How to Set Up a Fish Tank

Having a fish tank and watching the fish swim around helps you relax and lower your blood pressure, and it's a good way to teach your child about responsibility. These steps will help you set up a fish tank you will be proud of.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish tank
  • Filter
  • Heater
  • Gravel
  • Plants (Live or Plastic)
  • Driftwood or other decorations
  • Water
  • Fish tank lid with a light
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on the type of fish you want. Different kinds of fish (fresh water fish versus salt water fish) require different kinds of equipment. Fresh water fish are easier to care for whereas salt water fish have much more color to them and are harder to care for.

    • 2

      Visit the pet store to purchase all the equipment you will need to set up a fish tank. Make a list of everything you will need to set up a fish tank.

    • 3

      Set up the fish tank. Place the fish tank in a good location. Add the filter, the heater, the gravel, the plants, the driftwood or decorations, the rocks and the water. Adjust the heater until the water temperature reaches a temperature between 75 to 78 degrees. Place the top of the fish tank on the tank.

    • 4

      Let your fish tank set for at least a week before adding any fish. This will allow time for you to be sure the water temperature is set correctly, the filter is working correctly and there are no leaks in the fish tank. This will also allow the bacteria to start building a bacteria base.

    • 5

      Select your fish. Keep in mind when picking out your fish, that you need to purchase fish that get along with each other. Also, you do not want to buy too many fish. Purchase fish that are hearty, inexpensive, relatively small and ones that you want to watch for a long period of time.

    • 6

      Maintain your fish tank. Feed your fish on a daily basis, while checking the filter and heater twice a week. Once a month, check all hoses, fittings, clamps, cords, lights and any other equipment.