How to Set Up a Large Tropical Aquarium

Keeping a large tropical fish aquarium can be a challenging and rewarding experience. The initial set up of your aquarium will influence how easy or difficult it is for you to take care of it. You should always make sure that the fish that you are keeping together are compatible with each other and can live peacefully together.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium tank
  • Tank stand
  • Light Hood
  • Aquarium filter
  • Tap water conditioner
  • Substrate (gravel, sand, pebbles)
  • Decorations (wood, rocks, structures)
  • Plants (live or decorative)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your aquarium tank on the stand. Make sure that the tank is level and is sitting flat on the stand. Once the water is in the tank, you will most likely not be able to move it.

    • 2

      Place the substrate that you chose on the bottom of the tank. If you are using a fine sand, make sure you have at least a one inch floor bed.

    • 3

      Set up your decorations. Keep in mind that most fish like to have places to go where they can hide so give them some areas of shelter. It is much easier to do this while there is no water in the tank.

    • 4

      Install your filter to the back of the aquarium tank. Follow your manufacturers instructions.

    • 5

      Fill your aquarium with water. It is ok to use tap water from your sink or hose.

    • 6

      Treat the water with the conditioner. This will make your tap water perfectly safe for tropical fish.

    • 7

      Place the light hood on top of your aquarium.

    • 8

      Add your choice of fish. Some common choices are tetras, gouramis, mollies and plecos.