Tips for Setting Up Your First Aquarium

So, you’ve decided that you want to add an aquarium to your home, a great choice! But where do you begin?  Before you run out to your local pet store and drop a bunch of money with no direction, let’s talk about the basics.

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The Tank and Location

Most people underestimate the weight of a fish tank, but consider, for a moment, the amount of water this tank is going to have to hold. For this reason, you need to be sure that you are choosing a solid, sturdy surface that is capable of holding your tank safely. For larger tanks, cabinets are often popular as they provide for storage space for your supplies. You can also purchase commercial aquarium stands designed for this purpose. Ensure that the surface is flat and the same size or larger than the aquarium to support the whole bottom. If the cabinet or table you are using is at all shaky, you may also want to consider anchoring it to the wall for additional security.

In addition to the actual surface, the tank will be sitting on, you need to consider the location. First, you need to have access to an electrical outlet nearby without leaving wires that can be tripped over, pulling the tank down off its stand and causing complete destruction. Furthermore, you want to consider the climate for your tank. Placing your tank next to a window or overtop of a heating/cooling vent can make it challenging to maintain the appropriate temperature.

Finally, the tank itself is important. While it may be tempting at first to select the smallest tank, larger tanks are actually more stable making them easier to maintain while you are learning the ins and outs of balancing water conditions. Don’t start with the small ‘starter’ tanks that many pet stores sell simply because they are cheaper and marketed that way. Save up to get a solid, reasonably sized tank and you will set yourself up for success.

Selecting Aquarium Substrate and Decorations

The size of gravel you choose isn’t overly concerning when it comes to today’s modern filters, however, if you are going to have bottom feeders in your tank you should opt towards finer gravel keeping their food keep their food particles up where they can reach them. The gravel serves one major purpose for your fish, to pride them with a sense of orientation within the tank.

When choosing which type of aquarium substrate you want to use in your tank, you will need to determine if you are going for a more creative for a more natural look. Sand is a great option to avoid food particles falling through, providing for a natural appearance and will require less cleaning for this reason, however, it will require a good filtration system on the tank. Aquarium gravel is the most common solution as it doesn’t impact the water at all, however, you will need to ensure that you have a vacuum system to keep your aquarium clean and safe for your fish.

Aquarium decorations are a great way to personalize your tank, introducing a little of your own personality. There are many options, each with its own pros and cons. Live plants will help to provide oxygen in the water while maintaining a more natural appearance, however, they will require additional work to keep them alive and looking sharp. It is for this reason that many aquarium owners opt for brightly coloured plastic plants. Other decorations including fake corals and figurines. Don’t just stick any toy in the tank, stick with those designed for aquariums as they are better equipped to survive when submerged in water over time. Don’t forget that any artificial decorations will require regular cleaning to keep them free from algae and gunk.

Aquarium Filtration

Your filtration system is an important part of any aquarium. They work to trap and remove waste from the water, promoting a cleaner tank and better health for your fish. There are many different types of filters on the market including mechanical filters, chemical filtration, and biological options. Each has its pros and cons. Prior to making a purchase, take the time to research the different options, costs associated, and the maintenance required. This isn’t a cost that you want to cheap out on, so be prepared to invest a little as it will pay off long term. If your filter is going to require replacement filters, keeping a couple on hand will ensure that you are never caught empty-handed should something happen.

Heaters and Thermometers

As we previously discussed in the tank location, the temperature of your aquarium is important as it will have a significant impact on your fish’s overall health and well being. Unlike us, fish aren’t able to produce and maintain their own body heat, so they rely upon the temperature of their surroundings. There are a few important factors to consider when choosing your heater.

First, you will want to choose between the four basic types of aquarium heaters – substrate heaters, filter heaters, immersible heater sand submersible heaters. None of these devices are overly complicated to use, and with today’s technology, most are reasonably accurate. The temperature that you will need to maintain will depend upon what type of fish you plan on keeping. Pay attention to the size of the heater in relation to the size of your aquarium, ensuring that it is able to keep up.

In addition to the heater, you will need a thermometer to help you monitor the tank’s temperature. This will allow you to catch any failures or malfunctions of your heating system before the temperature changes too drastically. Another step you can take to prepare yourself in the event that something may go wrong is to keep a spare heater on hand. If your primary heater fails at a time when the pet stores are closed, this will allow you to keep your fish happy and healthy. Finally, If you are using a heater that sits in the tank accessible to your fish, you will want to purchase a heater guard to protect your fish from being burned.

Other Equipment

There are a few other small things you want to keep on hand at all times. This includes an adequate supply of fish food, a fishnet to remove fish or plants from the aquarium during cleaning as well as a bucket for use during the cleaning process. Finally, while it is not a requirement, a good quality aquarium water test kit can help you to ensure that the levels of nitrite, nitrate, PH, and ammonia in your tank water are adequate at all times. If you don’t have a home test kit, most local fish stores are equipped to complete this testing for you.