First, turn off the lights in the aquarium. This will give the fish a better easier time to adjust to the new water. Next, float the un open bag that has the fish in it, in the tank for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes is up, cut the bag below the metal clip tying the bag together. Add about a half a cup of the aquarium, water into the bag. Repeat that every 5 minutes until the bag is almost full, but not all the way. Keep the bag floating in the water for another couple minutes. Open the bag and slowly slide the fish into their new home.
