How to Build an Aquarium From Scratch

Fish tanks can create areas of relaxation in your home and allow for long periods of enjoyment watching the fish swim and interact. While building an aquarium from scratch can be a long process, the ease of a well-working tank far out weighs the challenges. With initial cost of supplies out of the way and the tank set up, tank maintenance will be relatively simple and easy. Take time now to get the tank off to a good start, and you and your fish will be happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish tank
  • Aquarium stand
  • Packaged gravel
  • Large bucket
  • Decorative items or landmarks
  • Water
  • Plants (plastic or live)
  • Filter
  • Heater
  • Thermometer
  • pH test kit
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your tank. Anywhere from 10 to 25 gallons is usually a good size for a beginning hobbyist. If you aren't sure what size fish you want to keep, this will offer some flexibility. Remember, fish need room to move and grow, so keep roughly no more than one inch of fish for every gallon of water. For example, 10 fish that will grow to 3 inches long need a 30 gallon tank. Place the tank on an aquarium stand or cabinet that's big enough to hold it. Pick a location out of direct sunlight during the day and avoid high-traffic areas, where people might thump or rock the tank as they pass by.

    • 2

      Rinse the gravel in a bucket, drain and add it to the tank. Level the gravel, or, for depth perception, create a slope with the gravel deeper toward the back. Next, place any stationary items or landmarks, but don't crowd the tank with these. Keep larger pieces toward the back, so when fish swim freely they will stay primarily in the front. Now, add enough water to fill the tank halfway.

    • 3

      Choose whether you want real or plastic plants. Live plants, just like houseplants, need care and will grow larger than when you buy them. While they can help keep the water healthy, they can also create problems in the tank. Anchor plants in the tank, again leaving open space toward the front. Keep in mind that the filter will create a current, so tall, flowing plants shouldn't be set near the filter opening.

    • 4

      Set the filter on the back side of the tank; one edge should hang into the tank as well as the filter tube. The tube should be kept clear of plants. With the filter set up and intact, add water until it reaches the top. Hang the heater over one of the other back openings and attach a thermometer on the inside or outside of the tank, following manufacturer's instructions.

    • 5

      Fill the tank with water until the water is 1 to 1 ½ inches from the top of the tank. Plug in the filter and let it clear stirred-up debris from the water. Rearrange gravel or plants as necessary, since adding water sometimes disturbs them. Let the tank sit with the filter running for several days before introducing fish.

    • 6

      Use these days of adjustment for setting and maintaining the tank's pH and temperature. Different fish require varying temperatures and pH balances, so do your research before adjusting anything. Check the thermometer and adjust the heater if needed. Check a couple of hours later and see if the temperature is too high or not warm enough. Continue tweaking the heater as needed. Test the pH and compare it with what your type of fish need. Change the pH, like the temperature, very slowly, by following the directions of your acidic or basic products.