Setup aquarium
"What must I be aware of"?
The decision has been made: An aquarium should be procured. But what do I need to watch out for and what are the first steps for furnishing the aquarium? We have put together many interesting tips & information below, to facilitate your entry into the aquaristic world.
The aquarium size
Selection of aquarium shape and size is initially based on the spatial situation (set-up location) and the associated expenditure (cost, time, etc.). If you have decided on a specific aquarium, then you gather information through professional literature or in consultation with the specialised dealer of how your desires and ideas (animal stock, organisation, planting) can best be combined with the available containers, and finally can become a reality in an attractive functional small bio-system. When all important factors are optimally matched a functioning habitat with healthy animals comes about that will bring you lasting satisfaction.
It is important to consider the weight of an aquarium. If a base cabined will not be purchased directly, for a retroactive purchase pay particular attention to the stability of the cabinet. This must be particularly stable.
Moreover the load-bearing capacity of the set-up location and the weight of the planned aquarium must be taken into account. These factors must not be underestimated, since including content and water an aquarium can become really heavy. Calculate the volume as follows: Height x width x depth in cm/1000. The volume is multiplied by 1.3 to estimate the weight of the furnished aquarium.
Sample meter aquarium: 100 x 40 x 40 cm/1000 = 160 l volume x 1.3 = ca. 208 kg
With the OASE HighLine aquariums in 200 l, 300 l and 400l you always make the right decision in terms of size and shape. The stylish base cabinets are in line with current living trends and integrate perfectly in your living environment. The practical interior fittings of the cabinet simply allow technology and accessories to disappear; it supports you optimally in terms of care.
The furnishings of the aquarium
If you have already decided on an aquarium, go to the next step. The furnishings! This is where you can give your fantasy and your ideas free rein, but always however in conjunction with the needs of your charges.
Location
First of all, you should select a suitable location. It should be a place that can be easily observed, and that is in the direct vicinity of electrical outlets, so that you can easily get to the power for the aquarium technology. The load-bearing capacity of the set-up location is an important factor that you must bear in mind. How to calculate the weight of an aquarium is shown under the point Aquarium size. It is important that the aquarium has a horizontal stand and that sufficient space remains above it for cleaning. To ensure that your aquarium is a special attraction in your living space, it should not be exposed to direct and continuous sunlight. This can promote algae growth and thus impair your satisfaction in your new eye-catcher. Moreover, your aquarium should not be directly next to a radiator, and also location next to a passage or a door is not optimal. Vibrations cause agitation and the aquarium inhabitants could be stressed.
All the important instructions are provided again here in a brief overview:
- A place that you can easily observe. Well-suited: Room corner
- No direct sunlight
- Not directly next to radiators or doors/passages
- Power/electrical outlet is required
- Space above for cleaning
- Load-bearing capacity of the floor/load-bearing capacity of the set-up location
- Horizontal stand
Furnishings
Once the right location is selected you can start with the furnishing. Here you can organize everything you want (and of course what is suitable for your aquarium inhabitants) from a tropical dream to a maritime underwater world. However you should still keep the following tips in mind:
- The tank should be thoroughly rinsed out and cleaned with fresh water. This will remove undesired debris particles and any chemical residues.
- The substrate can be formed of pebbles or sand.
- Now the technology can be installed. For this the information in the instruction manual should be complied with. For the time being please do not switch on the technology.
- Now the aquarium must be carefully filled with water. Important! Initially the tank should only be filled 1/3. Letting the water flow over a dense layer of crumpled paper will not whirl up the substrate so intensively. Next the roots, rocks, and other decoration elements can be introduced. Finally planting follows. Thereafter you can completely fill the aquarium with water.
- After approx. 3 weeks, enough microorganisms have settled and the water values should be right – it's time to introduce the aquarium inhabitants. To be on the safe side you should check the water values.
Best wishes for a lot of fun and satisfaction with your new aquarium!
Tips for plants, fish & cleaning
There are several points that must be considered for plants, fish and other topics associated with furnishing your aquarium. We have put together some useful tips & tricks for you.
For fish the following applies: "The more fish, the bigger the aquarium should be." To really be on the safe side you should visit a specialised dealer in your area. Also read our tips concerning the topic Aquarium size.
When introducing plants, you should pay attention to the labels and only look for plants that also fit in your aquarium, are appropriate for your animals, and appropriate for each other. There must be adequate light, adequate carbon dioxide, and fertiliser so that the plants thrive. Consult with your specialised dealer individually.
The glass should be cleaned regularly with the aid of a magnet cleaner and/or glass cleaner. This does not take long and you quickly obtain a clear view again. Debris particles and deposits in hoses, for example, the hose of your filter, can be removed with spiral brush. Moreover, dead plant parts should be cut off and plant remains should be removed. Use can use the OASE plant scissors and the plant tweezers for these tasks.
Only regular cleaning of the filter foams, and sometimes replacement (depending on fish stock) assure the continuous capacity of your filter system. A new filter should run in parallel with the old filter for approximately two to three weeks and not directly replaced. The reason is that in the new devices the biologically active microorganisms must first be sufficiently developed, before they can effectively decompose ammonia and nitrite in the aquarium.