My wife and I had kept tropical fish before, but we wanted to do something different. So we decided to reconstruct the fireplace – a typical modern affair with no real quality or style – into a 7 foot long 4 foot deep paradise for fish…and eventually into an African Cichlid sanctuary…
Having got some real clever mathematician to work out that the weight of the water and tank was indeed supportable in our house (! – you’ll never believe how many people don’t check that out, especially those in apartments), we set about planning the aquarium with delight…
The tank was to stand on ornamental stone blocks which a local builder fixed in place. We needed to talk to a specialist tank supplier as the tank we were building was just a little out of the ordinary – and finally several weeks later the tank arrived.
The first trip to the store
My excitement was extreme as we made our way to the local store to get the bits and pieces we would need to start off:
• the gravel
• the filter and aerator
• the lighting
• the heater
• the cleaner (gravel vac).
When I got home I scrubbed the tank, and checked to make sure there were no leaks, then started to lay the gravel (having first washed the gravel through to make sure the dust was removed). At this time there was no need to be particular as water disturbs the gravel when it is first added. I then added about a third of a tank of water and started to mould the gravel to the way I wanted it. At this point I added some water purifiers and de-chlorinator to the tank.
Ok so then I put in the filter and aerator in, and also added the heater. These all remained switched off until I was finished in the tank. The rest of the water was then added – and I used a plastic tray floating on the surface to make sure there was not too much water movement which meant my sculpted gravel remained the way I wanted it.
Next all the equipment was turned on and left for two days.
The it was back down to the store for two more things:
• lots of plants and:
• CO2 diffuser to help with plant growth
The next day the plants were now neatly arranged and growing in my warm tank, so off down the shop again to get my first fish.
The first fish.
I love platies, the variety of colors is fantastic – but any live bearers are a good place to start. Mollies, swordtails, platies or guppys are ideal to get your water up to scratch. This is generally called cycling and is really the growth of good bacteria in your tank – which in turn break down the waste. So only add a few fish at first or the waste will kill the fish before the bacteria gets to work.
Five platies later and they are floating in their plastic bags on the surface of the tank. This was just to get the water temperatures equalised, and then over a period of a couple of minutes I let some of the tank water in the bag a couple of times. Finally out the five popped and made their way in the new tank.
Technically the fish waste is ammonia and needs to be broken down by bacteria into nitrite, and then later on into nitrate which is what helps the plants grow. This cycle needs to establish in your tank if you are to keep healthy and happy fish and generally this takes about 8 weeks to settle down. Even then my advice would be to add fish slowly til the are all established.
Eventually and with patience.
My wife and I eventually decided that tanganyika cichlids and malawi cichlids were our real hobby (with some dwarf Kribs thrown in) and we managed to breed a few different types including labidochromis caeruleus or more commonly Canary cichlids, and also neolamprologus leleupi or the tanganyika yellow. At one point our tank was a huge splash of yellow delight.
In the evenings now we just switch the television off, cuddle up and watch the fish tank – and soothe our worries away….
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Baits
By: Jason | 15-05-2008
What foods and household products can be used for bait when fishing?
Favorite Fish
By: Jason | 15-05-2008
What is your favorite fish to catch? and why?
Crappie swim in schools?
By: Jason | 15-05-2008
Do crappie swim in schools?
Most Aggressive
By: Jason | 15-05-2008
Which fish species are considered the most aggressive?
Catching a turtle while fishing
By: LukeDane | 12-05-2008
Have you ever caught a turtle when fishing?What interesting things did you catch instead of fish?
Do fish sleep?
By: ykiki | 12-05-2008
Is there a type of fish that sleep?Is it particularly interesting?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Pets Articles
4 Simple Steps To Buy Pet Insurance
By: Cindy Heller | 17/05/2008
If you have not already realized, the costs of veterinary care is escalating. By purchasing a pet insurance for our pets is also a wise choice to keep pet care costs within an affordable range.
Exercise And Your Dog
By: Janine Carter | 17/05/2008
Are you worried that your dog doesn't get enough exercise because of a weight problem and does he just sit around all day like a couch potato?
If experts have discovered that exercise is key to human health and wellbeing, it is safe to say that your Dog will benefit from...
Is Your Dog Embarrassing You? Get Him Under Your Control In Less Than 2 Weeks!
By: Alan Largo | 17/05/2008
Imaginably the most consequential part of owning a dog is discipline. Being a pet owner, dog obedience becomes solely your responsibility. Because dogs have a different type of disposition that not all dog owners understand, the job of disciplining one typically seems overwhelming, frustrating and sometimes even impossible.
Imagine Your Cat Using The Toilet - Successful Cat Toilet Training Techniques
By: Birgit Hulsing | 17/05/2008
This may sound ridiculous or like a near-impossible feat, but you'll find life is a pleasant new world when you finish potty training your cat. You'll have a very low-maintenance cat and she will also make a great conversation starter. And, you even save money on cat litter when you...
Why People Prefer Chihuahuas Over Other Dogs?
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
As the smallest breed of dogs, Chihuahuas have been gaining increasing popularity. Spotted everywhere from the beaches of Miami to the bustling metropolis of London and New York, these dogs have also been adopted by the likes of celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Sandra Bullock and Hilary Duff.
Why the popularity...
A Quick Guide To Buying Teacup Chihuahuas
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Teacup Chihuahuas are not an official breed of the immensely popular Chihuahua breed of dogs. In fact, major dog-related associations such as the American Kennel Club do not list "Teacup" as an official breed of the Chihuahua family. Rather, the term is derived from sellers who dub this particular species...
Taking Care Of Your Long Haired Chihuahua
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Long-haired Chihuahuas are characterized by their by their smooth undercoat and long overcoat. The Long-haired Chihuahua is one of the two official versions of Chihuahuas recognized by the American Kennel Club. With its large eyes and erect ears, it is not difficult for people to mistake this version of the...
Tips On How To Give Your Chihuahua Pups The Proper Care
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Small in stature, Chihuahuas are relatively fragile dogs. It is thus, important for owners of Chihuahuas to be equipped with proper knowledge and tips for caring for their Chihuahua pups. Care for Chihuahua pups covers many aspects and includes socialization, safety, nutrition and health. Responsible Chihuahua owners make a checklist...
More from Pete Wright
The Exoticness of Aquarium Plants
By: Pete Wright | 30/04/2008 | Pets
Strong plant growth helps to keep a happy and healthy aquarium - tips on how to get great aquarium plants.
Feeding Your Fish
By: Pete Wright | 15/04/2008 | Pets
Learn what to feed your fish to keep then healthy and active
Buying Fish
By: Pete Wright | 13/04/2008 | Pets
This article is a checklist of things you need to think about when buying fish
Breeding for Beginners
By: Pete Wright | 10/04/2008 | Pets
Probably the most rewarding thing about tropical fish keeping is watching young fish grow from birth to adult size. You can take immense pride in achieving this, but is particularly true for the more difficult species to breed
Avoid Disease in Your Aquarium
By: Pete Wright | 08/04/2008 | Pets
Take some care over your water quality and generally you can avoid disease in your aquarium
Home and Family 
