How to Set Up a Tropical Tank

A well cared for and healthy tropical fish tank can be a joy for people of any age. As fish swim and interact with you and one another, you enjoy the privilege of viewing an entire ecosystem right in your own home. While there are several parts, pieces and products out there to choose from, once you set up a tropical tank, the only thing left for you to do is carry out basic maintenance and enjoy watching your fish.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aquarium with hood and light
• Aquarium stand
• Aquarium gravel
• 5-gallon bucket
• Decorations such as large stones, wood pieces, figures
• Water at room temperature
• Surge protector
• Filter
• Heater
• Thermometer
• pH test kit
• Plants, live or plastic
• Tropical fish

1. Pick out a tank the right size for your needs. If you are new to aquariums, try a 10- to 25-gallon tank to get started. The size of your tank will determine the number of fish you can keep. Allow 1 inch of fish for every gallon your tank can hold---in other words, keeping five fish that grow to 4 inches long would require no smaller than a 20-gallon tank. Make a list of the fish you want to keep, and list the maximum length they can reach. Add up the lengths to find the right tank size for your fish.

2. Place your aquarium stand, followed by the tank, in an area of low traffic in your home. Make sure it is out of direct sunlight. Your stand should be stable; make sure it doesn't wobble when you walk around it. Place a small amount of water in the tank. After washing your hands, gently rinse and rub the inside glass of the tank to clear off debris. Do not use soap. Carefully empty the dirty water out of the tank.

3. Pour your gravel out of its package and into the bucket. Rinse the gravel well with water and pour out the dirty water. Place the gravel in the tank one scoop at a time. Do not dump the gravel in the tank all at once or you may crack the bottom glass. Spread the gravel out evenly, creating a slope, with the gravel deeper toward the back of the tank.

4. Add decorative landmarks and scenery to the tank. Try to keep the front area of the tank clear so that the fish will be able to swim freely where you can see them best. The largest items should rest toward the back.

5. Add your equipment to the tank. Place your filter and heater along the back glass; it will often hang on the edge of the tank. Install your thermometer using the suction cup on the inside back wall if it is an internal thermometer, or if it is an external thermometer, stick it to the side in a non-obstructive area.

6. Place a bowl on the gravel in the front of the tank, and begin to fill the aquarium with room temperature water by pouring into the bowl. This keeps the gravel from being displaced. Remove the bowl once the water level reaches its rim. Fill the aquarium up to about 1 to 1 1/2 inches from the top rim of the tank. Place the hood and light fixture over the tank.

7. Allow the tank to sit for two days with the filter and heater running. Do not add plants or fish to the tank yet. This will clear the tank up. During this time, find the correct temperature setting for the fish you are going to care for and alter the pH as needed based on the specific fish you plan to keep.

8. Rinse off real or fake plants before adding them to the tank. While plastic plants will not change, real plants will grow larger, just like any other plant. Place taller varieties toward the back of the tank, and make sure to keep plants clear of the filter, which can clog the suction and decrease the health of the tank.

9. Add your fish. Set the unopened bag, sticking up, in the water for at least 1 hour. This will change the temperature inside the bag slowly while not shocking the fish with the transition. When you add the fish to the tank, be sure to add the store water as well to acclimate the fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular water changes and cleaning of the tank can make all the difference in the health of your fish and the quality of your experience keeping them. While you should never use soap or other chemicals to "clean" the tank, your fish will benefit from the removal of excess waste and dead plant leaves, and the scrubbing off of algae from the glass. Keep a schedule or calendar for maintenance as well as an assortment of supplies to ensure a happy tank. When using supplies such as old sponges, toothbrushes, measuring spoons and tubing, consider these items to be no longer available for other projects. You may choose to store your items inside the 5-gallon bucket to designate them as only used for your tropical tank. One of the most interactive and least understood tropical fish is the betta, often called the fighting fish. While it is true that you should only keep one male per tank, these active fish enjoy the freedom of a large tank to the small bowls they are often incorrectly sold in.
• Never subject your fish to drastic changes. Adjustments in pH and temperature, and even adding water to your tropical tank, can have negative consequences. Any time you add fish, change water or treat your tank, observe your fish for signs of shock such as jerky swimming, swimming on their side or labored "breathing."

References

• Video: How to set up a tropical fish tank
• Setting up a new tank

Resources

• Tropical fish information
• Tropical information for the new aquarium hobbyist