Guide
How to set up an aquarium step by step
Setting up an aquarium takes a day, but it is ready for fish only after 4–6 weeks. The most common beginner mistake is rushing, not bad equipment.
Updated:
The tank and where to put it
A tank of 60 l (16 US gal) or more is easier to start with than a small one: in more water temperature and parameters change more slowly. Work out the volume and weight with the volume calculator.
- a stable, level stand made for aquariums,
- away from windows (sun means algae and overheating) and radiators,
- a socket within reach, with a drip loop in the cables so water can't run down into the plug.
Starter equipment
| Equipment | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Filter | flow of about 3–5 times the tank volume per hour |
| Thermostatic heater | for tropical fish; size from the heater calculator |
| Light with a timer | the same lighting hours every day |
| Thermometer | independent of the heater |
| Substrate | 4–6 cm; for plants, a layer of nutrient substrate |
| Water conditioner | removes chlorine and chloramine from tap water |
| Test kits | ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and KH |
| Siphon or gravel vacuum, bucket | aquarium only, no detergents |
Setting up step by step
- Rinse the tank and decor with plain water, no detergents.
- Add the substrate, rocks and wood. Soak wood for a few days first: it releases tannins that tint the water yellow.
- Fill halfway, pouring onto a plate so the substrate isn't disturbed, and plant.
- Fill up and add conditioner.
- Start the filter, heater and light (6 hours a day to begin with, see how long to leave the light on).
- Run the nitrogen cycle: 4–6 weeks without fish.
- Add fish gradually, a few every 1–2 weeks.
Adding fish
Float the bag on the water for 15–20 minutes to match the temperature, then over the next half hour add a little tank water to it at a time. Move the fish with a net and don't pour shop water into the tank. Don't feed them on the first day. New fish are best kept in a separate quarantine tank first: the simplest protection against ich.
The first weeks
- Feed once a day what the fish eat in 2 minutes.
- Test ammonia and nitrite every few days: both should read 0.
- Change 20–30% of the water every week.
- A brown film and slight cloudiness in a new tank are normal and pass on their own.
How Aquarium Monitor helps
The cycle assistant guides you through cycling, alarms watch temperature and water level, and ready-made tasks (cleaning the glass, siphoning, rinsing the filter) remind you of the routine. Each task has one sentence explaining why it matters.
Frequently asked questions
When can I add fish to a new aquarium?
When the nitrogen cycle is finished: a day after an ammonia dose, ammonia and nitrite both read 0. Usually after 4–6 weeks.
Which fish are good for beginners?
Hardy, peaceful species with similar needs, e.g. zebra danios, guppies, corydoras in a group, or Neocaridina shrimp. Avoid fish that need very soft water at first.
Does an aquarium have to be away from windows?
Yes, if possible. Sunlight warms the water and feeds algae, and you can't control it.
Keep an eye on your tank from your phone
The app is free and ad-free. The monitor runs on your Raspberry Pi.