In order to take care of a pet in a way that is low-cost and requires little upkeep, keeping a freshwater aquarium at home can be an excellent choice. The time and money that is put into maintaining a saltwater aquarium will need to be increased.

There is a wide selection of freshwater fish from which to choose, as well as a multitude of fish tanks that can be chosen to complement the existing decor or the available space. The selection of an aquarium and its initial setup are both covered in the following instructions.

Purchasing Supplies

You will first need to gather all of the necessary materials before you can begin setting up the aquarium. These fundamentals consist of the following:

• aquarium
• aquarium stand
• lighted hood
• gravel
• filter
• air pump
• plastic tubing
• air stone
• heater
• plants
• other decor
• fish food
• net
• background picture
• thermometer

Choosing an Aquarium

There is a wide range of sizes and designs available for aquariums. The bedroom of younger children might be a good place for a tank of a smaller size, while a tank of a larger size could be the focal point of a family room. A good rule of thumb is one gallon of water for each fish, but the exact amount needed will vary depending on how many fish you intend to keep. A fish tank used for recreational purposes typically requires a container with a capacity of 20 to 30 gallons.

When purchasing an aquarium, it is important to select a stand that can accommodate all of your equipment and supplies. The weight of the tank, which could be several hundred pounds, will require the stand to be as sturdy as possible in order to support it.

Setting Up Your Aquarium

• Determine where you want to put your fish tank. It will be very difficult, if not impossible, to move the tank after the water has been added to it.
• Put the stand and aquarium in the location where it will be displayed. Place the paper background on the outside of the tank along the back wall. Both you and the fish will enjoy the visual stimulation that this provides.
• In order to remove any contaminants from the gravel, any plastic plants, and any other embellishments that will be placed inside the tank, run clean, cold water over them for a few minutes while they are being rinsed in a sink.
• The gravel should be placed inside the tank. Put your mind at ease by securing the plants and any other decorations by concealing them within the gravel. The depth of the gravel should be between one and two inches.
• Attach the air stone to one end of the plastic tubing, and then place the other end of the tubing into the air pump, if you plan on using an air stone. Try to conceal the air stone beneath the gravel in a location that is not easily found. Position the air pump so that it is higher than the aquarium. This will prevent any water from entering the air pump in the event that the power goes out or the pump stops working.
  Fill the fish tank with water that is fit for human consumption.
• Install your heater in accordance with the instructions provided, and adjust the temperature so that it meets the requirements of the fish that you intend to purchase. The majority of fish prefer water temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Put together your aquarium filter and install it on the tank in accordance with the included instructions. Position the thermometer either inside or outside of the tank.
• After turning on the filter and air pump, give the aquarium a full day to filter the water on its own. Also make sure to check that the temperature of the water has reached the desired level. You can make adjustments to the water levels based on the fish that you intend to use by purchasing a pH test, which allows you to check the levels of the water.
• When you are ready to start stocking your aquarium, make sure to purchase your fish from a reliable vendor. Increase the number of inhabitants in your tank in a measured manner. Pick out a wide variety of fish, including top- and bottom-feeders, schooling fish, and other types, so that the aquarium can be populated with inhabitants from all of its distinct zones.
• Bring the fish inside, then float the bag containing them in the water of your aquarium for at least a half an hour to get the water temperatures to equalize. You can scoop the fish up with a net and place them in your tank that way. Even though the water in many fish stores is clean, all it takes is a small amount of contamination to completely ruin your aquarium and make your other fish sick.
• Feed your fish on a regular basis, but avoid overfeeding them, as this can cause waste to accumulate in the tank.
• Relax and take pleasure in your fish tank.