The setup
The setup is the most important
off all actions in order to achieve a stable biotope aquarium.
First, we put a layer of live
substrate of about 10 cm.
Then we fill the tank with tab
water. Yes. Just tub water.
Then we start the filter to
circulate the water for about 4-5 days!
If we want, we can turn the
lights on, but whatever we do, we must not put any live fish or plants before
the 5-day period.
This period is important to
dechlorinate the tub water.
If for any reason we want to
add fish in shorter time we must test the water with a chlorine tester just to
be safe.
Please note that chlorine will
burn the fish gills and not leave the aquarium to develop the so much needed
beneficial bacteria which are crucial for the life cycle.
When the water is safe, we are
ready to add our first fish. At this point please do not add more than one fish
and one plant every week only, for the first 3 to 4 weeks!
This is very important for the
beneficial bacteria to develop gradually otherwise dangerous pollutants will develop
and water tests and changes must be done to ensure the fish safety and this can
be a very tiring and not safe way to go.
From this point on you can put
more fish but here comes the most important advice you should follow.
From this point on, your
aquarium will start to mature.
This means that you should
check the Ph of the water every day to check if it tends to drop.
Please note that your water Ph
must never go below 7.0 which is neutral.
Αnything more is fine, but anything less is acidic and will burn
everything !
Here the only method to
avoid the Ph drop is only frequent water changes. There is no other way.
Thankfully this period will not
last more than 3- 4 months and normally the water Ph will not drop more than
once a week, but please keep checking!
After this period the water Ph
will remain constant and you can finally rest!
Well, almost.
Althaw your water is now stable, you cannot
avoid evaporation, which will evaporate pure water, leaving all minerals inside
the water Colum which in turn, will increase the water total hardness which is not
toxic but it is like us drinking 'hard' water. Not so good.
This is again can only be avoided
by water change, but the good news is that this is only needed once or twice a year!
Having said that, you are ready to setup your fresh water
aquarium.
And please remember your aquarium will be better of with out you
than messing with it all the time!
