To get started, you will need the following core components:
Rinse your substrate and decor thoroughly with plain water—never use soap or detergents.
Add your substrate, then fill the tank with water. Use a water conditioner (dechlorinator) to remove harmful chlorine from tap water. Freshwater Aquariums Basic Aquarium Setup and M...
Gently rinse filter media in a bucket of old aquarium water (not tap water, as chlorine kills the good bacteria).
Install the heater and filter, but do not turn them on until the tank is full. Phase 3: The Nitrogen Cycle (Crucial Step) To get started, you will need the following
For beginners, a 20-gallon tank is often recommended. Larger volumes are actually easier to maintain because water chemistry stays more stable.
Only provide what the fish can eat in two minutes. Excess food rots and causes ammonia spikes. Gently rinse filter media in a bucket of
Gravel or sand provides the base for plants and decor.