Jazz up the space by adding an aquarium to your home décor

If you are considering adding an reef aquarium to your home décor, then take a look at some of the most basic tips you would need to consider when installing one in your home. These tips will help you make all the correct choices, right from choosing the materials you would need for the aquarium to the different ways in which you need to maintain the aquarium and its inhabitants

Cleaning aquarium materials

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It is imperative that you wash the aquarium materials like rocks and gravel properly before placing them into the aquarium. This would help remove dirt and other unwanted debris that may pollute the water. Avoid using soaps to clean these materials as they can be highly toxic to the fish. Strain the rocks and gravel after stirring them in running water to remove debris. Wash at least a couple of times until the water used to wash the materials is remains clear after stirring.

Adding water

Adding water

Don’t fill the aquarium to the brim with water. Rather fill one third of it with water at room temperature. Don’t pour the water straight away as it could disturb the gravel. Opt to pour it from small cups. It is also wise to add a de-chlorinating agent to the water in order to reduce high chlorine levels which may otherwise harm the fish. When adding water to the aquarium, it is also considered important to leave some space between the water level and the aquarium cover.

Adding plants and other decorations

Adding plants

You can opt for both live and plastic plants, ornaments and rocks to decorate your aquarium with. Ensure that you don’t disturb the gravel while placing these decorations into the aquarium. In the case of live plants, you need to make sure that they are placed in water that is warm. In this case, you would need to gently nudge in the roots into the gravel and leave the crown exposed.

Connecting the air lines

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Aquariums look extra cool with those tiny air bubbles moving steadily from the bottom to the surface. If you want such an arrangement for your aquarium, you can consider installing an air pump underneath the base. Connect the air line that runs from the pump to the air outlets located inside the stones or decorations placed inside the aquarium. Installing a check valve in the pump will also prevent water from seeping back through the air lines when former is switched off.

Maintaining optimum temperature and conditions

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It is wise to check the temperature of the water in the aquarium periodically after installing the filter and heater equipment. The water in a new aquarium would tend to get clouds for the first two days. Don’t worry, the cloudiness will disappear on its own after this period. Make it a point to check the hardness and pH of the water using a testing kit to ensure optimal living conditions for the fish.

Adding the fish

Adding the fish

Make sure you bring the fish home in plastic bags. After getting home, place the bags in the aquarium water for about 20 minutes to even the temperature between both mediums. Never pour the water in the plastic bag into the aquarium as it may contaminate the water. Instead, strain the water (as well as the fish in the packet) in a sieve or net and then transfer the fish to the aquarium.

Covering the aquarium

Covering the aquarium

You would need to opt for a sturdy cover to close the aquarium with in order to prevent the fish from jumping out. This goes double for large fish that can get rather jumpy at times. Remember to fasten the lid securely to the aquarium before turning on the air pump and light.

Feeding the fish

Feeding the fish

Wait for the fish to adapt to the new environment before feeding them. It may take about 2 days or so for this to happen. Check for signs of problem by keeping track of the fish. If they look pale and do not swim around the aquarium as they are supposed to, you would need to check the equipment and settings again.

Summary

Setting up an aquarium in your home is an easy task provided you put some time and effort into it. It would also become easier if you follow the aquarium setup tips mentioned above.

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