Tetra Tank Set up Step By Step
The introduction of Tetras
Many amateur aquarium novices do not realize the dangers of adding new fish to a tank too fast. If the water parameters in the tetra tank are very different from those in the fish tank store where it came from tetras, the fish could suffer a shock when being introduced into the new tank. To avoid this, float the bag containing the new fish in the aquarium for at least 30 minutes. This will give the water at the time of the bag to suit the temperature of the water in the tank. You can also replace a portion of the water in the bag with water from the tank so your fish can acclimate to differences in pH or water hardness. At the end of 30 minutes, carefully release the fish into the new tank.
Tetras are a large group of freshwater aquarium fish belonging to the Characidae family. These fish are usually small, and many species are brightly colored, making them very popular among aquarium buffs. Another feature of tetras that makes them popular is their adaptability. Many species are tolerant to a wide range of water parameters.
Selection of tanks and equipment
Although most tetra species grow no more than 3 inches long, they can be very active. And therefore require a great deal of swimming space. Tetras should be kept in a tank that is not less than 20 gallons. But if you are going to grow a community tank you may need something larger. The most important pieces of equipment you will need for a tetra tank are a filter and an aquarium heater. Selecting a filter that incorporates both mechanical and chemical filtration – filters with a biological filtration component are also helpful. While Hang-On Aquarium heaters are sufficient, submersible aquarium heaters provide better heat distribution.
Tank Configuration
The first step in creating your tetra tank is to select a location for it. Place the tank in a sturdy tank in a low traffic area that is out of direct sunlight. Once the tank is in place, set up the tank equipment, including the filter and heater. But do not turn them on. Rinse the substrate you have chosen, then pour it into the bottom of the tank and fill it halfway up the tank with hot tap water. Then install any tank decoration, then fill the tank the rest of the way. Once the tank is full you can turn on the filter and the heater – set the heater to a temperature between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and allow time for the water to heat. Treat the water with a chlorine removal solution to make it safe for aquarium fish.
Bicycle tank
The nitrogen cycle is the process by which beneficial bacteria in the tank begin to break down harmful toxins such as ammonia and convert them into nitrites and then into less harmful nitrates. It usually takes about two weeks for a tank to establish a colony of beneficial bacteria, but you can speed up the process by adding live bacteria or “feeding” the tank with a small amount of flake food once or twice a day. As the food decomposes and produces ammonia, the beneficial bacteria will get to work and begin to multiply.
The selection of fish
When it comes to selecting your tetras, there are many types to choose from. Some of the most popular species you are likely to find in pet stores include neon tetras, tetras, black tetras from the Serape skirt and Glow-light tetras. Before buying any fish, observe the samples in the tank for signs of disease. The fish you buy should be active and should show a healthy coloration – they should not be lying near the bottom of the tank and should not present any physical deformities.
Tags: Tetra fish care, Tetra fish tank, Tetra tank, Tetra tank setup
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