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Research Programs
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Services
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Outreach/Education
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Policies & Procedures
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About the MRC
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SETTING UP YOUR AQUARIUM
A 10-gallon aquarium kit with an under gravel filter may be purchased on line, from a department store, or pet shop in your area. We recommend using an all-glass aquarium; seawater will corrode aquaria with metal frames creating a potentially toxic environment for the organisms.
Select an appropriate site in your classroom for the aquarium. The site should be the coolest location in the classroom that is near an electrical outlet and away from any heat source (e.g., radiator, air, or heat vent). Keep the aquarium away from direct sunlight to inhibit algae growth on the glass sides. The table or stand supporting the aquarium must be stable and able to support the weight. The average, properly set-up 10-gallon aquarium filled with water and gravel weighs approximately 150 pounds. The surface supporting the aquarium should be flat and level. Evenly supporting the aquarium prevents leaking and/or breaking of the glass when the water is added.
We recommend the following equipment:
- A piece of glass or sheet of Plexiglas, to cover the entire top of the aquarium will minimize excessive evaporation and the escape of organisms.
- A vibrating air pump to provide the necessary aeration to operate the under gravel filter.
- Vinyl tubing and plastic air control valves to control the airflow and to connect the air pump to the filter. Air stones to attach to the vinyl tubing.
- A small aquarium net.
- A feeding stick, such as a wooden shish kabob skewer.
It is essential that a combination aerator and under gravel filter be used to circulate the seawater by the air lift method. The filter should cover the entire bottom of the aquarium.
We recommend that, at the very least, the under gravel filter plate be covered with two inches of aquarium size # 3 or # 4 sand or gravel. Ideally crushed coral should be used if available. Crushed coral may be difficult to locate in some areas, but is available on the internet. Oyster shell is readily available from most animal feed stores as a mineral supplement for egg-laying poultry. Using a colander or similar equipment, thoroughly rinse the gravel -- particularly the oyster shell or coral -- in fresh water until clean, and drain the material. Gently place this material on the filter plate at the bottom of the aquarium.
Gently add a few larger rocks to the aquarium; these act both as decoration and as natural, protective environments for the organisms. Locate the rocks in the aquarium so that crabs cannot become trapped or wedged between the rocks and the side of the aquarium. It is also essential that the rocks be thoroughly cleansed before placing them into the aquarium.
WARNING: DO NOT PUT ANY METAL OBJECTS IN THE AQUARIUM. SEAWATER IS CORROSIVE; THE METAL BY-PRODUCTS MAY BE TOXIC TO THE ORGANISMS.
Setting Up Your Aquarium
Seawater
Organism Care Upon Arrival
Organism Care And Feeding
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