You will need to rinse your fish tank, gravel, decorations, filtration tubing, intake, filter, and box. Basically any part of the aquarium and supplies that touches or holds water will need to be rinsed with fresh water.
Do not ever wash any fish tank equipment with soap or chemicals.
Set up and center your fish tank on the stand. Ensure that everything is level.
If you have chosen under gravel filtration, you should place the filter plates in your fish tank first and attach any tubing. Then you may begin adding your gravel and decorations. Once you have your aquarium aesthetically pleasing, you can add water.
Fill your aquarium to the water level indicated. Remember you may need to add water as things settle and as water evaporates. Add your water conditioner and biological supplement.
Water conditioner should be added each time you add or change water.
Attach your heater and filtration power equipment to your fish tank per the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure all electrical lines are dry.
At this point you may plug in your filter system cords. Depending upon the type of filter you chose, you may need to prime the pump. Have some water handy for priming if necessary.
As for your water heater, you should follow the manufacture's instructions prior to plugging it in. Essentially, you will need to give your fish tank heater thermostat some time to acclimate to the water temperature.
Once your fish tank is circulating you may notice some cloudiness. This is normal and will clear as the water filters.
You may now install your hood and lighting equipment.
Take some time to bundle and mark your electrical cords. Labeling your power cords will help you easily identify which cord goes to what during cleaning-a real time saver.
Now your fish tank is operational. You should wait at least 24 hours before you add any fish. I really suggest you wait several days to a week before adding fish.
Why? This will give your aquarium some time to settle, you can ensure the water temperature is stable, and biology will have some time to build.
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