Setting Up an Aquarium

1. Introduction

Watching an aquarium is relaxing, reduces stress, and has a calming influence. It offers a chance to observe natural events, fostering a deeper understanding of natural processes. An aquarium can also be a beautiful and fascinating decorative feature in your home. To fully enjoy these benefits, proper care for your plants and fish is essential, which involves some work. Neglecting care can turn the hobby into a source of frustration.

This booklet guides you on how to enjoy your aquarium and maintain it properly. It aims to point you in the right direction, acknowledging that it cannot provide exhaustive information.

2. Overview: Setting Up an Aquarium

An aquarium is a complex micro-system where living creatures interact. While easy instructions are not always available, this guide outlines the main steps for setting up an aquarium, with subsequent chapters detailing specific topics.

1. Cleaning the new aquarium: After placing the aquarium, wash it with lukewarm tap water. Use a JBL Aquarium Sponge (JBL Spongi). Avoid detergents or cleaning agents; JBL Clean A is a suitable nontoxic cleaner.

2. Adding the substrate: For a successful start with healthy plants, JBL recommends the ProfloraStart set. This includes JBL AquaBasis plus (nutrient substrate), JBL Ferropol (liquid basic fertilizer), and JBL Ferropol 24 (daily trace element fertilizer). Apply a 2 cm layer of AquaBasis plus, followed by a 4-6 cm layer of JBL Manado or JBL Sansibar for novice aquariums.

3. Installing a heater and filter: Follow manufacturer instructions. Install appliances at the rear of the tank, hidden by decorations. More details are in the technical equipment chapter.

4. Decorative elements: Add roots and stones. Use only one type of rock and avoid creating a "rock desert". Rocks and roots should be placed on the substrate or bedded in gravel.

5. Adding water: Fill the aquarium with tepid tap water (approx. 25°C). To prevent substrate disturbance, pour water onto a saucer or glass dish. Adjust decorative elements as needed. Add JBL Biotopol or JBL Tropol to condition the water.

6. Starting up the technical equipment: Switch on the heater and filter. Install lighting according to instructions, preferably connected to a time switch.

7. Seeding the filter: Add a bacterial starter like JBL Denitrol about an hour after adding water conditioner. This introduces beneficial bacteria that break down pollutants (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate).

8. Introducing aquatic plants: Add plants once the equipment is functioning correctly.

9. Introducing fish: After 48 hours, add the first fish. Continue daily dosage of JBL Denitrol for nine days while gradually increasing the fish stock.

Image Description: A collage of images showing the steps of setting up an aquarium, including cleaning, adding substrate, installing equipment, and adding plants and fish.

3. The Aquarium

Location

Modern lighting means aquariums are no longer confined to windowsills, which can cause algae growth due to fluctuating daylight. Choose a location away from direct sunlight but easily viewable. Ensure easy access to power outlets (3-4 connections needed). The chosen spot should also allow comfortable space for maintenance tasks.

A sturdy piece of furniture is crucial. For small aquariums, a shelf or table suffices. Larger tanks (80-100L+) require a dedicated tank stand. The aquarium and its support must be perfectly level. A sheet of expanded polystyrene (Polysoft) between the support and the tank prevents unevenness and insulates against heat loss.

Image Description: A well-placed aquarium in a living room, highlighting its decorative potential. Another image shows a person placing a tank on a stand.

Size

Larger aquariums (60 cm, preferably 80 cm long, 50-100L) offer more stable conditions, forgiving minor lapses in care. Mistakes are less catastrophic than in smaller tanks where waste decomposition can deplete oxygen. While small tanks offer a steeper learning curve, larger ones are more forgiving for beginners. Aquarium suppliers often offer complete sets at reasonable prices.

Construction and Shape

Most modern tanks are all-glass with silicone rubber adhesive. Ensure brand-name tanks have a guarantee on adhesive bonding for safety and stability. New bonding methods allow for diverse shapes beyond the traditional rectangle, integrating better with modern decor. Always consider the needs of the aquatic inhabitants when planning.

Image Description: An aquarium built into a wall as a room divider. Images of various modern aquarium tanks and stands.

