Pretty Little Fishies: How to Set Up An Aquarium That’ll Turn Heads

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For those who want to add a bit of life to their home, adding an aquarium is a great place to start. And, they come with a handful of other benefits besides looking good.

But, it can be difficult to figure out the best aquarium setup. You’ll want to be both captivating to visitors and accommodating to the fish inside.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we got you covered.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about how to set up an aquarium.

First Decide: Saltwater or Freshwater

Before you run off and start buying everything you need, you’re going to need to make a decision.

Do you want a saltwater tank or a freshwater one?

If you’ve never had an aquarium in your home before or dealt with the upkeep that comes with it, freshwater is often the way to go. They’re far easier to maintain than their saltwater counterparts.

The main advantage saltwater tanks have over freshwater is the fact that they can house more types of fish. These fish are also more exotic, as well.

But, they can be unruly when introduced to their new homes and may refuse to adapt. Exotic fish also require much more involvement to keep them alive and well.

So, it’s best to go for a freshwater tank. Otherwise, you wouldn’t need this guide in the first place!

Necessary Supplies

The supplies you need are contingent upon a handful of factors.

One of the main ones to consider is the size of the aquarium itself. The size of the tank dictates how many other supplies you’ll need to purchase, so keep that in mind if you’re on a tight budget.

In general, you’ll need the following items:

  • Fish food
  • Gravel
  • Aquarium decorations
  • Water conditioner
  • Handheld net
  • Proper lighting
  • Filter

The price of large, high-end tanks with ample decorations can run into the thousands, but there’s no reason to spring for such a purchase unless you absolutely feel like your home needs it.

The collective price of these items varies, but you can expect to get started with your home aquarium for as little as a couple hundred dollars (or less if you’re able to find a used tank). 

Fish to Choose

So, you’ve decided to get a reasonably-sized tank that you’re going to fill with beautiful fish. But, which fish do you choose?

Most fish make great pets. But, it’s best to go with what the industry calls “beginner fish.”

These fish are peaceful and lack aggression, easy to care for, and can survive in suboptimal conditions.

This last point is especially crucial because it’s not uncommon for new aquarium owners to make mistakes during upkeep. Some fish are so sensitive that even routine water changes pose a threat to their health.

Here are a few types of fish that are guaranteed to do just fine in their new home:

  • Neon tetras
  • Southern Playfish
  • Tiger Plecos
  • Kuhli Loaches
  • Cory Catfish (these will also help clean your tank!)

Fish to avoid getting (at least for now) include:

  • Tiger Barbs
  • Giant Danois
  • Plecos
  • Goldfish (unless your tank has plenty of room)
  • Any type of livebearing fish (fish that give birth instead of lay eggs)

Once you’ve chosen what kind of fish you want, you’ll need to keep these common mishaps in mind so that you can avoid bringing harm to your new pets.

Mistakes to Avoid

While maintaining an aquarium can seem simple enough, you’ll want to avoid the following behavior to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Never Use Soaps/Detergents for Cleaning

These products can severely damage the gills of your fish, which is the equivalent of harming a person’s lungs. 

Don’t Place an Aquarium Near Sunlight

Even if your aquarium isn’t in full sunlight, sunlight is bad for its ecosystem. Excess sunlight can cause rapid algae growth that can worsen the quality of life for your fish.

Never Add Untreated Water to Your Tank

Adding tap water is one of the worst things you can do to your fish, as it is guaranteed to harm all but the most resilient types of fish. Some may even die after a short period of time in tap water.

To avoid this, you must use a dechlorinator to remove any chlorine from the water that you plan to add to your aquarium.

Don’t Transport Your Aquarium By Grabbing Edges

Even if you have a firm grip, the glass panes my slide and cause the aquarium to fall out of your hands. When you move the tank, always carry it by the base.

Maintenance Tips

  • For fish that are particularly picky eaters, you can try feeding them copepods. You can learn more about that here.
  • Rinse decor before adding them to your tank.
  • Ask a professional about what size aquarium is necessary for your desired fish.
  • Only introduce a few fish at a time. Wait four to six weeks before adding to the group.
  • Make sure that the water you transport your fish into is the same temperature as the aquarium’s water. You can achieve this by floating the container in the water in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes.

Knowing How to Set Up an Aquarium Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the above information about how to set up an aquarium in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making sure that you leave your family and guests in awe.

Want to learn more useful tips you can use to improve your quality of life? Make sure to check out the rest of our blog!

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