When a beginner tries to set up an aquarium, the work can become complex and demanding. In other words, the essential information cannot be grasped properly, leading to recurring issues and tank spoilage.
But don’t worry. I can help you avoid those problems easily. Here’s a detailed guide on starting a new aquarium for your pet fish.
Pre-Setup: Things You Must Know Before Starting a Fish Tank
Like any other installation process, managing aquarium water is also a detailed proposition that requires research, materials, and tools. Understand the mechanism of fish keeping before purchasing your favorite fish.
1- Wait For The New Tank To Cycle
Don’t add the fish to the aquarium immediately. Because of the aquatic cycling process, you must wait 3 to 4 weeks. Afterward, you can add your prized possession.
Many owners are unaware of the process and buy fish before the tank is ready. (I was among them, too). Apply these pointers for a smoother transition.
The newly installed equipment or tank needs some time to function properly. The heater can collapse, the filtration device can be defective, or the aquarium can leak. These issues should be sorted before the fish is introduced to the tank.
The tank water needs time to stabilize. Depending on the source water and substrate, the pH may change over time. This can increase ammonia and nitrite levels and harm marine life.
The Cost Of Setting Up a Fish Tank
Fish are inexpensive pets, so people assume their aquarium accessories will cost less. But that’s not the case. The actual cost needs to be calculated before you purchase the structure.
For a basic 10-gallon tank setup for freshwater fish, you can expect to pay around $170-$200 for the brand-new aquarium supplies. In addition, you must know that yearly maintenance costs about $300-$500, which includes food, water testing kits and chemicals, filter cartridge replacements, and replacement décor.
Fish Tank Essentials To Buy
Supplies are essential for creating a home for your pet fish. The following is a list of basic commodities that you need to purchase to set up a new aquarium.
Aquarium
Buying a suitable aquarium is essential to keep your fish hale and hearty.
New users prefer a 10-gallon fish tank, but I suggest a larger one to fill your tank properly because of overcrowding and the diluting of fish waste.
I got a rimmed glass aquarium, which is perfect for new fish. However, many pet shop owners will persuade you to buy rimless low-iron glass tanks. Don’t opt for the latter because it is costly.
Lid
Many people buy an aquarium hood or top to save money. However, it’s the tank lid that keeps your budget under control. In addition, it reduces the loss of heat and water through evaporation and protects your fish from jumping out.
Regarding the lid material, I suggest buying a glass lid rather than an acrylic lid, as glass is a cheaper alternative. Moreover, the view is clearer.
Heater
Most fish species (like goldfish and Japanese ricefish) enjoy cool temperatures, but many freshwater fish prefer warm waters between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
These fish are resistant to slight temperature changes. However, stress can get the better of them if the environment’s temperature is unstable. To overcome the issue, you have to buy a heater. Luckily, its cost is not much, regardless of size or wattage level.
I would also recommend purchasing a thermometer along with the aquarium heater for safety purposes to keep fish healthy.
Extra Tip: When shopping for a heater, select the one with approximately 5 watts (W) of heat per 1 gallon of water. Also, if you own a bigger aquarium that requires 200W of heat, purchase two 100W heaters to ensure that fish feel comfortable.
Filter
Having a proper filtration system is important. However, the main question is the type of filter you need to purchase.
Many might have advised using a canister filter, but I recommend against it. Canister filters are more difficult to clean during water changes and are costly.
Sponge filters, on the other hand, work well. This equipment is more reliable, safe, and user-friendly. Its curved uplift tube keeps the water circulation process under control. Moreover, it allows free movement and an ideal oxygenated environment.
Substrate & Decorations
Substrate refers to the ground covering on the bottom of your fish tank. The most common items that you will find in the market include aquarium gravel, sand, aquarium light, and plant substrate.
Gravel Tip: I wash my gravel by adding water to a colander over a plastic pan or bucket. Then, I stir the gravel, drain, and repeat until the water stays clear and debris-free.
Other Accessories
Your job doesn’t end here. There are many other accessories to consider.
The fish tank requires periodic disinfection. Many water treatment facilities use chloramine to disinfect tap water. Therefore, I suggest you buy a water de-chlorinator and water treatment chemicals.
And who can forget fish food! Buy in bulk to provide your fish with timely feeding. Here are some high-quality foods you can purchase:
Flakes
Crisps
Pellets
Wafers
Freeze-dried live food
Granules
The Setting Up Process: Step-By-Step Instructions
Here is a step-by-step guide to avoid any discrepancies:
Clean the area before setting up the aquarium stand.
Rinse dust from the aquarium and accessories. Install the tank background.
Put the tank on the aquarium stand and pour in the substrate and other ornaments (after thoroughly washing them separately).
Place the filter and heater in the tank. Add decorations to hide the equipment (or you can keep it open)
Fill the aquarium with room temperature water and dose the dechlorinator to remove any present chlorine.
Plant the aquarium live plants.
Install the lid, heater, and lighting and wait for half an hour. Afterward, plug the lights in and turn them on (the heater requires time to adjust to the water temperature).
Wait 24 hours before using the aquarium. Keep a check on your new setting.
Start the cycling process in the aquarium.
Wait for beneficial bacteria and algae growth to start.
Add your pet fish once the aquarium has passed all the checks. Ensure that a healthy ecosystem is established without any cloudy water.
Extra Tips
Place a small plate at the bottom of your tank and slowly pour the water over it to minimize cloudiness.
You should add a small amount of fish to allow the bacteria to function effectively. Gradually add more fish over a couple of weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions regarding setting up a new fish tank.
How Long Should I Wait If I Have Already Bought The Fish, And What Method Should I Follow?
A: If you have already bought the fish, wait 48 hours before putting them in the tank. You can use a timer to be precise.
Add a small fish to the tank before you add the water conditioner. Add a biofilter product for healthy bacteria to grow. Keep a periodic check on the pH level. This way, you can introduce fish without any problem.
How Big Of A Tank Should I Buy as a Beginner, Given That It Can Accommodate All The Electrical Equipment?
A: An aquarium filled with water, all the essential electrical equipment, and gravel can weigh approximately 10 to 12 pounds per gallon. So, just to be on the safe side, I recommend that you buy a 20-gallon fish tank.
How Do I Know When My Aquarium Is Ready For Fish?
A: Before adding fish to your aquarium, ensure weekly water testing. A tank with a stabilized pH and no ammonia or nitrite in the water indicates a workable biofilter.
What Happens If You Put Fish in a New Tank Too Soon?
A: Adding a fish to your tank before the recommended checks can cause new tank syndrome or ammonia toxicity. Additionally, nitrite toxicity can develop if the biological filter is not established completely.
