How to Set up a Freshwater Fish Aquarium

Ancient Egyptians were the first known humans to keep fish as pets in the 10th century. There are a variety of freshwater fish that you can add to your aquarium such as angel fish, tetras, guppies and goldfish. One of the most common fish to own for beginners are betas, since they can survive in smaller environments. With a few simple steps, simple research and a selection of some of your favorite colorful fish, you can set up an aquarium in your home or office.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aquarium starter kit--pump, light, cover and filter system
• AquaSafe .
• Gravel
• Plant decorations
• Fishnet

1. 
    

   Decide if you would like a large or small aquarium. Then find a place in your home or business that doesn't have too much light that you can place the aquarium in. Measure the area so that you will know the appropriate size of aquarium to buy.

2. 
    

   Purchase an aquarium and accessories at a pet shop or retail center. Find an aquarium that comes with a light, a lid, an underground filter and air pumps. This will be a better buy and also easier to install for first-time users. Then purchase chemicals like AquaSafe to stabilize the water, gravel, some plant decorations, a fishnet and some fish food.

3. Place the filter cover or ground piece at the bottom of the tank. This will be part of your filtering system.

4. Rinse your tank with lukewarm water. You will need about 1 lb. of gravel per gallon for your tank. Clean the gravel with warm water, and then place it inside your tank.

5. Connect any air pumps that are necessary for setting up the aquarium. Most filtration systems have a clear tube that you connect to an air stone and the pump. Lower the air stone into the tube that is attached to the ground cover. Let the pump run for a few days before adding the fish so that the water has a chance to cycle.

6. 
    

   Add some drops of AquaSafe to the water and let it stabilize for 2 to 3 days. Cover the aquarium while you wait.

7. 
    

   Place the aquarium decorations into the gravel. Do not add too many decorations, but allow enough places for a fish to hide.

8. 
    

   Buy fish that are peaceful and relate well to each other. Talk with a pet store owner to find out which fish get along with each other better. Allow about one to two fish per gallon in your aquarium. Goldfish, betas, neons and angelfish make great starter fish.

9. 
    

   Allow your fish to float in the aquarium while still in their bags after you bring them home. Let them sit there for about 1 to 2 hours so that their bodies have time to adjust to the water temperature and balance. Release the fish into the water once the appropriate time has passed. Be aware that some fish will have an initial shock period. Give the fish a few days to adjust to the settings of the water.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not add too many fish at once. Buy only a couple of fish at a time before adding more.
• Only purchase fish that have have similar behaviors such as "peaceful." Do not put an "aggressive" fish with a "peaceful" one.

Resources

• Setting up a Freshwater Fish Aquarium
• Freshwater Aquarium Setup and Maintenance