How to Set Up a Freshwater Aquarium
This will explain how to set up a basic freshwater aquarium. We'll start with a short list
of the equipment you'll need and then give you a step by step guide on setting up your
first fish tank.
Equipment you will need:
• Aquarium
• Aquarium gravel
• Aquarium filter
• Replacement filter media
• Heater
• Decorations (such plants and or ornaments)
• Aquarium test kits for testing your water
• Fish food
• Aquarium gravel
• Fish net
• Aquarium glass scrubber
• 5-gallon bucket
• Strainer
•
STEP 1: Realizing the responsibility involved.
Learning how to set up a fish tank is not all that difficult, but there are some steps you
should follow. A tropical fish tank is just like having a dog or a cat when it comes to the
amount of effort on your part. In order to have a successful freshwater tropical tank
you will have to work at it. Once a week, or at most once every two weeks, you will
need to perform some kind of maintenance on the tank. Most of the time you will be
performing water changes. You will also have to feed your fish at least once a day.
Setting up and running a fish tank does cost money. There are recurring expenses such
as replacing filter media, buying food, etc.
STEP 2: Deciding on the aquarium size.
It's a good idea to have in mind what kind of fish you want to keep before you
purchase an aquarium. Some fish only grow to be an inch or two, whereas other types
of tropical fish can grow 12 or 13 inches or more in length! Knowing what kind of fish
you want will help you decide the size of the tank they will need. If this is your first
time with an aquarium, it may be a good idea to start with a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium
setup for now and stock it with some smaller and hardier species.
STEP 3: Deciding on the aquarium location.
Place your aquarium in an area where the light and temperature of the tank won't be
affected by external sources such as windows and heat vents. Sunlight that enters the
room through an unshaded window could affect the temperature of your tank. This
could also lead to green algae problems for your tank down the road. You will want to
place your aquarium on a stand that will be able to hold its total weight. You also want
to be sure that the floor is able to support the total weight of the aquarium and stand.
A good rule of thumb for determining the total weight of a full aquarium is 10 pounds
per gallon of water. For example, a 55-gallon tank will weigh approximately 550 pounds
when filled with water!
STEP 4: Purchasing your aquarium and equipment.
Now is a good time to decide on the type of aquarium filter you will want to use. You
will also need to purchase a heater capable of heating the tank size you have. Buy the
gravel, plants, and decorations. A good rule of thumb for the amount of gravel that you
will need is 1 to 1.5 pounds of gravel per gallon of water.
STEP 5: Setting up the aquarium.
Wash out your tank with water only! Do not use soap or detergents. Soap residue left
behind will be harmful for your tropical fish.
STEP 6: Wash the gravel, plants and decorations.
Be sure to wash the gravel thoroughly in a strainer before adding it to your tank. Then
place the clean gravel in the aquarium. After adding the gravel you can place your
plants and decorations.
STEP 7: Adding water to your aquarium.
To avoid messing up your gravel and plants, you can place a plate or saucer in the
middle of your aquarium and direct the water flow onto the plate. Use room
temperature water when filling. To remove the chlorine and chloramine, use Cycle and
Aqua Plus. Don't completely fill the aquarium until you are sure of the layout of your
decorations. Otherwise, when you place your arm in to move stuff around water will
spill over.
STEP 8: Setting up your equipment.
Install your heater but don't plug it in until the thermostat in the heater has adjusted to
the water temperature. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Hook up your filter and
any other equipment you have, then top off the aquarium water to just under the hood
lip. Place your canopy on the aquarium and then check your power cords to be sure
that they are free of water. Plug all of the equipment into a power strip and then "turn
on" the aquarium.
STEP 9. Adding fish.
When cycling your tank with fish, try to get hardier species like zebra danios or cherry
barbs. You may notice after a few days your fish tank cycle starting when your
aquarium gets a white cloudy look to the water.
STEP 10. Add tropical fish.
Only add one or two fish at a time. Adding a couple fish at a time gives your filtration
system the time needed to take on the increased biological load that the new fish
introduce. When you bring the fish home let the bag float in the tank for about 15
minutes so that the fish can become acclimated to the temperature of the water. After
5 minutes of floating the bag you should add some of the aquarium water to the bag so
that the fish can become acclimated to the pH level in the aquarium. This will help
reduce the amount of stress imposed on the fish. Stressed fish often leads to dead or
diseased fish. Don't feed your fish on the first day. They probably wouldn't eat any food
anyway. Let them get acquainted with their new home.
STEP 11. Get ready for regular maintenance.
Be prepared to spend some time once or twice a week to clean your tank and perform
water testing. Performing regular water changes and water testing will reduce the
nitrate levels and keep your tropical fish happy and healthy.
As you can see, the steps for how to set up a fish tank are not that complex and
hopefully you now have your aquarium setup and running! Have fun, and enjoy.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us and we will be more than
happy to help.