Locating and starting your new aquarium
So, you’ve just got your new aquarium and you’re itching to get it set up. Here is our best advice to help get off to a swimming start!
Our top ten tips for starting a new freshwater aquarium:
1. Positioning your aquarium in your home, office, bedroom, or classroom
Ensure your fish tank is placed on a level surface suitable for bearing the weight of your full aquarium –Â we recommend you purchase the specific model cabinet for the aquarium (one litre of water weighs exactly one kilogram, so calculate the weight of your aquarium including the weight of the glass tank itself).
Position the aquarium so you can get the maximum enjoyment from it while avoiding:
• Direct sunlight
• Extreme temperature variations (next to a radiator)
• Areas subject to loud noise, vibrations or movement
2. Adding Substrate
Once you’ve picked your chosen substrate (gravel/sand) make sure to give it a good wash to remove any dirt or dust which will cloud the water.
Then pack the substrate into the bottom of the aquarium.
3. Adding Décor
Soak any rocks, wood, plastic plants or ornaments before adding them to the tank to remove anything that may colour the water or affect the chemical balance of the aquarium (do not use anything other than plain water to clean these items). You can even add a background picture for extra style.
Décor should always be purchased from a reputable aquatic store that can advise on the best conditions for your chosen set-up.
You can then position these as you like throughout the tank, leaving open areas and hiding spaces for your fish to explore. It is important to ensure the décor is embedded into the substrate and stable to ensure it is not easily dug up by your livestock.
Looking to set up a planted aquarium? Read our guide for more helpful tips.
4. Installing a heater
If your aquarium fish or shrimp require heated water (tropical freshwater) it is now time to install your heater following the manufacturer’s instructions.
DO NOT TURN ON YOUR HEATER YET.
We advise you to add an aquarium thermometer to the aquarium so you can monitor the water temperature going forward.
5. Installing your filter
Install your filter following the instructions. Bear in mind that some aquariums come with built-in filters and therefore may only need media adding to it whilst others come with a separate filter which must be installed.
Remember – When installing your aquarium or electricals like filters, heating or lighting make sure you create a drip loop in any cables to ensure drops of water cannot reach the mains electricity.
6. Adding lighting
Lighting is crucial for plant growth as well as for viewing your aquarium. Choose an appropriate lighting system based on the type of fish and plants you have. For example, LED lights are popular due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan.
Position your lights above the tank but away from direct contact with water to prevent electrical hazards. Also, make sure there are no tangled wires that could cause accidents or damage.
7. Filling your aquarium
Once all of your hardware is installed, and you are happy with the positioning of your décor you can begin to fill your aquarium.
Place a plate or small bowl onto the aquarium substrate and carefully pour the water on it. This will help to prevent your substrate from being disrupted and clouding.
Remember larger aquariums will need a higher water volume:
- For tropical fish, allow 1 cm of adult-size fish (excluding fins and tail) for each litre of water.
- For cold water fish – allow 0.5cm of adult-size fish (excluding fins and tail) for each litre of water.
Different fish species have different requirements so make sure to do your research so you can create a suitable environment for the types of fish you wish to keep.
8. Adding live plants
If you want to have live plants in your aquarium now is the time to add them.
Once your aquarium is roughly half full, stop filling and start to arrange your plants and begin to embed the roots into the substrate.
It’s important to plan ahead with your plants. Speak to your aquatic retailer to discuss favourable plants for the fish you intend to keep. Try to get a good range of plant heights, spreading from the back of the tank to the front to create a balanced and easily viewable environment.
Once all of your plants are in place, carefully fill up the rest of the aquarium.
9. Make the water safe
Once your aquarium is full you can switch on your filter and heater to start preparing the tank for your aquatic friends.
You should always treat new water with a dechlorinator – like Bioactive Tapsafe Plus – to remove harmful chemicals from your aquarium water and introduce aloe vera to help protect your fish’s delicate skin and gills.
Tapsafe also has the benefit of adding a kick-start of beneficial bacteria for the filter.
10. Leave your aquarium to settle
Although you will probably be excited to start adding fish into your aquarium, you need to let it settle and temperature stabilise to the recommended level before adding any livestock; usually overnight.
11. Adding fish
Once your tank has settled, and the water temperature is correct (use an aquarium thermometer for this) you can now add fish.
Speak to your aquatic retailer to get the right fish for your set-up. Make sure you’re not going to be overstocking, it’s better to introduce a few fish to start with whilst your filter is still maturing, then add more fish gradually over time.
To better understand what goes on in a new aquarium, watch the video below.
And remember…
Seek the advice of your specialist aquatic retailer when purchasing fish; they will be able to help you select a variety of fish which will create a calm and balanced community.
Ensure your retailer knows you have a new aquarium, as it is essential to add fish gradually to a new aquarium over a period of weeks. Starting with hardier varieties, and gradually building up to the aquarium’s full complement of fish.Once your tank is set up you can enjoy watching your fish thrive. However, the hard work is far from over! Regularly test your water parameters, including temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels to maintain a healthy environment for your fish. For more information, check out our tips for cleaning your aquarium.
