| If you have done the proper planning for your | | | | have a submersible heater,install it in the tank |
| new aquarium, you've already purchased, or | | | | according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do |
| otherwise acquired, everything you need to set it | | | | not plug anything in yet. Attach or hang your |
| up, and have prepared a location in your home | | | | thermometer, depending on which type you have. |
| where your family and guests can get the most | | | | Now it's time to add the water. Take a clean |
| enjoyment from it. If you haven't, you should do | | | | dinner plate, and place it upside-down in the center |
| your research and planning, and then go out and | | | | of the tank. Fill a bucket with water, and carefully |
| get your equipment. Do not get your fish yet. | | | | pour the water onto the top of the plate, thereby |
| Wait until your tank is set up and running | | | | preventing the gravel from being disturbed. Fill the |
| correctly. If something goes wrong, you don't | | | | tank almost to the top. |
| want to have to worry about where your fish will | | | | An aquarium should look as natural as possible, |
| live while you deal with the problem. | | | | both because it is more pleasing to the human |
| Okay, let's get started. Whether you have a new | | | | eye, and because the behavior of the fish will be |
| or used tank, you should clean it thoroughly. Avoid | | | | closer to what it would be in their natural habitat. |
| soap and chemical cleaners, as they can leave a | | | | Therefore, you should install some decorations in |
| residue that could make your fish sick or even kill | | | | your aquarium, and now is the time to do that. |
| them. Use clean water and a sponge or brush | | | | Pet supply stores and fish stores stock a wide |
| manufactured specifically for aquarium use. Fill the | | | | array of aquarium decorations. You should be sure |
| tank and check for leaks. It's much easier to deal | | | | to include plants, whether live or imitation. Live |
| with a leak now than after you've installed | | | | plants will give off oxygen into the water, but will |
| everything. Once you've determined that the tank | | | | also require some extra care, and will need to be |
| is okay, drain it and let it dry. | | | | removed if they die. For a beginner, realistic |
| Place your stand in the location you have selected. | | | | looking plastic plants are a good choice. Place the |
| Make sure it is stable, sturdy, and level. It's | | | | largest plants at the back of the tank, and the |
| important that it be level, otherwise you could end | | | | smaller ones at the front. |
| up with a leaking or broken tank. Remember that | | | | Place the hood and lights on top of the aquarium, |
| you should locate the aquarium away from direct | | | | and plug everything in. You should make sure that |
| sunlight to avoid excess algae growth. | | | | all electrical cords are positioned in such a way to |
| If you are using an under-gravel filter, rinse it, | | | | have a "drip loop", so that if water happens to run |
| place it in the bottom of the tank, and connect | | | | down on them, it drips onto the floor rather than |
| the air hoses according to the instructions that | | | | into the electrical outlet. |
| you got with the filter. If you are using a different | | | | Okay, we're ready to perform a test. Make sure |
| type of filter, skip to the next step. | | | | filters that need to be filled with water have been |
| If you have purchased a background, apply it to | | | | filled, and turn on the filters and/or air pumps. |
| the outside of the tank now. Take your gravel, | | | | Verify that they are working correctly, and that |
| and wash it in a bucket. Remember the | | | | the water is flowing at the rate expected. Turn |
| implications of commercial cleaners. Use clean | | | | on the lights, and make sure they are working. If |
| water only. Drain the bucket when the gravel | | | | the water is a little cloudy, don't worry, it will soon |
| cleaning is complete. | | | | clear. Adjust your thermometer according to the |
| Place the gravel in the bottom of the tank, | | | | breeds of fish you are planning to keep. Your fish |
| approximately two inches deep. Spread it so that | | | | store can supply this information if you can't find |
| it is slightly deeper at the back of the tank, and | | | | it elsewhere. Most freshwater tropical fish like a |
| slopes very gradually towards the front. | | | | water temperature in the 75-80F range. |
| Assemble and set up your filter (unless you have | | | | Assuming that no problems are found, you can let |
| already installed an under-gravel filter). Make sure | | | | your equipment run. I know you're anxious, but |
| to consult the manufacturer's instructions for any | | | | don't run out and get fish yet. Your aquarium |
| pre-installation requirements. If you areusing an air | | | | should run for about a week before you add any |
| pump, install that now as well. If you are using a | | | | fish. Leave the lights on for about half the day |
| hanging heater, hang it near the back of the tank, | | | | during this time. |
| but in a place where it is easily accessible. If you | | | | |