How to Set Up a Fishtank

Aquariums can be a fun and fulfilling hobby, but getting your tank off on the right foot is important for the health and success of your fish. Aquariums require the right combination of temperature, clean water and filtration. Do not rush the preparation of a tank. Water must sit for a while before adding fish, giving the tank time to acclimate to the correct temperature. You also must remove hard minerals and chlorine from the water during the setup process. Taking the time to follow the proper setup steps will put your tank, and your fish, on the path to success.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish tank
  • Stand or other stable surface
  • Gravel or other substrate
  • Aquarium heater
  • Back filter
  • Tap water conditioner
  • Lighting hood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on a location for the tank. Remember that water is very heavy, so the tank will need to be supported by a stand or other surface that can handle at least 8 pounds per gallon of water.

    • 2

      Wash the gravel, sand or other substrate that will fill the bottom of the tank. Substrate contains dust, so it's important to wash it before use. Use a colander or bucket to spray the substrate with water before carefully dumping out the water.

    • 3

      Place the substrate on the base of the tank. Level the substrate across the bottom. If you will use an under-gravel filter, place the filter on the bottom of the tank before putting the substrate in. You will need at least 1 pound of substrate per gallon of water.

    • 4

      Place the back filter on the edge of the tank. If the filter requires activated charcoal, place the charcoal filter inside the filter. Do not plug in the filter yet.

    • 5

      Place a water heater inside the tank, pressing the suction cups against one of the edges of the tank to secure it. Set the temperature on the heater based on the species of fish that you expect to have. For most tropical fish, the temperature range is between 75 and 80 degrees.

    • 6

      Fill the tank with water, leaving at least 5 inches of room at the top of the tank.

    • 7

      Plug in the filter and heater.

    • 8

      Place the lighting hood on top of the tank.

    • 9

      Apply 10 milliliters of water conditioner for every 10 gallons of water. This will remove chlorine and other contaminants.

    • 10

      Allow the tank to sit for at least 72 hours before adding fish or other species. This will give the water time to reach the proper temperature, aerate and remove any lingering chemicals or hard minerals.