Setting Up a New Aquarium

. Position the aquarium on a level and sturdy stand away from direct sunlight.

. Rinse gravel thoroughly with fresh water until water runs clear.

. Fill with tap water.

. Add chlorine remover, cycle and any other recommended water conditioners as per instructions.

. Rinse any carbon or resin filter inserts or water purifiers until water runs clear.

. Position plants, rocks and any other decorations.

. Install filter system, and heater if applicable.

Usually you would wait at least 7 days before adding any fish to your aquarium. The addition of 'cycle' at this stage will help to establish beneficial bacteria in the aquarium that will break down waste from your fish when introduced. This is a slow process, so don't put fish in immediately and only a few at a time when you do with at least another week between subsequent introductions.

. To add fish, float plastic bag for ten minutes in aquarium and then add one cup of aquarium water to the bag containing fish. After five minutes, release fish.

. Be sure not to overfeed fish. Goldfish may be fed once per day, tropicals twice per day, only enough to be consumed within one minute.

. Maintenance is normally a 30 - 50% water change each fortnight using a gravel cleaning siphon.

. The addition of cycle water conditioner with each new instalment of fish will be beneficial in avoiding early fatalities.

. Do not use buckets or other items that have contained detergents or disinfectants in conjunction with your aquarium.