Final preparations
Once planting has been completed, it is time to get the whole system operating. Connect wires, cables from various gadgets to their respective supplies. The lamps’ supply needs to be switch able. Ideally an aquarium thermometer should be fixed in place, depending on the type used. Secure the various siphons and air stones. Fit the cover glass and place the aquarium hood in place. In case air-operated filters and air stones seem to refuse to work in harmony with other adjust the air flow to each by means of the air flow valve.
After a few hours the temperature will stabilize and the water will clear. The aquarium lighting should be operated just as if the aquarium were inhabited by fishes and the whole aquarium left for at least two weeks. This period will allow the plants to root undisturbed- some may drop their leaves before sprouting again-and the biological filter (if fitted) to establish its bacterial colony.
No food is added during this preliminary period. This is the time during which the fish keeper gets to know his aquarium. The electrical gadgets may need resetting for smooth working. Plants and other decorations might need re-rooting or rearranging or pruning. The cuttings may re-root and can be planted again. The lighting times might be standardized for optimum plant and algal activity.
Running in
After the aquarium has stabilized in full working order for a fortnight or so and the aquarists gets fairly thorough with the dynamics of its operation, life stock can be introduced. The gravel bed has to be seeded with an inoculum of degrading bacteria and a source of ammonia. This can be done in three ways:
1.Add some gravel from an established aquarium.
2.Place a piece of food like meat on the bed and allow it to rot away.
3.Introduce a few not very expensive, hardy fishes initially to provide the ammonia, before letting in the intended fish fauna.
Further maintenance of the aquarium, selection and compatibility of fishes and plants, etc. are subjects of other articles included in the same volume.
Your Aquarium is now ready...!
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