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18
So you want to keep tropical
fish? We show you how to
set up and decorate the
aquarium in 11 easy steps.
1
Tropicals
made easy
The 180 litre tank is a good sized tank for both tropicals or marines.
The model we have chosen, in dark wood, comes with twin lighting, a
200 watt heater and a 600lph internal filter.
The filter comes with a coarse sponge, fine sponges, a nitrate
removal pad, a carbon pad and a fine poly pad.
2
3
4
5
We’ve added a background picture to the tank to complement the
plants and fish. This 3D rocky background is reversible and can
be simply stuck on the back with clear double-sided tape. Trim
the edges for a neat fit. The filter media can be removed from
packaging and fitted as directed. For good plant growth, replace the
carbon pad with another sponge as carbon can remove plant food.
We want good results with live plants and that means adding
a substrate fertiliser. This Tetra Complete Substrate should be
poured over the base of the tank, before you add any gravel.
Choose a gravel that will not alter the water chemistry and is
safe for use with plants. Wash it to remove any dust and cover
the Tetra substrate completely, to a depth of 5cm/2”.
The “hardscape” is the next thing to be added. A combination of
real bogwood and replica wood has been selected and two large
pieces have been placed in the tank. The bogwood has been
rinsed to remove any dust.
Photography: Neil Hepworth
Safety tip
Don’t turn
your heater on
until it’s under
water.