Aquarium Set-up Help???

Question

I just bought an Eclipse System 6 Gallon tank. I have the gravel, decor, pH indicators, food, and a Rena Smart Heater.

As for the heater, I don't have a good idea of how to set it up. The directions are not helpful at ALL.

Do you put water before or after you set it up?? Thanks!

Answer 1

Just plug in the heater and put in in the water. I usually set up everything then add tap water and then dechlorinate it. Then after I cycle it i get fish.

Answer 2

after

Answer 3

I always put all of my gravel and deco in and arrange it how I want it before I fill up my tank.  I usually suction cup the heater to the back corner opposite from the filter and hide it with some plants.  

Don't turn the heater on until the tank is filled with water.  If you're worried about messing up the gravel, set a small dish in the bottom of your tank and pour the water into there.  It will disperse much better.  

The heater should have a k**b on the top that you turn to adjust your temp.  Research the temperature that your fish will prefer the most, and get a temperature strip that sticks to the outside of your tank.  It will ensure that the temperature stays constant.  

Answer 4

Set it up, but don't turn it on/plug it in until the water is in the tank-and the heater is submerged to it's proper level.  Is it a submersible one?  Those are better, because you don't have to worry about the water level.  Othrwise, it should be marked on the heater with a water line.

Answer 5

1.  You rinse of the gravel real good then you place it in the tank.

2.  Fill the tank with water.

3.  Once the tank is full you put the filter system in and plug it in. Then    you put some water in the the filter. That is fi you are using a top of the tank filter. I you are using under gravel filter then it you go in the tank before you put gravel or water.

4. The last thing is put in the heater and then turn it on. Never have the heater when out of water!

5. The temperature you set depends on the fish. You could call a pets stre to find out the right temp for you fish or search on line.

Answer 6

it really doesnt matter as long as you dont turn on the heater when there is no water and half an hour wait unplugged before you take it out. This will ensure tha the heater doesnt crack.

REMEMBER when starting an aquarium you are trying to reproduce mother nature so be patient. You have to start the natural cycle of the water which means no fish that you want to keep. two small feeder goldfish will be fine at first. It takes 3 months to cycle an aquarium. In that time make a 10 percent water change every week and check your nitrate , nitrite , and ammonia levels, PH also. At first they will be normal then fluctuate up or down, but then if everything is agreeable they will level out by the end of the 2 nd month.

be cool

abel