Setting Up An Aquarium - A Guide To Starting A New Aquarium Or Fish Tank

The first decision you have to do in setting up your first aquarium, which is fish tank size you want. I recommend at least 10 gallons tank, although the greater will be easier for a beginner. Things at the bottom of the tank is called substrate. You probably want is gravel or sand. This is mostly a matter of what you think looks better. You'll need a filter. For a smaller tank I recommend a lock on the back type power filter. You'll also need a heater. The general rule is 5 watts per gallon, but can be a little more than you need if you're in a warmer climate.

The lighting that comes with your aquarium is enough unless you want to grow plants. Planted fish tanks are very nice, but can be difficult to take for a beginner. I recommend you start with one tank of fish, and miss planted tanks if you're interested in them.

Before filling your tank, you need to rinse your substrate, and dechlorination your water. Once done, the installation of the tank with the substrate, filter, heating and lights and let it run like that for about 24 hours to test for leaks or malfunction of equipment. Once that is done, you can start your tank cycling. This can be done either with fish, or you can make a fishless cycle. Fishless A cycle is done by adding an artificial source of ammonia in the tank to start the nitrogen cycle. Once you see the cycle is finished, you can slow the stock tank. A general guideline on how many fish you can keep is one inch of fish per gallon of water. Remember, referring to the full maturity of fish size, to plan the future.