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Step 1
It is generally recommended that you purchase the largest freshwater fish tank that you can afford that will fit into the space you have. The size you decide upon will be incumbent upon how many fish you plan to house, your budget and the dimensions of the aquarium location. Many fish experts recommend that you avoid tanks that are high and narrow. They report that these types of tank are harder to clean and they are more likely to have pressure cracks form in them.
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Step 2
When you are purchasing gravel for your freshwater fish tank, plan to purchase one pound of gravel for every gallon of water that will be in your freshwater aquarium. For instance, if you have purchased a 30 gallon freshwater aquarium you will need 30 pounds of gravel. When you place the gravel into the tank, be creative! Make slopes, hills and valley for your fish to swim around.
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Step 3
You will need a filter for your freshwater fish tank. An under-gravel filter works well for tanks that are 15 gallons are less. If your tank is 15 gallons or larger, you should use both an under-gravel filter and an outside power filter.
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Step 4
Once your tank is established, it is important to match the temperature of the water you add to your existing tank water as closely as possible. You would not want to add cold water to a freshwater tank that has room temperature water in it. You need to make sure the water in your aquarium stays at a consistent temperature. Changes in the water temperature can make fish ill. For this reason, you should purchase a floating thermometer.
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Step 5
To keep bacteria and algae from having a party in your freshwater tank you should make sure you do not place your tank next to a window.
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Step 6
When you go to buy your fish make sure you purchase ones that are compatible. You would not want to place non-aggressive fish in a tank with aggressive fish. This is just asking for trouble. Talk with someone who can help you find suitable matches. Talk with someone to learn what kind of nutrient levels you should have in your tank to suit the types of fish that you will be housing. On a side note, goldfish usually do not pair well with tropical fish. Goldfish like to live in a freshwater aquarium that has cold water. In addition, goldfish have body slime. This can harm some tropical fish.
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Step 7
Decorate your freshwater fish tank with both edible and non-edible plants. If you stock your aquarium with all live plants you will probably have a shabby looking aquarium. The reason is that your fish will eat and nibble on the plants and they will eventually have to be replaced.
