Setting Up Your Freshwater Aquarium

Offering newbies a fish-eye view on setting up a freshwater aquarium, this instructional guide is hosted by "Patty the Platty," an animated talking fish. Actually, it took me a moment to figure out which of the fish in the tank was supposed to be Patty, since the only thing that is animated is her mouth--and, unfortunately, a cartoon/fish hybrid is not the most engaging of hosts. However, the information Patty shares is invaluable. Viewers will learn how to choose the right tank; how the placement of the tank and other environmental factors affect fish health; how to select plants, rocks, and other aquarium decorations; and the proper way to add water and introduce new fish to the tank. They will also learn what the water cycle is (and why it's important), how to clean the tank, and ways to tell if fish are sick. For a twenty minute video, this one's chockfull of tips and tricks for setting up a safe and healthy aquarium environment, and is recommended, overall, for those without similar fare. Aud: P. (J. Asala)