Beginner's Guide

Setting up your first aquarium is an exciting journey into the world of fishkeeping. I bet you want to jump in and get everything going all at once!.

Before you do join us into the amazing world of fishkeeping please follow these simple beginner steps to create a thriving aquatic home for your fish:

 

1. Choosing the Right Tank:

When choosing the right tank for yourself you want to think about selecting the right size, consider the space you have, the types of fish you want to keep and how many of them you want.

Usually bigger fish need a bigger aquarium to grow in and thrive, so please make sure you research the fish you would like to keep and see what environment is best for them!. Though some fish do get big they can grow out in a small tank for short time but eventually they will need to be put into a big enough tank when they start to outgrow the small tank.

Please keep in mind the bigger the aquarium the bigger the equipment you may need to have to keep up with maintaining the aquarium such as aquarium filters, a small filter in a large tank may not be efficient enough to keep up with cleaning and may require you to do a lot more water changes.

Whilst taking this information into consideration here is some more information on stability, water quality and maintenance for large and smaller aquariums:

 

Stability: 

Generally Larger tanks  provide more stable water conditions, which can be beneficial in maintaining a healthy environment for your fish. They tend to handle changes in water quality better, making it easier to address any issues in stability such as PH and ammonia fluctuations, However, don't let this deter you from getting a smaller tank, smaller tanks can also be a successful addition to your home or office with proper care and attention.

 

Water Quality:

Larger tanks offer more water volume, which helps in balancing chemicals like pH and reduces the risk of sudden changes that could harm your fish. On the other hand, smaller tanks require more vigilance to maintain water quality, as fluctuations can occur more quickly and frequently depending on how much stock you have and the size of the fish.

 

Maintenance:

While larger tanks may take a bit more time and effort to clean and maintain, they offer a more forgiving environment. Smaller tanks on the other hand are easier to set up and clean quickly, but require more frequent attention to keep water conditions stable.

Even though larger tanks can be easier to balance everything, starting with a smaller tank can be a great choice also, especially if you’re looking for something that's quickly manageable, quick to clean and suits your needs more. Just be prepared for a bit more effort in monitoring and maintaining water quality. Whether you choose a smaller or larger tank, consider starting with a kit that includes all the essentials like a filter, heater (if you plan to have tropical fish), and lighting to simplify setup and ensure a smooth start.

    2. Finding the Perfect Spot:


    • Place your aquarium on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight and drafts. Direct sunlight can lead to excessive algae growth, while drafts may create cold spots in your aquarium. Choosing a quiet area with minimal foot traffic will help keep your fish stress-free and ensure a more stable environment for them.

     

    • Ensure easy access to power outlets for your equipment and for future maintenance.

     

    3. Setting Up Your Aquarium:

     

    • Rinse your new tank and decorations with water (no soap or bleach!) to remove any dust or residues.

     

    • Add a layer of your selected substrate (gravel, sand or soil) to the bottom of the tank. Aim for about 2-5cm deep, or 5-8cm if you plan to include live plants. Please note that some plants may not grow in dense substrates such as sand because it can make it difficult for any plant to form a strong root structure and it isn't rich in nutrients for plants to feed on.

     

    • Arrange your decorations, rocks, and driftwood before adding water to create a beautiful landscape whether it be a natural style, reef style or even a colourful landscape with crazy plastic plants or fluorescent plants and gravel and glow under a UV light. The imagination is up to you!. This will create an inviting environment for your fish and a beautiful piece of live artwork to add to your home or office.

     

    4. Installing Essential Equipment:

     

    • Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install your selected aquarium filter. Filters keep the water clean by removing debris and harmful substances.

     

    • If you're keeping tropical fish, install a heater to maintain a stable water temperature. Set it to the ideal temperature range for your specific fish species you wish to keep.

     

    5. Adding Water:

     

    • Use a clean bucket or hose to add treated tap water to your aquarium. Treat the water with a conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines which are harmful to fish, you can use products such as API tap water conditioner or Seachem prime as examples choose which ever dechlorination products best suits you!.

     

    • To prevent disturbing the substrate and decorations while filling the tank up with water, place a clean cup or container on top of the substrate. Gently pour water into the container to avoid stirring up any dirt or debris. This helps maintain a clean and clear environment for your aquarium during the initial set up.

     

      6. Cycling Your Aquarium:

       

      • Cycling is essential for establishing a healthy environment for your fish. It involves growing beneficial bacteria that break down fish waste and toxins.

       

      • Use a water testing kit or strips to monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels during the cycling process. Instructions on how to do so will be within the kit you purchase.

       

      • A perfectly cycled tank should look something like this:

       

            1. Nitrate (NO3): 5-20ppm
            2. Ammonia (NH3): 0ppm
            3. Nitrite (NO2): 0ppm

           

          • If nitrate (NO3) is over 20ppm do not fear this is completely normal for an aquarium, that's what water changes are for! Perform partial water changes as needed to keep these levels in check, water changes will decrease nitrates in the water and keep your aquarium healthy.

           

           

          • Please note that improperly cycled aquariums can result in fish illness or death.

           

          7. Introducing Your Fish:

           

          • Once your tank is fully cycled (usually within 4-6 weeks) depending on the size of your selected tank. You can add in small amounts of fish food twice a week to boost the cycle speed, once it has reached a stable cycle introduce fish gradually to prevent overwhelming the biological filter.

           

          • Continue monitoring the water chemistry until the tank reaches optimal levels that are safe for the fish you intend to keep.

           

           

          8. Regular Maintenance Routine:

           

          • Establish a weekly routine that involves testing your water parameters, conducting partial water changes (10-50% of the tank volume), cleaning out any fish waste, cleaning the glass with a magnetic glass cleaner or algae scraper. During the water change we advise to clean your filter and rinse your filter media in a bucket of siphoned aquarium water.

           

          • Use siphoned aquarium water in a bucket to clean filter media and sponges; avoid using tap water, as it can harm beneficial bacteria and potentially cause an aquarium cycle disruption also known as a cycle crash if this happens the tank will need to be cycled once again and can cause harm to fish that may already be in the aquarium.

           

          • Trim and prune and remove the plant clippings and debris of live plants to maintain a healthy ecosystem and a visually appealing aquarium. Of course you can skip this step if you prefer to use plastic plants!.

           

          • Remove fish waste and uneaten food to maintain a clean and tidy tank.

           

          • Use an aquarium-safe scrubber or scraper to clean any algae that may form on the tank walls to maintain clear glass so you can enjoy the beauty of your aquarium.

           

          9. Enjoy Your Aquarium:

           

          • Sit back and enjoy the beauty of your underwater world! Take time to observe your fish and other aquatic life as they thrive in the beautiful environment you have created for them!.

           

          By following these steps and taking your time to set up your aquarium properly, you'll create a perfect home for your fish and a beautiful addition to your home or office.

          Happy fish keeping! And enjoy your new aquarium!

           

          You can also find more beginner friendly information, care guides and maintenance tips in our blogs section! if you would like to know more please visit how to set up your aquarium and aquarium care and maintenance!

           

          If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us via email by filling out a contact form, or utilise the chat bubble located at the bottom right of your screen. We are here to assist you promptly and effectively.