How to Start a Freshwater Fish Tank
- 1). Select an aquarium according to the size of your fish. Start with a 10-gallon tank if your fish grows 2 inches or less, and choose a 20-gallon tank if you plan to house fish that grow 12 or more inches in length.
- 2). Buy an aquarium filtration system able to filter water for your aquarium's capacity and choose a fish tank heater capable of heating your tank's capacity.
- 3). Select plants, gravel and additional decorations for your tank. Most tanks should hold no more than 1 to 1.5 lbs. of gravel per gallon of water. Purchase an aquarium-safe water conditioner or dechlorinator to remove harmful contaminants from the tank water that could kill your fish.
- 4). Wash your tank, gravel, plants and other decorations with cold water. Avoid using soap because soap traces can cause harm to your fish.
- 5). Place your tank on a stand able to hold 10 times its capacity in a shaded, cool location. Sunlight can raise the tank water's temperature and produce dangerous green algae if you place it near a window.
- 6). Place gravel into the tank gently to prevent cracks. Add additional decorations and arrange them in your desired layout. Fill the tank halfway with room temperature tap water to avoid spilling water if you have to rearrange fallen decorations. Fill the tank up to three-quarters full when you are done rearranging.
- 7). Use dechlorinator to remove chlorine from the tap water used to fill the tank. The average dechlorinator requires between 1 drop for every 2 gallons to 2 drops for every 1 gallon. However, different brands require different doses, so add dechlorinator according to the product's directions.
- 8). Attach the tank heater to the aquarium and give the heater's thermostat 30 minutes to one hour to adapt to the water temperature. In the mean time, set up the water filter according to the directions, the tank light and tank hood. Plug all of the cords into a power strip and turn it on to power all of the aquarium's electrical equipment.
- 9). Allow the fish tank to run for 24 hours before you add fish. During this time, the water pressure equalizes, and adding fish before the cycling period could kill them. However, place your fish in a plastic bag and fill it with water from the tank. Close the plastic bag and place it inside of the tank for four to five hours to let the fish adjust to water's temperature before releasing it into the tank.
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