How to Install Pumps, Hoses & Filters in a135 Gal Fish Tank

Keeping fish is a fascinating hobby for many people, and setting up the tank can be a rewarding first step in fish keeping. Setting up a 135-gallon tank requires preparation, and the right equipment for filtration and aeration like quality filters, pumps and tubing.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Aquarium stand
  • Filters
  • Pumps
  • Aquarium tubing
  • Aquarium air stones
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the aquarium on a sturdy stand on level flooring. Keep in mind that water weighs approximately 8.3 pounds per gallon, so a filled 135-gallon aquarium weighs more than 1,000 pounds before the addition of filters, pumps and decorations.

    • 2

      Place a power filter at each end of the aquarium. A large tank like a 135-gallon model requires adequate filtration, and placing a quality filter at each end of the aquarium helps ensure this. Choose filters designed for large tanks, which are better able to handle the large quantities of water moving through the tank.

    • 3

      A 135-gallon or larger tank should have a least two quality aquarium pumps. Select pumps designed for large tanks.

    • 4

      Attach a piece of aquarium tubing to the intake on the side of each pump. Make sure the tubing is long enough to reach from the pump to the bottom of the aquarium.

    • 5

      Attach an air stone to the end of each piece of aquarium tubing, then place that air stone in the tank. Plug the aquarium pumps into a wall outlet or power strip and watch for bubbles in the air stones.

    • 6

      Hide the aquarium pumps inside the stand. Be sure tubing is not kinked and air is flowing from the air stones. Hide the intake tubes for the power filters behind plants and other decorations.

    • 7

      Fill the back of each power filter with water, then plug the power filters into an electrical outlet or power strip. Watch for water to start flowing from the power filter. The water should flow into the power filter, through the filter cartridge and out into the tank.