There's a lot to remember when you're setting up an aquarium, but it's not really hard if you have the information you need to be successful. Here are some basics for setting up and maintaining a successful aquarium. These aren't all hard and fast rules--there is an art to fish keeping as well as some science--but this is a good place to start and will help you to keep your fish happy and healthy.

Choosing a Tank

• When choosing the size of your tank, keep in mind that a freshwater tropical aquarium should have a minimum of 1 gallon of water for every inch of small fish (bigger fish need even more than that!). Cold-water fish, such as goldfish, need 2 gallons of water per inch of fish. So choose a size that will allow you to have the number of fish that you want.
• If there's a certain type of fish that you want, make sure the tank you choose will meet its needs.
• Fish swim horizontally, so a long tank is usually better than a tall one.
• A larger tank is easier to maintain than a small one and it holds more fish. 20-30 gallons is a good starter size.
• Be careful to choose suitable decorations for your fish. Territorial fish such as cichlids need a lot of hiding places and room to set up territories. Any fish will benefit from the sense of security provided by an aquarium background, plants, and other places to hide when they feel threatened.
• Dark aquarium gravel will help bring out the colors of your fish.

Setting up your tank

• Make sure your tank is set up and running properly for a few days before you add any fish.
• Choose a location for your tank. Placing your tank against an inside wall and out of direct sunlight will help keep the temperature stable and cut down on algae growth. Keeping your tank out of high traffic areas can help keep stress levels down.
• Make sure the surface on which you will place the aquarium is level. Water weighs about 8 lbs. per gallon so make sure your stand can support the weight. A lack of proper support can cause an aquarium to break.?
• Rinse the gravel, carbon cartridges, and other equipment in plain water before putting them in the tank. Carefully follow the instructions for setting up the heater and filtration system.
• Place the thermometer midway up the tank and away from the heater.
• You may need to remove or cut the plastic strip on the back of the aquarium to allow for equipment that is mounted on the back, such as heaters and back filters. Fish can jump out so keep as much of the top covered as possible
• Fill the tank with tap water and use a water conditioner to remove the chlorine and other harmful chemicals.
• It is important that your aquarium maintain a stable temperature of about 78 degrees for most fish before any fish are added. Coldwater fish are comfortable at room temperature and do not require a heater.

Choosing your fish

• Choose fish that are the appropriate size and temperament for the tank you have. Some fish grow quite large and others need a lot of swimming room.
• Make sure that the fish you choose get along with each other and are of compatible sizes.
• Choose a good mixture of top, middle, and bottom feeders.
• Find out about any special needs your fish might have.
• Take the life span, adult size, and growth rate of your fish into account.
• Make sure the fish you choose are healthy.

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