1. Setting up a Fish Tank
Have you had a fish tank before? What types of fish tanks have you seen before and where? What do you think would be involved in setting up a fish tank? If you were working at a Pet Store and a customer was asking you questions about how to set up a fish tank would you be able to tell them the steps?

2. Tropical Marine Saltwater fish Brackish Water Slightly salty
Coldwater Goldfish
50-68*F
Tropical Freshwater
74-85*F
Tropical Marine
Saltwater fish
Brackish Water
Slightly salty

3. Decide what type of tank you want to set up

4. Setting up a Freshwater Aquarium Safety
Water weighs 10 pounds per gallon
Place tank on a level surface that can support the weight
Do not use soap to clean tank
Tank should not be placed on top of or close to any heat source or in a draft or direct sunlight
Always carry fish tank from the bottom
Make sure hands and cords are dry when plugging in

5. Steps Set up tank Monitor water levels and equipment (24-48 hours)
Make sure all equipment is working/clean
Purchase gravel and decorations
Monitor water levels and equipment (24-48 hours)
Select fish and introduce to tank
Maintain tank
Daily Maintenance
Weekly Maintenance
Monthly Maintenance

6. Filter – Cleans water

7. Thermometer – Tells temperature of water

8. Heater - Keeps water warm (most freshwater fish 72-80*F)

9. Light – Allows better viewing and highlights the color of your fish
Light – Allows better viewing and highlights the color of your fish. Keep lit from 4-10 hours per day.

10. Hood – Covers and protects your aquarium

11. Decorations – Makes tank look pretty and provides hiding spots for your fish. Fish need hiding spots. Do not use items that you collect on your own because they can be harmful to your aquarium.

12. Gravel – substrate for bottom of tank. Can help with water chemistry
Gravel – substrate for bottom of tank. Can help with water chemistry. Use 1 pound of gravel per gallon of water.
1 pound of gravel X size of tank = how much gravel you should buy
1 # of gravel x 5 gallon tank= 5 lbs gravel
1# of gravel x 10 gallon tank = ___________
1# of gravel x 20 gallon tank = __________
1# of gravel x 2,000 gallon tank = ________

13. Name: ______________
What are the 4 different types of pet store fish? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What is the difference between Goldfish and Tropical fish? ____________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
What is the difference between Saltwater and Brackish Water? ____________________________________________________________________________
How should you carry fish tank? _________________________________________________
Why shouldn’t you set up a tank near heat source or sunlight?
6. After you set up tank, how long should you wait for water to stabilize before adding fish? _______________________________________________________________________________
Why shouldn’t you use items you find on your own for decorations? ___________________________________________________________________________
How many pounds of gravel would you need for a 15 gallon aquarium? ___________
25 gallon aquarium? _______________
50 gallon aquarium? _______________