Things You'll Need:
- Tetra fish
- Glass aquarium
- Aquarium heater
- Aquarium filter
- Aquarium hood
- Gravel or sand for the tank
- Tropical fish food
- Aquarium plants
-
Step 1
Consider an aquarium kit. An aquarium kit is put together with everything that the average person needs to start up a tropical fish aquarium. This is a great way to save money and make sure that you don't miss out on anything that your new fish will need to be happy and healthy.
-
Step 2
Set up a tank. Before your fish can go in the tank, it has to be set up. Putting your fish in the tank as you set it up can traumatize them, and it doesn't take much trauma to kill a fish or make it sick. Pour the gravel or sand in the bottom of the tank and fill it with (dechlorinated) water. Then proceed to setting up the different items in the tank and adding the finishing touches to its look. Tropical fish love plants as it gives them a place to hide and reminds them of their natural habitat. Plants also contribute to the man-made ecosystem in the tank.
-
Step 3
Cycle the water. Cycling the water is important, and one of those things that many first-time tetra fish owners neglect to take care of. Cycling the water ensures that the nitrogen and ammonia are distributed properly throughout the water and that your fish will have a healthy living environment.
-
Step 4
Put the fish in. Once the tank is done and the water is fully cycled and ready, you are ready to put in the fish. Keep in mind that your tank is a new environment for them and it may take some getting used to. Feed them the right amount of food and make sure that it doesn't cloud up the water.
