How to Start a 10 Gallon Fish Tank

Many new fish hobbyists decide to begin with a 10 gallon tank. These tanks are small, relatively inexpensive and simple to manage, making them perfect for determining if keeping fish is a hobby you wish to pursue before investing in a larger, more expensive tank. They are also good if your space does not permit for a larger tank.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 gallon fish tank
  • Filter
  • Heater
  • Gravel
  • Water
  • Fish tank decor (optional)
  • Pure ammonia
  • Ammonia and nitrite tests
  • Fish appropriate for a 10 gallon tank
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Instructions

  1. Fishless Cycling

    • 1

      Set up your fish tank with the filter, heater, gravel and water. Get the filter running and set the heater to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the decorations if desired.

    • 2

      Add three to five drops of ammonia for each gallon in the tank. You will know if you have enough ammonia in the tank when the ammonia test reads 4 to 5 ppm.

    • 3

      Test the tank's ammonia level every day. Any time ammonia level reaches 1 ppm, add more to bring it back up to 4 to 5 ppm. Continue this step every day until the ammonia reading reaches zero ppm within 8 to 12 hours of adding ammonia (approximately two weeks).

    • 4

      Test the tank's nitrite level. It will read very high, which is fine. Continue daily ammonia readings, bringing the level back to 1 to 2 ppm. Continue bringing the ammonia level back to 1 to 2 ppm and checking the nitrate levels daily until the nitrite level reaches zero and stays that way for at least 24 hours. This step may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

    • 5

      Once the nitrite level reaches and remains at a zero level, change about 75 to 90 percent of the water in the tank. Do not rinse or clean anything else in the tank. Turn the heater down to a temperature livable for the fish you will be putting in the tank.

    • 6

      Once the tank has been cycled, you can add your fish.