How to Set Up a 10-Gallon Aquarium

A 10-gallon aquarium needs a number of components in order to create a complete ecosystem that will support fish. A freshwater aquarium needs several ways of keeping the tank clean and free of algae as well as a way of keeping enough oxygen in the water. It must also start out clean and without any unnecessary debris that could cloud the water and make the fish sick.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Filter
  • Aerator
  • Aerator tubing
  • Aerator stone
  • Gravel
  • Decorations
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start by washing the tank thoroughly. If possible, wash it without using any soap. Using soap can leave small amounts of it behind, which can leave the water contaminated. By scrubbing with water and towels, you should be able to get any dirt and debris out of the aquarium before it's used.

    • 2

      Set up your filtration system first if you are using an under-gravel filter. These are often the best types of filters to use because the fish can't get caught in them and because most waste will drift down into it, allowing the water to become cleaner than if you were using a side filter. The downside is that it can be harder to clean these out, but it's a must for any aquarium with small fish that can become trapped in a side filter or wedged behind it. An under-gravel filter is simply placed on the floor of the aquarium. Be sure to rinse it off, even if it's new, before placing it in the tank.

    • 3

      Hook up the aeration method to the filter. The under-gravel filter will have a vertical tube attached to it that is where you will place your aeration stone and tubing. A 10-gallon tank doesn't require a power head air pump in most cases. A small, table-top air filter that is rated for a 10-gallon tank is easy to use and provides enough power. Attach the aeration tubing that comes with the air pump onto the air spout and attach an air stone onto the other end of the tubing. Some air pumps will come with one and others require you to buy them separately. Thread the stone and some of the tubing down into the vertical tube that is attached to the filter.

    • 4

      Wash some aquarium gravel and pour it gently over the filter. Make sure that you have rinsed the gravel enough times to rinse away any loose pieces of debris that might be clinging to it. Aquarium gravel often arrives in stores with many tiny pieces of gravel that have broken off inside the bag, and these pieces may end up clogging the filter or being swallowed by the fish.

    • 5

      Add some decor into the tank if you have small fish that may want to hide. Many freshwater fish enjoy hiding from humans and may like a castle, treasure box or some aquarium plants to hide in.

    • 6

      Get the tank water ready by adding in Stress Coat or another additive that rids the water of chlorine. Add the exact amount recommended by the label and let the water sit for a few minutes after adding it.

    • 7

      Plug in the aeration pump before adding the fish to the tank. The pump provides oxygen into the water, so the water should be oxygenated for a few minutes before fish attempt to breathe in the water

    • 8

      Float the fish on the top of the tank in a plastic for about an hour before releasing them into the tank. If the fish are not already in a plastic bag, put them in one that has plenty of air inside it. Floating is a way to acclimate fish to the temperature of the water inside the tank. Adding the fish in without this acclimation period can result in the death of the fish.