HOW TO: Prepare for a New Aquarium

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MickMaan - 6 years ago

Would it be safe to go out and find a big piece of wood like the one in this tank? What types of wood would be safe for an aquarium? I'd love something like that in my new tank (A Roma 240!) but that thing would easily cost triple figures if I were to buy it. How would you prepare it for the tank, assuming it's had all sorts of creepy crawlies all over it and possibly still living in it.

MickMaan - 6 years ago

Thanks for the reply. I'm thinking of using oak logs that have been kiln dried - the kind you burn in your fireplace. I was thinking I could beat them up a little with a hammer to get a more natural look and sink them for a few weeks. What do you think?

Fluval Aquatics - 6 years ago

These are multiple pieces of wood, either way can work however. Driftwood bought at your local fish store is safest. Boiling driftwood you collect yourself is generally a good idea. Hardwood is most suitable.

cycyfan32 - 6 years ago

How do I check if my floor is stable enough to hold my fish tank?

Fluval Aquatics - 6 years ago

Stability is accomplished through ensuring your cabinet or stand is level to the floor. As for floor strength/weight holding capacity you can always verify what is holding up your floor, if it is wood construction note the size of the joists, the space between and consult with a home builder perhaps to get a per foot weight rating for your floor.

Fluval Aquatics - 7 years ago

Bre! Thank you for the compliment and the suggestion. We are working on some options. Betta's are a fairly easy fish to look after and being an anabantid they inherently have some advantages over other tropical fish. We agree, being an anabantid there are a few details that would benefit them.

JW Collect - 7 years ago

Hi Great videos. I have a problem and maybe you can help. All of a sudden my well water has high nitrates and therefore my tanks have high nitrates. Any idea what I should do? RO/DI then add buffers? Seachem denitrate? Biopelllet reactor? Any recommendations would be appreciated. BTW I run two FX6 filters and they are great. Thank you.

Fluval Aquatics - 7 years ago

We will assume it is freshwater you are keeping, if the nitrate in the well water is really high then the most practical solution would be an R/O / DI unit and adding your preferred buffer mix depending on the type of fish you keep.

Jake Atherton - 7 years ago

I haven't done any of the prep steps and my tank has been fine for 2 + years

Mark Pilgrim - 7 years ago

Nice practical info and very well made video Fluval!

John Daly - 7 years ago

Please present your findings in the form of a Venn Diagram. Thanks.

George Calderon - 7 years ago

thanks

Brent Hepp - 7 years ago

Good info. Here in MI (and similar colder climates) it may be wise to avoid outside walls and try to avoid being near windows as well, if that can be done -- sometimes you gotta go where you can go (especially in older houses with limited electrical outlets, structural issues, etc.).