Velg tank og utstyr
Tetras are a large group of freshwater fishes belonging to the family Characidae. These fish are typically small, and many species are brightly colored, which makes them popular among aquarium hobbyists. Another characteristic of tetras which makes them popular is their adaptability -- many species are tolerant of a wide range of water parameters. If you are looking for a hardy species of freshwater fish to start your tank, consider one of the many species of tetras.
Sett opp tanken
- Although most species of tetra grow no larger than 3 inches in length, they can be very active and thus require a great deal of swimming space. Tetras should be kept in a tank no smaller than 20 gallons, but if you plan to cultivate a community tank you may need something larger. The most important pieces of equipment you will need for a tetra tank are a filter and an aquarium heater. Select a filter that incorporates both mechanical and chemical filtration -- filters with a biological filtration component are also useful. While hang-on aquarium heaters are sufficient, submersible aquarium heaters provide better heat distribution.
Syklisering av tanken
- The first step in setting up your tetra tank is to select a location for it. Place your tank on a sturdy tank stand or cabinet in a low-traffic area that's out of direct sunlight. Once the tank is in place, set up your tank equipment, including the filter and heater, but do not turn them on. Rinse the substrate you have chosen, then pour it into the bottom of the tank and fill the tank halfway with warm tap water. Next, install any tank decorations, then fill the tank the rest of the way. Once the tank is full you can turn on the filter and the heater - set the heater for a temperature between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and give the water time to warm up. Treat the water with a dechlorinating solution to make it safe for aquarium fish.
Velg fisk
- Just because your tetra tank is up and running does not mean it is automatically ready for fish. Before your tank can be considered safe for your tetras it needs to be "cycled." The nitrogen cycle is the process through which beneficial bacteria in the tank begin to break down harmful toxins like ammonia and to convert them into nitrites then into less harmful nitrates. It typically takes about two weeks for a tank to establish a colony of beneficial bacteria but you can speed up the process by adding live bacteria or by "feeding" the tank with a small amount of flake food once or twice a day. As the food breaks down and produces ammonia, the beneficial bacteria will get to work and begin to multiply.