How to Setup Your First Aquarium with @koryaqua
I was very excited the first time I had set up an aquarium. I remember rushing home and looking for the perfect spot to display my 10-gallon tank. I added my sand, filled the tank up with tap water, and immediately added fish. To my surprise, they all didn't last.
I was devastated and curious to find out what I had done wrong. Later that week, I went back to the fish store and spoke to the owner about my experience. I then realized that there's more to keeping fish alive than just plopping them in water.
Every thriving aquarium has a unique biological ecosystem known as the "Nitrogen Cycle" - a chain of biological reactions that turns harmful ammonia into beneficial bacteria. a
BEFORE STARTING YOUR CYCLE
Before starting your cycle, ensure that your water is chlorine-free. I do this by using aquarium test strips from SJ Wave. Each strip is suitable for one test. First, you need to dip it 30 times for 30 seconds. Afterwards, you can compare it to the color guide provided in every kit.
These aquarium test strips are an easy-to-use product that gives you quick and accurate results to keep track of your water parameters. Regularly testing the water quality of your aquariums is a great way to watch your nitrate levels and keep ammonia and chlorine at bay.
I recommend SJ Wave aquarium test strips to everyone. I find it convenient that I don't have to break out my liquid test kit every time. In addition, a reliable test strip at a reasonable price, that makes checking water parameters hassle-free. I trust SJ Wave and their laboratories to help keep my fish healthy and happy.
WAYS YOU CAN START THE NITROGEN CYCLE
Stabilizer
In the past, I've used API Quick Start and Seachem Stability to kick start cycles in my aquarium -- both are safe and effective so long as you follow the instructions located on the back of the bottle.
Established media
Filtrate a new running tank by ringing out the muck from an established sponge near your filter intake.
To avoid a mess, I connect an established filter up to my new tanks. It's a fast and effective method to get your filter and aquarium seeded with beneficial bacteria.
Some nitrogen cycles can start immediately; others may take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your chosen method. You will know your tank cycle is complete once you see the levels of nitrite and ammonia reach 0ppm.
It’s always best to do more research in order to achieve an optimum aquarium experience. The best way to learn is by communicating with fellow aquarium hobbyist and learning from other people’s experiences. A great place to do this is Facebook. There are aquarium groups for pretty much every style of aquaria. A group on Facebook I recommend joining is Aquariums for beginners especially if you’re just getting into the hobby.
Another great way to learn is by starting an Instagram and interacting with the aquarium community on there.
There are groups for every type of the hobby you are interested in.
For plants, you can try:
For cichlids there’s…
- South American Cichlids group
- Cichlidaholics, a malawi cichlid group
- Tang Gang, a group for Tanganyikan cichlids
- American Cichlid Association Convention
Anybody can start their aquarium journey when following these proper steps. It's a fun, relaxing hobby that everyone can enjoy. Keeping an aquarium in your home can help reduce heart rate and blood pressure while improving mental health. I can't tell you how many times watching my fish has turned my day's around, and I know it will do the same for you.
Explore your local fish stores, make friends, find the right pet for you and have fun. Welcome to the beautiful world of aquaria! ~ Kory Aqua @koryaqua
How to find me:
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/koryaqua/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/koryaqua/
Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@koryaqua
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChEiKwvyijVlah6MgDTtb-w