SETTING UP A FRESHWATER AQUARIUM  

Setting up a new freshwater aquarium involves several steps, including selecting the right tank and stand, substrate and equipment for the types of fish you want to keep.  Once setup, it needs time to cycle to establish healthy bacteria before slowly adding fish. 

 

SETUP STEPS:

1.  LOCATION

Position your tank on a sturdy, perfectly level stand away from windows and HVAC vents to prevent algae blooms.  Allow wall clearance for filtration equipment and power cords. 

2.  SUBSTRATE & DECOR  

Rinse your substrate (use a colander) & ornaments (plants, rocks, wood, etc) with tap water.  Add a background (if desired) to the back of the tank and position larger/taller décor to the back; smaller, more interesting items to the front. 

3.  EQUIPMENT

Install (but do not plug in yet) your filtration, heater and thermometer – following manufacturer’s directions.

4.  WATER

Set a small plate on top of the substrate to prevent disruption and slowly fill tank with room temp water.  Add water conditioner to remove any harmful chemicals from the water. 

5.  PLUG IT IN

Turn on the filter, light and heater – set to the recommended temp for your fish.

6.  CYLE THE TANK

The most important step to a successful aquarium setup is to grow healthy, beneficial bacteria to break down toxic fish waste and control ammonia and nitrite levels.

Add a bacteria “starter” and let the system run for 2-6 weeks, adding a flake of fish food daily.  Test your water regularly; once ammonia and nitrite levels read 0 ppm fish can be introduced.  Doing small, frequent water changes during this time will help bring ammonia and nitrite levels down.  Water changes should consist of taking out 25-30% of the water and replacing it. Add water conditioner and bacteria supplements with each water change.

7.  ADD FISH

Avoid adding too many fish at once so you do not overwhelm your newly established bacteria.  Depending on tank size, add only 1-2 small, hardy fish every week or two – after testing the water to ensure it is safe (0 ppm) and doing small water changes as needed. 

  • Turn off lights and keep off for 24 hours to reduce stress.
  • Float the sealed bag containing the fish in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize water temperatures.
  • Water Chemistry: Open the bag and add a small amount of your aquarium water to the bag every 5-10 minutes for an hour to let them adjust to your pH and hardness.
  • Netting: Gently net the fish out of the bag and release into the aquarium. Discard the bag and water – NEVER pour the bag water into the fish tank.
  • Feeding: Wait – feed new fish lightly after 24 hours to avoid ammonia spikes.