Things You'll Need
- Tank thermometer
- Tank heater
- Bubbler
- Live plants
- Tank lid
- Measuring tape
- Polystyrene
- Double sided tape
Instructions
Place the tank thermometer in the water. Let it float freely for at least two hours before checking the temperature. Keep the thermometer in your tank permanently to keep track of fluctuating water temperatures.
Stick the suction cup of the tank heater onto the side of the glass. This should be placed near the water filtration system so that the flow of the water helps disperse the heat. The heating coils should be submerged while the top of the heater (the part with the cord and the temperature dial) is above water level. Set the dial temperature to between 76 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place live plants floating across the entire top of the water. This helps provide a humid and oxygen-enriched environment while retaining the heat in the water.
Put an aquarium bubbler in the tank, preferably on the opposite side of where the filtration system is. Seal off most of the top of the tank with a tank lid.
Measure the three sides of your tank that are not used for viewing. Transfer the measurements to your polystyrene and cut out the needed sizes. Adhere the cut pieces to the tank with double-sided tape.
Place the tank in an area of your home that is temperature controlled 24 hours a day.