So, you’re thinking about setting up your first aquarium—exciting! Keeping fish is a fun and relaxing hobby, but it can feel overwhelming at the start. Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything you need: the right equipment, how to set up your tank, and simple care tips to keep your fish happy and healthy.
Choosing the Right Aquarium for You
When picking your first tank, bigger is usually better. Smaller tanks may seem easier, but they’re actually harder to maintain because water conditions change quickly. A 20–30 gallon tank is a perfect starting point.
Next, decide between freshwater and saltwater. Saltwater tanks are beautiful but more complex. For beginners, freshwater tanks are the way to go.
Not sure which fish to start with? Hardy, beginner-friendly options include guppies, tetras, danios, or bettas.
Essential Equipment Checklist
Here’s what you’ll need before you add your first fish:
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Tank & stand (sturdy and level)
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Filter (keeps water clean)
Fluval Canister Filters -
Heater & thermometer (most tropical fish need stable temperatures)
Fluval heaters & thermometers -
Lighting (for fish and plants)
Peter's Freshwater Lighting (Coming soon) -
Substrate (gravel or sand)
Planted aquariums & gravel -
Water conditioner (removes chlorine from tap water)
Peter's Step 1 - Tap Water Conditioner -
Test kit (checks pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate levels)
API Freshwater Test Kit -
Extras: fish net, algae scraper, bucket for water changes
Setting Up Your Aquarium Step-by-Step
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Choose a location – Keep your tank away from direct sunlight and drafts.
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Add substrate and décor – Rinse gravel/sand first. Arrange rocks, plants, or ornaments.
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Fill with water – Slowly add water and treat it with conditioner.
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Install filter and heater – Get everything running.
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Cycle your tank – This is crucial. Cycling builds good bacteria that break down waste. It takes a few weeks, but it prevents fish from getting sick.
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Add plants – Live plants help with oxygen and water quality, but artificial ones are fine too.
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Test water – Check that ammonia and nitrite are at zero before adding fish.
Introducing Fish Safely
Add fish slowly—just a few at a time. Quarantine new arrivals if possible to avoid spreading disease. When it’s time to add them, float the sealed bag in the tank for 15–20 minutes to match temperatures, then gently release them.
Basic Aquarium Care & Maintenance
Caring for your fish is simple once you get into a routine:
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Feed lightly – Only what they can eat in 1-2 minutes, once or twice a day.
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Weekly water changes – Replace 20–30% of the water each week.
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Clean the filter – Rinse media in old tank water, never tap water (it washes away good bacteria).
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Check on fish daily – Make sure they’re swimming, eating, and acting normally.
Common Beginner Mistakes
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Adding too many fish at once
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Skipping the nitrogen cycle
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Overfeeding (causes cloudy water and sick fish)
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Forgetting regular water testing
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Inconsistent water changes
Troubleshooting Basics
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Cloudy water – Normal during cycling, or caused by overfeeding.
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Algae blooms – Reduce light exposure and clean regularly.
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Stressed fish – Check water quality, temperature, and tank mates.
Resources & Next Steps
Want to learn more? Great places to start include talking to one of our knowledgeable team members in the aquarium section at Pisces, online forums, YouTube aquarium channels like Chris ‘The Mad Aquarist‘ Biggs and local aquarium clubs. Once you’re comfortable, you can upgrade to bigger tanks, try live plants, or even explore saltwater setups.
Conclusion
Setting up your first aquarium may feel like a lot, but once you get the basics down, it becomes second nature. Take your time, be patient with the cycling process, and enjoy watching your little underwater world come to life.
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