Useful Tools

Several implements simplify aquarium upkeep:

• Bucket: Dedicated solely for aquarium use.
• Suction Hose: Approximately 15-20 mm diameter and 1.5-2 m long, for water changes. A silt guard is beneficial. JBL AquaEx kits include a valve mechanism to discharge water without manual suction and practical hose clips. Available in AquaEx 20-45 and AquaEx 45-70 sizes.
• Algae Cleaner: For removing algae deposits from the tank glass. JBL offers the Blanki or Blanki Set and the JBL Algae Magnet. The JBL Floaty is a recommended floating algae magnet for easy external cleaning.
• JBL Clean A: A biological cleaner for outer panes, safe for fish if it contacts tank water.
• JBL Catch Nets: Useful for removing fish, available in various sizes.

Image Description: A collage of images showing JBL AquaEx, JBL Floaty, JBL Clean A spray bottle, and JBL Catch Nets.

4. Substrate and Decorations

Aim for a natural-looking aquarium biotope. Avoid artificial decorations like plastic divers or shipwrecks. Prioritize the fish's needs over aesthetics. While natural environments can seem monotonous, a balance is key. Ensure the habitat suits the fish's needs (e.g., plants for hiding fish, caves for cave-dwellers).

Substrate: After placing the tank, wash it with lukewarm tap water. The substrate provides nutrients, anchors plants, and forms the fish's habitat. Recommended layering: 2 cm JBL AquaBasis plus, followed by 4-6 cm JBL Manado or Sansibar. Manado's porous surface promotes root growth and beneficial bacteria.

Decorative Elements: Use natural materials like rocks and root wood. Wash them thoroughly. Bog-wood (impregnated with humic acids) is suitable; avoid forest wood. Savannah and mangrove wood are also good options. To prevent roots from floating, weigh them down with a rock. Brown water discoloration from root wood can be reduced by soaking it in water for a week.

Back Scenery: Use backdrops to enhance the aquarium's appearance. JBL FIXOL glue is recommended for attaching them. A polystyrene sheet behind the backdrop provides insulation.

Image Description: Decorative rocks and root wood, a Java fern attached to root wood, Javanese moss on tree roots, and a bag of JBL Manado substrate.

5. Technical Equipment

Filter

Filters are crucial for water purification, removing both visible particles and invisible harmful substances via bacteria. Bacteria specialized in breaking down waste (from fish excretion, uneaten food, decaying plants) colonize the filter media. Internal filters are placed inside the tank, while external filters are outside. JBL CristalProfi i greenline (internal) and e greenline (external) ranges are recommended for their efficiency, modularity, and energy-saving motors.

Avoid air-driven filters as they can expel CO2 vital for plant growth. Ensure filter media is cleaned periodically (every 4-8 weeks) in lukewarm water, without detergents, to preserve beneficial bacteria. Reduced water flow indicates cleaning is needed.

Image Description: Images of JBL CristalProfi internal and external filters, and filter media like JBL MicroMec.

Heating

Most aquarium fish thrive at 23-26°C. A heater is necessary in cooler climates. JBL ProTemp s is a compact, submersible, thermostat-controlled heater. Monitor temperature with a JBL Aquarium Thermometer. A general guideline is 0.5 watts per litre of water.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for plant photosynthesis and fish well-being, and it produces oxygen. JBL SOLAR full-spectrum tubes are recommended for healthy plant growth and vibrant fish colours. Use SOLAR Tropic for single-tube hoods and a combination of SOLAR Tropic and Natur for multi-tube hoods. Avoid pink or candy-coloured lights, which can promote algae. Lighting duration should be 10-12 hours daily, controlled by a time switch for consistency.

6. The Water

Water Quality

Water is the natural element for aquarium inhabitants. Tap water, treated for human consumption, requires conditioning for fish. JBL Biotopol binds chlorine and heavy metals and adds protective colloids essential for fish mucous membranes.

Water Hardness

Water hardness (total and carbonate) affects aquarium stability. Carbonate hardness is vital for maintaining a stable pH level (around neutral, 7). Aim for at least 5 German degrees of carbonate hardness, maintained through regular partial water changes. JBL AquaDur plus can be used to increase hardness if necessary.

pH Levels

The pH scale measures acidity/alkalinity. Most fish and plants thrive at a neutral pH (around 7). Carbonate hardness and CO2 influence pH. Plants consume CO2, potentially raising pH. Avoid air stones, as they expel CO2. Monitor pH with a JBL pH Test Set.

