How to Set Up a Fish Tank

You may have always admired the beauty and tranquility of fish tanks and now you are wondering how to set up a fish tank of your own. Contrary to some beliefs, you do not just buy a tank, put in some equipment and dump in the fish. Operating an aquarium of your own requires you understand what equipment is needed, tank size requirements, fish compatibility and feeding, temperature and lighting requirements.

1. Research fish species, tanks, equipment, plants and aquarium stands. Check out books from the library and conduct Internet research as you gain further knowledge about what makes an aquarium work and how to maintain them.


2. Determine if you want to raise saltwater fish or tropical fish. They both have their pros and cons and yet they are all just as beautiful and fascinating to keep. Saltwater aquariums can be a little more complex for beginners and most people start with tropical fish.


3. Decide what fish species you want to start with. Choose some of the easiest fish to keep until you are more confident with keeping an aquarium and fish. Guppies, neons, tetras, small catfish and platys are all smaller sized tropical fish species, fairly mellow and make excellent choices for beginners and a community tank.


4. Choose the fish tank style and size based on the type of tropical fish and how large they will get. You can buy most any size and shape of tank you want. Research square, octagonal, desk tanks or any shape you like. Purchase a reasonable size that will give you room for expansion in the future. A lot of people find a 10- or 20-gallon tank in more than sufficient for their needs. Most tanks come as kit with all the necessary equipment for beginners.


5. Determine if you are going to buy an aquarium stand or have a table that can hold a lot of water weight. The larger the tank size the stronger the table or stand needs to be. There is a big difference in stand requirements between a 10-gallon aquarium and a 55-gallon tank.


6. Set your tank up and get it ready for your new fish. Completely set up the tank with the filters, heater, lights, hood, and gravel and then fill it with dechlorinated water. Place the plants, rocks and decorations in the tank. Turn everything on and make sure it all works properly. Let the tank sit for at least two days before bringing home the new fish. This gives the tank time to heat to the proper temperature and your chance to make sure it is ready for new fish.


7. Visit the tropical fish store and pick out fish that you have already read about. Make sure all the varieties that you choose can eat the same food to keep this simple. They also need to be compatible in a community tank. Most tropical fish stores have very knowledgeable personnel on hand that are more than happy to supply you with information and help you make a choice.


8. Float your fish bags on the water for at least 10 minutes to acclimate the temperature in the bag to the tank. Remove the rubber band from the bag in the water and slowly and gently release the fish into the tank. Releasing fish with this method does put a little water from their bag into the tank, but it is the least stressful to the fish.