Things You'll Need
- 10-gallon aquarium with built-in light sockets
- Aquarium light bulbs
- 15 pounds of sand or gravel
- Power filter
- Air pump
- Thermometer
- Heater
- Fish net
- Water dechlorinator
- Algae scrubber
- 2 two-gallon buckets
- Gravel vacuum
- Live plants and plant food
- Tank stand (optional)
Instructions
Consider setting up a tank stand first to absorb the weight of the tank, which may reach 100 pounds.
Rinse everything off that will go in the tank, and then put the gravel in first as well as any ornaments for the tank.
Fill the tank up half full of water and then add the plants.
Fill up the tank completely with water when you have placed all the items in the tank. Add the dechlorinator to the tank according to the directions.
Install the heater, filter, thermometer and air pump, again following the directions for the brand or type you bought.
Let the aquarium run for a day before adding fish to allow the filter and dechlorinator to work, as well as to make sure the aquarium doesn't leak.
Buy fish that are not delicate and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Choose starter fish like guppies, goldfish and tetras.
Get bottom feeders like catfish to eat food off the bottom and get rid of algae. They stay out of the way of the other fish and do a lot of the cleaning work for you.
Use the algae scrubber to remove algae as it grows on the tank. Keep the aquarium away from windows, as sunlight will encourage algae growth.