setting up your first fish tank(freshwater)

Hi all this is a new segment on how to keep freshwater fish!
Freshwater tanks require lower maintenance and resources are generally easier to find as compared to marine tanks.

I dont only fish but I enjoy keeping fish as well because it's facinating to observe their behaviour and feeding patterns that could be useful information when you fish as well. I'm currently keeping this meow meow known as the Amazonian Redtail Catfish.

let's get started!

starting off is the cost of setting up a fish tank
one time investment that will last you throughout:

1)Fish tank at least 1ft and better if it is bigger----------------------------------$10-$40(basic tank)
2)Filter(back hanging filter is best so far to me for easy cleaning)----------------$10-$20
3)Air Pump(or some filters cater to both)---------------------------------------$5-$10
4)dechlorinator-----------------------------------------------------------------$2-$20
5)Lights (LED are best and most power efficient and saving)--------------------$10-$20
6)Small handheld net------------------------------------------------------------$2-$3
7)gravel cleaner(only for 1ft-2ft tanks with gravel)-------------------------------$3

optional items:

1)aqua plants (cost about $1 each)_____________________________________$1-$5 each
2)gravel(bigger gravel equals easier cleaning)______________________________$3/bag
3)ornaments(make sure they are water safe and not toxic)____________________$ varies

check these basic items off your list and you're all set to create a fish tank!


First/starting fishes
first off,if you're not familiar with keeping fish,do aquire hardy fishes to that can survive any negligence that you think you may make.

Clown loach

Sucker fish(pleco fish)

Cichlids

Pufferfish

Catfish

Tilapia

TYPE OF FOOD

 the type of food to feed your fish should be recommended by the pet,aquarium store that you bought your fish from because that's what they have been feeding the fish for the longest time.
but alittle common sense also goes a long way.carnivorous fishes eat carnivore pellets and herbivorous fish eat algae pellets and etc. I would recommend the ones by "HIKARI" because they cater to a wide variation of fishes and their appetites.

SETTING UP

step 1: 

add the gravel(if any) into the tank and level it well.do not add too much or risk contamination to your tank when fish waste is buried consistently within the gravel.

step 2:
install the hanging filter at the back and fix in the filter media that is provided in the filter package

step 3:
install the air pump and place the tube at the side of the tank so it does not obstruct the fish

step 4:
install the slights and adjust to your preferred angle

step 5: 
Mix water with dechlorinator according to the recommended amount at the back of the dechlorinator bottle. wait for 5-10 mins for the mixture to fully combine(this is important)

step 6: 
add the water into the tank slowly(wont stir up the gravel or press down the plants) or if you aren't so particular with the aquascape so far then just pour in fast.

step 7:
cycling the tank.this part is easy.just let your filter run for 1-2 days in the tank with water before adding the fish in so that beneficial bacteria can grow and the water chemistry is stable (nitrates,ammonia etc.) some people are hardcore and do it for 1-2 weeks even but a small tank doesn't require so much effort and since the first few fishes are hardy,water stability is not much of a concern just yet. ammonia and nitrate testers?not required to me.just remember the weekly water changes and all will be fine.

step 8: 
after cycling the tank for 1-2 days its time to add the fish in.introduce the fishes into the tank one by one to prevent any stress.you may notice that the fish will be very active and will be swimming in a consistent pattern.this is not because they are retarded but because they are getting used to the new environment.give it a day or two and they'll adjust well.

and there you have it,a complete guide on how to set up a freshwater tank!easy to setup.

FOLLOW UPS

follow ups include feeding and maintaining plants(if any)

feeding:

it is important to feed your fish as even hardy fish will easily starve if not kept properly.feed your fishes slowly and allow them to consume small portions per time before adding more.usually the advise is to feed for 5 minutes until the fish doesnt eat anymore.but wrong.if you continuously feed when food isnt finished,the fish will most likely neglect the ones that have sank to the bottom and go for those still dropping from the top.this will increase your waste in the tank greatly.

plants:

this one is easy.ensure your plant receives enough light to stay healthy so turn on the light for at least 4 hours a day(mostly at night) to ensure your plants are healthy and green/red.

MAINTENANCE

Now that your fish tank has probably been running for 5-6 days,it's time to do your weekly maintenance.

step 1: water changes.

water changes are important to rid your tank of fish waste and to ensure that the chemistry of the water is stable.
the size of your tank determines your cleaning method.you can use a gravel cleaner for a 1ft-2ft tank or you can use a small pain to scoop out the water if your tank is very small and barely 1ft long.
simply scoop out 20% of your existing tank water and pour it down the drain cause you'll never need it.mix the water with dechlorinatior again and pour it into the tank. if they tank is very filthy,you can do 50% water changes and let your filter remove the remaining residue in the water. but i usually do a 30% water change(below)

step 2: filter media.check if your filter sponge or media to see if it is filled with residue.if it is extremely dirty,remove and rinse off 90% of it but leave 10% of that dirt as it contains beneficial bacteria in it to run the tank. your filter media must never be 100% clean.

ensure your fishes arent stressed up or look like they are able about to die.if that is seen,that could probably mean that there was insufficent dechlorinator added or that you forgot to feed them.

there you have it,everything you need to know to get you started on your fish keeping hobby.as you get better and better,you'll definitely want a bigger tank and maintenance will be easier from then.

References:
                          hang on filter                                                              Gravel Cleaner/washer

                                 Air pump

 that's all and all the best!

Cheers and peace out!
-Abel