How to Set Up a Fish Tank

Having fish has proven effects in improving mental health and reducing stress and, so it’s no surprise that there is a high demand on them.

With a Big variety of tank sizes to pick from, and an abundance of fish in all different colors and shapes, there is something for everyone who wants to venture into the world of aquariums.

In this article, we’re going to explain the process of setting up a fish tank including: preparing the tank, installing the equipment, cycling the tank and acclimatizing the fish.

Unfortunately, it’s common practice for fish stores to sell fish to customers who have only had their tank set up for just a few days, this article will clarify the importance of properly setting your tank up and carrying out a full cycle before adding any fish.

Step One

Thoroughly clean aquarium rocks, gravel and ornaments with warm water, then add them to your tank.

• Do not use detergents or soap —they are very toxic to fish.
• To wash the gravel, put it in a colander over a plastic bucket or pan and add water. Stir the drain ,gravel, and repeat until the water stays clear and is free of debris

Step Two

Fill up your tank with roughly one-third full with room temperature water from a clean bucket.

• Pour the water onto a saucer or a plate sitting on the gravel will facilitate keeping the gravel in place.
• Add a water conditioner to de-chlorinate the water. Chlorine is fine for you, but not your fish!

Step Three

Connect the airline tubing from the air pump to any air outlets inside your tank, such as decorations or air stones.

• You can safely locate your air pump underneath your aquarium by using an aquarium check valve. (A check value is a small valve that you can find in the air tubing outside of the tank. It acts as a stop, to prevent water from backing up and out of the aquarium if the power is turned off.)

Step Four

Aquascape with plastic plants and/or live.

• Ideally, these should be arranged for the seek of hiding your equipment.
• If you’re adding live plants, the water must be warm enough for them. Plant the roots softly below the surface of the gravel, leaving the crown if the plant has one exposed.
• Until they’re planted remember to keep live plants moist—wet newspaper works well. For root development and optimum growth, use an aquatic plant fertilizer and the proper lighting.

Step Five

Add the rest of the water.

• Fill your tank to the bottom of the top frame —make sure to leave some air space between the cover and the water..

Step Six

Set up your filter and “cycle” your new tank. If you are using……any outside filters:

• Fill them with filter cartridge or filter materials..
• Position them according to the instructions.
• Make sure that it is filled with water.

Step Seven
…”hang on tank” filter that has a pickup tube:

• Extend the tube as close to the bottom of the tank without being in the gravel. If it is too long, you can cut it to reattach and lenght the intake cage.
• Be sure that the filter lid is opened and fill the filter with water to “prime” the pump.

Important: “Cycling” your tank means growing the healthy, correct bacteria on a new filtration system in order to remove dangerous toxins.

Secure the submersible heater near your water flow and place the thermometer as far away from the heater as possible.

• Make sure you own a thermometer that’s easy to read. Most retailers sell a sticky thermometer that adheres to the outside surface of the glass. Plug it in only after it’s fully in the water.

Step eight

Plug in your heater, air pump and power filter and start them up.

• Important: Never switch on the heater when it’s not immersed in water—the heating element can overheat and malfunction, and the glass tube can shatter if it’s placed in water while being hot.
• Examinate the air outlets and adjust the settings.
• Make sure water is flowing smoothly through your power filter.
• Adjust the heater to the proper temperature. It will take 24 hours for the temperature to be stable and you may have to adjust your setting.
• Wait 24 hours to make sure that all equipment is working properly before adding fish.

Step Nine
Examine the temperature and conditions after a few hours.

• Water in new aquariums will usually turn cloudy for a day or two. This is the result of a harmless bacterial growth and should disappear naturally. Examine the hardness and pH of your water.

Step Ten
Congratulations!

• Your new aquarium is fish-ready, fish-safe and fully equipped. The final step?
• If you have any setup questions or in need of any help or support, feel free to contact one of our friendly Thebettafishtank experts. We’re always happy to help.