How to Change Water in a Fish Tank

One of the biggest mistakes fish owners make is changing all of the tank's water. This can be devastating as bacterial levels can be wiped out. Bacterial is essential to breakdown fish poop from becoming toxic. The best solution is dilution!

1. Fill a bucket with tap water that will be used to replace the water in the fish tank. Prepare this a day in advance. The general rule is to take out about 20 percent of the tank's water. The most common tank size is 40 gallons--in that case about 8 gallons should be removed. This can be lowered to 5 gallons to make it easier, since buckets usually hold 5 gallons.
2. Add tap water conditioner into the bucket. Use the amount of water condition as directed on the container. A common brand you'll find at most pet stores is Tap Water Conditioner by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. Or, if you have a reverse osmosis dionized (RO/DI) water filter, it can be used without adding water conditioner.
3. Place the bucket and tubing next to the aquarium in preparation for a water change.
4. Turn off all electricity to avoid any dangers. Heaters can break if exposed to excessive air as it will try to heat the room's temperature. Filters can go dry if water levels go below the suction tubing.
5. Place one end of the tubing into the fish tank and begin a suction by sucking on the other end of the tube like you would a straw. Make sure your end is below the end in the tank so that gravity pulls down the water into the bucket. Be sure to watch the water move down the tubing as you do not want to drink any of your fish's poop. Before it gets to your mouth, empty the water into a second bucket.
6. Remove any solid wastes inside the fish tank by gently siphoning the gravel to pick any settled debris.
7. When the bucket is almost full remove the tubing from the fish tank to break the siphon.
8. After removing the targeted amount of water, add the prepared water into the tank.
9. Plug any electrical equipment that was unplugged in Step 4.
Source : http://www.ehow.com/how_2266446_set-up-fish-tank.html

Set Up a Fish Tank

Having a fish tank and watching the fish swim around helps you relax and lower your blood pressure, and it's a good way to teach your child about responsibility. These steps will help you set up a fish tank you will be proud of.

1.Decide on the type of fish you want. Different kinds of fish (fresh water fish versus salt water fish) require different kinds of equipment. Fresh water fish are easier to care for whereas salt water fish have much more color to them and are harder to care for.
2.Visit the pet store to purchase all the equipment you will need to set up a fish tank. Make a list of everything you will need to set up a fish tank.
3.Set up the fish tank. Place the fish tank in a good location. Add the filter, the heater, the gravel, the plants, the driftwood or decorations, the rocks and the water. Adjust the heater until the water temperature reaches a temperature between 75 to 78 degrees. Place the top of the fish tank on the tank.
4. Let your fish tank set for at least a week before adding any fish. This will allow time for you to be sure the water temperature is set correctly, the filter is working correctly and there are no leaks in the fish tank. This will also allow the bacteria to start building a bacteria base.
5. Select your fish. Keep in mind when picking out your fish, that you need to purchase fish that get along with each other. Also, you do not want to buy too many fish. Purchase fish that are hearty, inexpensive, relatively small and ones that you want to watch for a long period of time.
6. Maintain your fish tank. Feed your fish on a daily basis, while checking the filter and heater twice a week. Once a month, check all hoses, fittings, clamps, cords, lights and any other equipment.
Source : http://www.ehow.com/how_2266446_set-up-fish-tank.html