There exist various calculators to help you decide what fish are safe to keep based on tank size, compatibility, and needs. [2] X Research source The one-inch per gallon rule you may have heard is a rule of thumb that scales quite poorly to smaller or larger tanks. You would never keep two five-inch fish in a 10 gallon (37. 9 L) aquarium! A 55 gallon (208. 2 L) tank is a standard size that will allow you to have a variety of fish. As a beginner, you probably don’t want to go larger than this just yet. You could also go with a 20 or 25 gallon (75. 7 or 94. 6 L) tank for a starter tank and keep just a few hardy fish (Mollies, guppies, platys, tetra, small cory cats and no cichlids) to see if you like the hobby. It is not recommended to start out with anything less than 10 gallons (37. 9 L) - meaning no “Desktop” aquariums or the small, single Betta holders. As tempting as it is, it is actually harder to maintain good water quality in a small tank. [3] X Research source
Furniture like dressers, TV stands, end tables/buffets, or flimsy wooden desks aren’t strong enough. Look for complete tank kits at those big box pet stores. Used setups from websites like Craigslist are often available for great prices, but be sure to check for leaks and clean very well before use. If you don’t buy a complete setup, make sure the equipment you choose is rated for the size of your tank.
Too much sunlight will cause excessive algae growth and a maintenance nightmare. [6] X Research source An interior wall, away from bright light, is best. Try to stay away from putting the tank under a vent - dust will blow out and drop into the fish tank. It will also be harder to maintain a consistent water temperature, something that is important for all fish but vital for some. It is also important to consider the ability of the floor to support the weight of the fully loaded aquarium. Make sure that there is adequate structural support under the floor. If necessary find your home’s blueprints and look for crossbeams. Choose a location near an outlet, and keep in mind how far you will have to haul water for weekly tank maintenance! No cords should be straining to get to the outlet either. In fact, it’s a good idea all around to get a surge protector power strip (which you’ll love when the power snaps back on after an outage) and go from there. Set up your tank stand ideally on a wooden floor, not a rug or carpet.
If you choose an under-gravel filter,[7] X Research source make sure that the air pump or powerhead you buy with it is strong enough for the size of the tank. In this case, bigger is better. Note that if you don’t regularly vacuum the gravel it will eventually clog the under-gravel filter and turn it into a killing zone. Keep in mind that you can’t use an under-gravel filter if you plan on having sand or other fine substrates. If you decide to go with a power filter, select one that will circulate enough water for the size of your tank. (Ideally, it should filter your water 5 or more times per hour [gph], depending on your tank capacity. For example, a 10-gallon tank would need a filter that circulates at least 50 gph. )
For under-gravel filters put the filter plate in, and make sure the lift tubes are fitted. (If you have a submersible powerhead, you only need one; with a traditional air pump, two are best for most tanks under 40 gals, one at each end. ) Do not turn it on until the tank is filled completely with water. Attach your pump airlines or powerhead into the appropriate lift tube(s) now, if you’ve got an under-gravel filter. Don’t turn it on. If you’ve chosen an external power filter, set it up on the back of the tank in a position where the outflow will evenly distribute the water. Some tank hoods come with pre-perforated cut-outs which make it easier to position your equipment. Do not turn it on until the tank is filled completely with water.
Plants are functional decorations;[10] X Research source it is difficult to make a mechanical filter control a plankton bloom, but live plants make it easy. For some fish, plants actually help them stay healthy. However, live plants get gobbled up quickly by some types of hobby fish such as goldfish. Aside from plants, you can add driftwood or other decorations specifically designed for freshwater aquariums. Don’t put random objects in the tank. If you use live plants, you’ll need to monitor the CO2 level in the tank. Aim to keep the CO2 level around 20-25 mg per liter so your live plants thrive. [11] X Expert Source Doug LudemannAquarium Care Professional Expert Interview. 27 August 2019. Choose the plants you need according to what type of fish you’re getting. Submerge the roots in the gravel, but not the stems or leaves. Certain plants need to be fastened to something, so get some fishing line (will not hurt the plant or fish) and tie the plant to a decoration or an appropriately cleaned piece of driftwood or rock.
Do this somewhere where you won’t mind water if it does leak. Have sealant on hand so that you can dry the tank and start fixing it.
Wait for an hour or two and check that the temperature is still in the safe range, that there are no leaks, and that the water is circulating properly.
The fully-submersible heaters are the easiest to use. Look for one with an adjustable thermostat, since different fish prefer different temperatures. A good rule of thumb is 3-5 watts of heat per gallon of water. Most fish like it between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Basically, keep it between 78-82 degrees F. or 28-32 degrees C in a community tank. Some lights (sometimes included in starter kits) put out so much heat that the water temperature will be drastically altered. When it is turned off, the temp. falls drastically as well. Not good for fish. If this happens, simply go to the hardware store and get the kind that doesn’t give off such extreme heat. Remember to turn on the heater only after water is added to the tank. Give the heater time to adjust the temperature before cycling the tank.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle closely. The activated carbon of your filter may need to be removed while the chemical circulates, otherwise, the filter may remove it before it has a chance to detoxify the water.
Remember to continue doing water tests, especially with a new tank. You may need to do daily 15% water changes to keep your fish tank clean, depending on the nitrate levels. Adding live plants will reduce the number of nitrates as well.
Remember to continue doing water tests, especially with a new tank. You may need to do daily 15% water changes to keep your fish tank clean, depending on the nitrate levels. Adding live plants will reduce the number of nitrates as well.
Although you may see two types of fish you really like, they may not be compatible. The result of bringing them both home would be harassed colorless fish (they lose color when stressed), and eventually the fish that is not the alpha bully will simply die. Why spend the money, right? Often, fish stores will have stickers that indicate whether the fish are “community” fish (highly recommended as they get along with other community fish), “semi-aggressive” or “aggressive”. You may mix community fish together, but not a community with semi-aggressive. If this is your first tank, do not get fish that are only recommended for intermediate or experienced aquarium owners. Like owning a dog, there is a reason they are not for beginners. Be aware of the size of the adult fish (not the baby you’re getting) and do not get a fish you won’t be able to handle down the line. The same goes for freshwater sharks, crabs (who, by the way, try to escape all the time), Cichlids, and animals that bury themselves. It’s not fair to the fish. Guppies, platies, swordtails, or mollies are good starter fish. But it all depends on your tank size. If your tank size is 5–10 gallons (18. 9–37. 9 L), you might get 3-4 African dwarf frogs, or a betta, or possibly a betta and some shrimp. Do lots of research before adding any fish to your tank. Do not only use the 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of fish per gallon rule.
The reason you do not want to add pet store water into your tank is that the store water may contain unwanted contaminants like parasites, fungus, or freshwater snails. Pet stores that cycle their fish rapidly often treat their water regularly for diseases, but in a home tank you will not have the same tools available and an infection or infestation can wreak havoc on your tank’s ecosystem.
