Things You'll Need
- Clean cloth
- Undergravel filter system
- Powerheads
- Aquarium gravel
- Decorations
- Thermometer
- Heater
- Chlorine remover
- Water conditioner
- Canister filter
Instructions
Prepare Tank and Undergravel Filter
Wipe the inside of the tank with a clean cloth.
Place the tank on the stand.
Place undergravel filter plates on the tank bottom.
Attach the uplift tubes to the filter plates according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Connect powerheads to the uplift tubes. Leave powerheads unplugged.
Decorate and Fill the Tank With Water
Rinse the gravel you picked and add it to the tank on top of the undergravel filter plates.
Put any decorations into the tank. Decorations must be rinsed before you place them in the tank. Use the gravel to anchor the decorations if needed.
Fill the tank with water. Water should be room temperature.
Place thermometer in the water or on the glass on the outside of the tank. The type of thermometer will determine which of these you must do. Add a tank heater if necessary.
Add chlorine remover and water conditioner to the water.
Hook up a canister filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Plug in all electric accessories. Use a surge protected power strip for added protection of your accessories.