Setting Up Equipment in the New Tank

This guideline should be followed for setting up equipment in the new freshwater tank. For setting up a saltwater tank, see the "Marine Aquariums." Always follow manufacturers’ instructions carefully when installing equipment.

Getting Ready
Before setting up the aquarium, be sure to clean the tank and gravel thoroughly. The tank should be cleaned using tap water and one of the disinfectant products available from PSP. To clean gravel, rinse it in tap water until the water runs clear.

Gravel that is not fully rinsed can cause a "cloudy tank" once the aquarium is set up. Never use soap or household cleaning products to clean a tank or gravel.

Nine Installation Steps
     - If an under gravel filter is to be used, install the filter plate on the tank floor, leaving a small        space between the plate and the front of the tank, so the plate will not be visible when gravel is        added. Also attach the air-tube to the filter plate.
     - Place rinsed gravel in the tank over the plate. Form a shallow half-basin with the gravel, with the        low point in the front and center. The gravel should slope down gradually as it goes from the back        to the front of the tank. The gravel level at the back should be two to three times higher than it is        in the front.
     - Mount a gang valve on the side of the tank, and attach it to air pump outlet. A gang valve will        allow the air supply delivered to each piece of equipment to be controlled separately. Also install        a check-valve. This will prevent water from back-flowing into air pump.
     - Place an air stone along the back of the tank, and connect it to the gang valve with an air tube.        This will achieve good aeration and water circulation.
     - Mount a heater with built-in thermostat on the back of the tank, using a clip or suction cups.        The heater should be positioned so it does not touch the gravel.
     - Add rocks, ornaments and other decorations. Make sure that all of this material was designed        specifically for use in an aquarium.
     - Place a small basin in the center of the tank, and using hose or pitcher, pour tap water over that        basin, taking care not to disturb gravel, filters or other tank contents. Tap water should be run for        several minutes before it is poured to remove impurities. Water should be filled up to the tank        cover’s glass supports, so the water line will not be visible when viewing the aquarium straight        on. If live plants are to be included in aquarium, they should be set in the gravel when half the        tank is filled with water.
     - Attach a thermometer to tank glass in a position where it can be clearly seen, but is not        obtrusive.
     - Add an aquarium starter preparation from PSP to provide tank with the "good bacteria" needed        to make the biological filtration work. Also add zinc and cooper water treatments from PSP. Put        the glass cover in position over tank, and install hood and lights. Attach a switch box to side of        tank, if one is to be used.

After all equipment has been turned on and allowed to run, check the water temperature as well as pH level and levels of ammonia and chlorine.

Chlorine Levels in the New Tank
Reduce chlorine levels in the new tank by running air pumps more vigorously for 12 hours to achieve greater water circulation.