Hi I am new to this hobby i a getting my first tank today and will be using tap water i no so does every one .
My question is do i need to add any thing to the water or leave it is it right that no fish for three weeks ?.
Do i need to switch on pump and filter while waiting?

derrick.

Hi Derrick,

First of all let me welcome you to aquariumforums.

When you buy a new fish tank there are some key steps that you should follow. I would say that the first thing you should consider buying is a product called 'Tap Safe'. This is a chemical that you add to your water which will eliminate many of the harmful products found within tap water.

Go to your local pet store and ask them for some of their sand or gravel from their own fish tanks as this will already include bacteria and is a good way to speed up the process of building up your own defence system.

You could also buy some hardy fish...hardy fish can survive in tank water which has not been matured and you can think about doing this within the first week of setting up your new tank.

Finally the pump and filter will need to be turned on as early as possible whether you have introduced fish or not. This will help to move your water around and clean out any unwanted particles. Once you have added your fish your filter sponges will then begin to mature and help fight any bad bacteria you have from fish waste.

I hope this information helps and we hope to see you again soon.

Regards

aquariumforum team