How to Set Up a 55 Gallon Fish Tank

A 55 gallon fish tank can add colorful highlights to your living space and is suitable for any room in your home. A proper tank set up provides your fish with a healthy environment from the very start. Read on to learn more about how to set up a 55 gallon fish tank.

Things You'll Need

  • 55 gallon fish tank
  • 55 gallon fish tank stand
  • Aquarium pump and filter
  • Aquarium lights
  • Aquarium gravel, rocks and decor
  • Distilled water
  • Water testing kit
  • Fish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on a location for your new 55 gallon fish tank and set up the fish tank stand. Set the fish tank on top of the stand. Follow the instructions that came with the fish tank.

    • 2

      Rinse your aquarium rocks, gravel and decorations to get rid of excess dust. Place these items in the bottom of your fish tank.

    • 3

      Fill your tank with distilled water to the desired level. Your local water might contain chemicals that can harm the fish, so check with your local pet store or other fish owners before using any tap water.

    • 4

      Place and turn on your pump filter and your aquarium lights. Filters come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, so research which type of filters are best for the fish you want to keep. Three commonly used filters are hang on back (HOB), canister and undergravel filters.

    • 5

      Cycle the tank. This is perhaps the most important step because the cycling process filters out any chemicals and other trace elements that can harm or even kill your fish. The cycling process also allows beneficial bacteria to grow and reduces the levels of harmful nitrites and nitrates.

    • 6

      Test your water with a PH testing kit to make sure that the water contains safe levels of nitrates, nitrates, alkalinity, pH balance and water hardness. When all of these levels are safe, it is finally time to add your fish.

    • 7

      Introduce your fish to the tank by setting their bag in the water for 30 to 40 minutes. This allows the fish time to get used to the water temperature.

    • 8

      Release your fish into the water. Enjoy.