Setting Up a 32 Gallon Aquarium

One of the most important things you must decide on is the base. A 32 gallon tank can weigh 320 pounds (approximately 10 lbs/gal) so it is important to use something that can withstand that kind of pressure. That means not using a TV stand or bookshelf.

Because of the potential of water leakage it is also important not to use any favorite pieces of furniture or antiques.

We decided the Top Fin Aquarium Cabinet of native oak laminate which measures 33 1/8" x 14 3/8" x 30 5/16". We found it at Pet Smart and it can hold up to 37 gallons. It fits a 32 gallon tank perfectly.

After a week of shopping around we finally decided on a 32 gallon Waterhome aquarium kit by Hagen from a shop called Fin Addicts (sorry, no website yet) in Kingston, ON. They had the best price ($219 CAN) and were very knowledgeable and helpful.

The kit includes:

* 1 Allglass Aquarium, 118.2 L
* 1 Light Glo Double Fluorescent Canopy, black
* 1 Aqua-Glo Fluorescent Bulb
* 1 Sun-Glo Fluorescent Bulb
* 1 AquaClear 200 Filter
* 1 Thermal Compact Pre-Set Heater, 200 W
* 1 Digital Themometer
* 2 Plastic Plants, 37.5 cm
* 1 Fish Net
* 1 Nutrafin Max fish food
* 1 Combo Pack (Cycle, AquaPlus, Waste Control)
* 2 Basic Aquarium Guide (1 each English and French)
* 1 DVD

Not only are these aquarium kits convenient but they are so much more economical than trying to buy everything separately. It fits perfectly on our Top Fin Aquarium Cabinet above.

Before the tank can be used it must be wiped out with clean warm water to remove any dust or pieces of packing Styrofoam.

Because aquariums are multi-use, the hood of this tank needed to be adjusted to fit the filter and heater. This was a simple task because the hood came already scored at the back. An Exacto knife did the trick. As you can see from the image, two separate cuts were needed.

A back drop helps to hide the cords from the filter and heater as well as highlight your fish and plants. We decided to go with simple patternless image when it came to our backdrop.

The two side aquarium plastic we purchased separately came with black on one side and graduated blue on the other. We chose black.

The back drop was centered on to the aquarium and black electrical tape was used to secure it at the top in a few spots so it could be cut to the size of the aquarium. When it was cut to size more tape was put across the entire top of the back drop to prevent water from seeping between the glass and the back drop. Then the sides were secured with smaller pieces.

We chose Pure Water Pebbles rose/white river gravel for aquariums. It was $25.99 for 25 pounds. We thought we might need two but one has worked out pretty good so far. I like the way it looks because it isn't tiny like traditional aquarium gravel. There's lots of pretty rocks throughout and it makes the plants stand out.

Before you add the gravel, it is important to fill the tank by 1/3. This will prevent the rocks from damaging the bottom of the glass tank when you pour them in.

Decorations add a theme for viewers and provide additional hiding places for the fish.

Driftwood

We added a medium size Top Fin old root system that looks very authentic in the water with green moss growing on it. It is designed not to fade in water and is non-toxic. This was purchased from Pet Smart for $22.

Rock

We also added a rock with a bit of amethyst on it. It was a gem we found at Tropical Paradise, a family run business on the other side of town, for $4.99 (you couldn't find a piece this size at an amethyst mine for that price). If you add rocks then you should soak them in boiled water for at least 10 minutes which ensures they will not introduce any microbes into the tank.

Any thing that you add to the aquarium needs to be cleaned before hand. NO SOAP, just warm to hot water.

The filter helps to remove impurities, waste and also helps with oxygenation of the water while the heater helps to keep the water at a comfortable temperature for your fish, usually 75-80 degrees F or 24-27 degrees C for fresh water.

After your gravel is in place this is a good time to position your filter and heater so you know their positioning when you go to the next step, adding your plants.

The kit we purchased came with two large plastic plants. We decided to use these near the back of the tank and put live plants (which are great at removing nitrates, ammonia, and phosphates; adding oxygen while removing carbon dioxide; and they compete with algae so it cannot grow as easily) up front. Eventually we will replace the plastic ones with live plants but at the moment we are not sure what else we want. The plastic ones come with a mini cup attached to the bottom to put the gravel in to help anchor it. Regardless they are still hard to get into place because of their buoyancy.

When we set up this tank we added the following live plants: vallisneria and sword. We have plans to add a few small ones in the front.

Now that your gravel, decorations and plants are in place it's time to add the rest of the water. Depending on the fish you are going to add you need to have your water at about 75-80 degrees F or 24-27 degrees C.

Instead of depending on your heater to warm up a large body of water it's easier if you warm it up to temperature or thereabouts before you add it.

Be careful when pouring it in. Place your hand underneath it to keep it from splashing and displacing your plants.

Now that the tank is full we had to add the chemicals. The amount of chemicals varies for the size of the tank so it's important to read the instructions and do the required math.

We used Nutrafin Aqua Plus to remove the chlorine from the tap water and also added Nutrafin Cycle to quickly populate the aquarium with beneficial bacteria based on package directions.

The best part of having an aquarium is obviously the fish. But it is important not to rush out and get fish. The tank needs to cure for at least a week to get enough helpful bacteria for the fish to thrive in.

There are kits you can get that provide dip sticks to test pH, nitrites, nitrates, carbonate and general hardness. It would also be helpful to have an ammonia test kit. Once your tank passes these tests then you are all set to add fish.

Spend some time talking to one of the specialists in your favorite pet store. You might also want to pick up a book on fresh water fish.

When you look at your tank from the front, think of it on three levels. Top, middle and bottom. Different fish tend to congregate in one of these areas. It is important to know where the fish you buy want to hang out or else you might end up having one of these levels crowded while another area is vacant.

Planning ahead will help you pick fish to fill all three levels of your tank. It's healthier for the fish and it looks better to the eye. Don't go and add all your fish at once -- pick a variety (school of 10 neon), add them, wait a few days to let them settle before adding more.

Obviously, your plan doesn't have to be strict but you need to be aware of these considerations when fish shopping. We decided to go with the following to start:

* 10 neon tetras (day one)
* 2 otocynclus (week later)
* 4 black tetras (few days later)
* 2 blue gouramis

Now we're sitting back and relaxing as we watch everyone get settled into their new home.

Enjoy your aquarium, we sure are!