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Correct Placement of Aquarium Stand
As discussed before in Finding the Best Location For your Aquarium you must decide on its final location to take into consideration drafts or sunlight which will affect the water temperature, and physical aspects of the floor where the stand will sit and any electrical or water supply nearby.
First Check Floors and walls
Make sure your floors can take the additional loading especially if you setting up your freshwater aquarium on a upper floor, as last thing you want is to have come though the floor. Remember a 100 gallon aquarium can weigh almost 1000 pounds when full.
When setting up your aquarium offset it from the wall, as you need to allow room for maintenance and all the piping work.
Look for Power and Water Supply
When determining the location for your new aquarium, consider the power supply as you will need 3 to 4 sockets. Last thing you want do is fix up the tank, add the water then find out there’s no power supply then you will have reserve your sequence and relocate.
If possible locate your tank near water too, as it will help you in the movement of water to and thou to save you spilling water.
Moving Aquariums
If you have done all the planning you shouldn’t need to relocate the aquarium but if you really need too then here’s the best way.
Always have two people to carry the aquarium for two reasons. Firstly you may damage your back if over stress for lifting the heavy aquarium and secondly you can damage the silicone and frame of the tank if you move alone.
So you are ready to move the tank, follow these steps:
Unplug the equipment and remove it from the aquarium, but allow 15mins after switching off for the heater as too not shatter it.
Take a bucket of water from your aquarium and place all the fish in it, count them to ensure there is none left.
Now you can remove the remaining water and take out any heavy decorations or rocks.
Don’t lift the tank by the top of the frame, this will damage the silicone or crack the glass, the correct way is to lift from the bottom corners of the tank.
Glass Aquariums Tanks
From the days of glass tanks in the 60’s and 70’s with the metal frame tanks that were very heavy is unsightly to the eyes, technology has improved and other materials can be used for creating your dream aquarium. Now tanks come in all shapes and sizes due to the new technology of acrylics and plastics.
Glass Aquariums
Glass aquarium tanks are still the most popular form of tanks available in the market. The basic construction is plate glass sealed with a non toxic silicone. The glass can be either tempered (stronger, lighter and will shatter into pieces when it breaks) or plate (heavier, thicker and will crack when it breaks).
The frame of the glass will be pre-drilled allowing for your equipment and hoses to be concealed behind. Typically these tanks will cost more to buy and it’s not a necessary to have.
Big disadvantages of these tanks are that are limited in the shapes they can be formed, limited to rectangle and squares and if your want an unusual shape then glass is not for you.
Glass aquariums tanks are also very heavy in nature, due to the glass thickness increasing when the tank gets bigger and larger. The loading on the floor can be increased with an glass aquarium so ensure your floors can take the loadings and not recommended upstairs. Glass tanks can break and shatter easily and you can end up with a wet floor and a lot of dead fish.
Testing and Repairing a Leaking Tank
To test if your aquarium leaks is fairly simple, place your aquarium tank on some old newspaper and fill it up and let it stand for 24 hours. As you guessed when it’s wet there’s a leak. You should always test both new and second hand aquarium tanks.
To repair any leaks, dry off the tank and remove the old silicone with a safety razor. Gently wipe the area with a soft, clean cloth to remove any oils to ensure a good clean seal. Purchase a good aquarium sealer and apply to the affect areas and let dry for at least 48 hours before adding the water again. Repeat the test again to ensure the leak is sealed.
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