Tetra Aquarium

Before You Start

• Register for TetraCare, our free online support system
• Purchase the largest aquarium you can.
• Place it on a sturdy stand.
• Locate your new aquarium away from direct sunlight to discourage algae growth in the water.

The Water

• Seek your dealer's advice about the quality of your local tap water. Knowing parameters such as pH and hardness will help you select fish that are well suited to live in the water in your aquarium.
• Also ask your dealer if the water in your area contains chlorine or chloramine--strong chemicals used for water treatment in many municipalities. Always add AquaSafe to any water before putting it in your aquarium. AquaSafe neutralizes or eliminates chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals.

Heating and Lighting

• Maintain the right aquarium temperature with the easy-to-set Whisper Submersible Heater.
• Check water temperature with the a digital thermometer.
• Use fluorescent lighting in your aquarium cover.

Filtration and Aeration

• With your dealer's help, choose the Whisper Power Filter that best suits the size of your aquarium.
• Use a Whisper Air Pump and air stone to make quiet, pleasing bubbles in your tank and provide the aeration needed for healthy fish.

Adding Fish and Plants

• Click here to register for TetraCare to learn how to add fish to your aquarium.
• Always use Tetra AquaSafe when introducing new fish to your tank.
• Use plastic plants in your aquarium if you prefer a low-maintenance alternative to live plants. Plantastics are so life-like, you'll forget they aren't real plants.
• Consider using live plants in your aquarium. They can enhance aquarium enjoyment as well as help balance or recycle certain biochemicals and nutrients. However, they require 12-14 hours of light per day, occasional pruning and replanting, and fertilization with FloraPride.

Feeding

• Register with TetraCare to learn the how – and how often – to properly feed your fish.
• TetraMin is the world's finest fish food and is recommended for a staple diet.

Maintenance

• Change 25% of the water every two weeks. Siphon from the bottom and stir the gravel to help remove debris. In most freshwater aquariums, the need for frequent water changes can be reduced by using EasyBalance as a weekly treatment to stabilize water quality.
• Use a gravel cleaner to siphon debris without disturbing aquarium decor or needing to remove fish.
• Change the Filter Cartridge every four weeks.
• Add AquaSafe whenever you add water, and whenever you add fish, to your aquarium.

Trouble Shooting

• Monitor water conditions (pH, ammonia, nitrite) regularly with Tetra Test Kits to prevent water problems before they occur.

Learning More

• Register for TetraCare!
• Visit your local professional fish retailer.
• Investigate the shelves at your local library for books on aquarium keeping.

And Remember

• DON'T add too many fish to a new aquarium.
• DON'T overfeed your fish.
• DON'T tap on the glass or startle your fish.
• DON'T tear down an aquarium to clean it. Keeping fish and gravel in place, use a siphon hose to change part of the water and clean gravel of debris.
• DON'T forget to change your Whisper Filter Cartridge every four weeks.