Setting up your first aquarium

Welcome to the wonderful world of fish! While providing for your
fine-finned friends' needs may not be as demanding as caring for a dog or cat, proper set-up and regular maintenance of the tank are essential to keeping its inhabitants happy and healthy.

Setting up a cold water vs. tropical fish tank

If you're a first-timer, we recommend fish who live in cold water, because they are easiest to care for. Coldwater species include the many dazzling varieties of goldfish, some of which can live more than 10 years. Your first step will be to choose the right kind and number of fish. This means selecting species that will get along with each other and thrive in the same water conditions. The number of fish you can keep will be based on the size of your tank. Experts suggest a 20-gallon tank for beginners. As a general rule of thumb, you can have one inch of fish per gallon of water--and remember to take into account the maximum size your fish may reach.

You will need to purchase your equipment, set up your tank and get it running for several days to a week before you bring your fish home. This will allow time for the water to properly "ripen." Take time to choose the best possible location for your tank. A 20-gallon aquarium filled with water and gravel weighs more than 200 pounds, so you won't be able to move it once it's set up. Avoid direct sunlight, and try to find a place
convenient to a sink or other water source.

Next, rinse the gravel with clean water and put it in the tank; you will need 1 pound of gravel per gallon of water. Then, set up the filtration system and air pump, if you are using one, and add rocks, wood and other tank decorations. You'll also need an aquarium cover and light fixture.

You can fill your tank with water from the tap, and let it stand for several days so some of the chemicals can evaporate. You can also buy a chemical neutralizer to achieve the same results. To ensure an environment that's free of toxins, run your system for a week or so and monitor the pH and nitrite levels of the water; work with the staff at your aquarium store to achieve proper levels for your fish.

And now, the moment you've been waiting, and working, for! Start your tank with just a few fish of the hardiest species--we recommend 3-4 small or 1-2 medium fish. You'll get them from the aquarium shop in sturdy plastic bags. Float them in the tank for 15-30 minutes to ensure the temperatures in the bags and in the tank are the same. Open the bags carefully and let your new friends swim out on their own. From then on, you can add a couple of fish every week until your tank is complete.

Congratulations on a job well done! In the first few weeks, you'll need to pay close attention to nitrite levels, and take care not to overfeed your fish--only as much food as you can pinch between a finger and a thumb, two to three times a day. It's also smart to set up a regular routine of tank maintenance. To ensure good water quality for your fish, you'll need to replace 10 to 25 percent of the water at least twice monthly. Check our topic on cleaning the tank for the whole scoop.