How to Setup a Fish Aquarium

While a first-timer might disagree, setting up an aquarium does not have to be frustrating. Pet stores often sell aquarium starter-kits, with everything you need for an aquarium. As long as you have a suitable space in your home and some water, you should be able to set up the aquarium, in a day or two. Start slow, with one fish, and introduce fish one at a time, to maintain the delicate balance of the aquarium environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Stable surface
  • Gravel (optional)
  • Plants (optional)
  • Decorations (optional)
  • Water filter
  • Water heater (optional)
  • Air pump
  • Scissors or knife
  • Lukewarm water
  • Bowl (optional)
  • Water treatment
  • Fish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the tank thoroughly, with water only, as soap residue could harm fish. Check for any leaks, as you wash. Wash all the items that you will put in the tank, including gravel, plants and decorations, suggests Fish Lore.com.

    • 2

      Place the aquarium on a sturdy, flat surface, where it will not get direct sunlight (which can encourage algae growth). According to The First Tank Guide, the location should be accessible and visible, so you can easily take care of and look at the fish.

    • 3

      Place the water filter in the tank, setting it up according to manufacturer instructions.

    • 4

      Place clean gravel and other decorative items into the tank.

    • 5

      Install the water heater, according to manufacturer's instructions. If you are using a hanging heater, place it on the back of the aquarium. If you are using a submersible heater, place it horizontally, near the bottom of the tank.

    • 6

      Place the air pump in the the aquarium, somewhere above the desired water level. If the air pump is submerged, and the power goes off, water can enter the air tube and damage the pump. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

    • 7

      Use scissors or a knife to cut the back a section of the aquarium cover, to allow cables and other equipment to pass through. Place the cover on the tank.

    • 8

      Add lukewarm water into the tank, until it reaches the water level you want. To avoid moving the gravel and ornaments, direct the water into a bowl, placed in the tank.

    • 9

      Add water treatment to the water, such as chlorine remover or water conditioner.

    • 10

      Place any plants into the tank, arranging them so that the tall ones are placed at the back of the tank. Some plants that suit an aquarium environment include java moss, Amazon swords and hygrophila, suggests Monga Bay.com.

    • 11

      Wait for one hour, then turn on all aquarium equipment.

    • 12

      Allow the aquarium to stabilize, for one or two days. Check that the aquarium has no leaks and that all equipment works.

    • 13

      Place one fish in a plastic bag, and let it float in the tank for five minutes, to allow the fish to adjust to the water temperature. Add some aquarium water into the bag, so the fish can adjust to the pH of the aquarium water. After 10 more minutes, take away the bag and place the fish in the aquarium. Add only one or two fish, at a time, to the aquarium.