Nitrite and Oxygen

Nitrite is toxic; beneficial bacteria convert it over 2-3 weeks. Fish should only be introduced when nitrite levels are below 0.2 mg/l (use JBL Nitrite Test Set). JBL FilterStart can accelerate bacterial colonization. Oxygen is crucial for all inhabitants; ensure adequate supply by positioning filter outlets correctly to agitate the water surface.

Image Description: A diagram illustrating the nitrogen cycle (Ammonium, Nitrite, Nitrate). Images of JBL test kits for Nitrite, Phosphate, and pH.

7. The Plants

Why Living Plants?

Living plants enhance the aquarium's aesthetic and ecological balance. Through photosynthesis, they convert light energy, water, and CO2 into growth, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. They also provide hiding places for young fish and support beneficial bacteria.

What Plants Need to Flourish

Plants require light for photosynthesis, CO2 as a nutrient, and mineral nutrients/trace elements. JBL offers products like the ProFlora CO2 Set for CO2 enrichment and fertilizers like JBL Ferropol and Ferropol 24 for nutrients. JBL Manado substrate aids root growth and acts as a biological filter. Ensure fluorescent tubes are replaced annually.

Selecting and Planting

Choose plants suited to your aquarium's conditions. For aquariums without CO2, opt for slow-growing plants. Fast-growing plants may require CO2 fertilization. JBL recommends Bio CO2 Sets for CO2 enrichment. When planting, remove pots and excess roots, and plan the arrangement for a visually appealing layout. Recommended slow-growing plants include Cryptocoryne, Amazon sword plants, Java fern, and Anubias.

Image Description: A diagram showing the plant's need for CO2, Light, and producing O2. Images of JBL CO2 sets and various aquatic plants.

8. The Fish

Selection

Choose fish that are easy to care for, compatible with each other, and suited to your aquarium's size. Live-bearing tooth-carps (Poeciliidae) are good for beginners as they help control algae and are easy to breed. Consider algae-eating fish like catfish.

How Many Fish?

Start with a few fish and gradually increase the population after 1-2 weeks, allowing filter bacteria to adapt. A general guideline is 1 cm of fully grown fish per litre of water. Avoid overstocking, which can lead to algae growth.

Introducing Fish

When introducing new fish, turn off the lighting. Float the transport bag in the aquarium for about 15 minutes to acclimatize the fish to the temperature. Gradually add aquarium water to the bag. Gently transfer fish to the aquarium using a net. Add JBL Acclimol to the tank water to reduce stress and support the fish's immune system.

Image Description: Images of various fish species suitable for beginners, and images showing the process of introducing fish to an aquarium.

Feeding the Fish

Feeding is a key part of aquarium care. JBL offers a range of foods like Novobel (staple), Novocolor, GALA, NovoTab, NovoFect, and NovoPleco (for Bristlenose Plecos). Avoid overfeeding; scatter only what fish consume within 2-3 minutes, three times a day for young fish, and 1-2 times for adults. Occasional fasting days are beneficial. Store opened food containers properly to maintain freshness.

Image Description: Images of various JBL fish food products and a close-up of fish eating food from the water surface.

9. Care and Upkeep

General Maintenance

Diseases often indicate inadequate care. Review maintenance procedures after any treatment.

Daily: Feed fish and observe them for any signs of illness, injury, or incompatibility. Check equipment functionality and temperature.

Once a Fortnight: Perform a partial water change (approx. 30%), replacing it with temperature-adjusted tap water. Use a suction hose (like JBL AquaEx) to remove sediment. Remove dead plant leaves. If filter flow is reduced, clean the filter media. Add fertilizer and water conditioner.

As Needed: Clean algae from the inside of the front panes and check water parameters. Avoid frequent adjustments or moving decorations, as this can disturb the aquarium's balance.

Fish Diseases: White spot (ichthyophthirius) is common and treatable with JBL Punktol. Consult the JBL Online Hospital for more details.

Image Description: An image of JBL Punktol medication, and a close-up of fish with white spot disease.

Impressions from JBL Expeditions

JBL organizes expeditions to study fish and plant habitats in tropical regions, open to all nature enthusiasts. More information is available on the JBL homepage.