10 Things You Should Know Before Setting up a New Fish Tank

Well, well, well, look who decided to become a fish parent! Setting up a new fish tank can be a fin-tastic experience, but let’s be honest, it can also be quite a fish-tastrophy if you don’t know what you’re doing. Don’t worry though, I’ll be your fish tank whisperer, and together, we’ll make sure your fishy friends have the best possible home. So let’s dive right in, shall we? (Just make sure to hold your breath, we don’t want any accidental snorkeling!) Here are the 10 things you should know before setting up a new fish tank:

1. Choose the Right Tank:

The first thing to consider while setting up a new fish tank is how much space you have. If you have a big space, you can set up a huge tank and flaunt exotic fishes. However, if you run low in space, a 1 gallon fish bowl will do the trick. The next thing is the budget. Fish tanks come in a wide range of prices, so choose a tank that best suits your budget. Keep in mind that the cost of the tank is just the beginning – you’ll also need to factor in the cost of equipment, fish, and ongoing maintenance.

Nowadays, you can find a variety of fish tank kits in the market. These kits come with all the equipment required to set up a freshwater aquarium for beginners. Initially, I had zero knowledge about fish tanks, so I got a 20 Gallon fish tank kit for my house.

2. Saltwater VS Freshwater Aquarium:

Deciding between a saltwater and freshwater aquarium is a personal choice that depends on your interests, experience, and budget. In my opinion, saltwater aquariums require more equipment and maintenance compared to freshwater aquariums.They need a protein skimmer, power-heads, and live rock in addition to the basic filtration, heater, and lighting systems, adding to costs. Water chemistry and salinity levels need to be carefully monitored, and saltwater aquariums require more frequent water changes and testing.

Therefore, I would not recommend saltwater aquariums if you are a beginner. If you are setting up a new fish tank, start with a freshwater aquarium, learn a few things about fishkeeping, and then consider setting up a second saltwater aquarium. I know many of you dream of buying exotic fishes like Clown fish, Royal Gramma, Emperor Angelfish, and more just the way I do. However, these are saltwater fishes that require high maintenance. Save it for the future!

3. Planted VS Non-planted Aquarium:

I have always dreamt of having my own little underwater jungle, complete with miniature palm trees and ferns. Except, you know, with fish. And water. And no coconuts. But still, pretty cool, right? These are called planted aquariums where you can grow live plants. Again, if you are setting up a new fish tank, I would not recommend planted aquariums as they are a little intimidating to set up. Creating a dream Aquascape requires a natural substrate like gravel, sand or aquatic soil for the plants to grow on. It will also need special lighting, fertilizers, natural hardscape items like driftwood and rocks and constant monitoring. If you are ambitious about setting up a planted aquarium, then do a lot of research prior to delving. My honest opinion is starting with a non-planted aquarium that is easy to maintain.

I have set up a non-planted aquarium with normal colored gravel that you find in most aquariums. To mimic the natural ecosystem, I added a lot of artificial plant and rock decorations.

4. Aquarium Essentials:

You have bought your fish tank and can’t wait to put the fish inside! I know that urge! However, you are not there yet. There are some essentials that you need to buy while setting up a new fish tank. They will support the ecosystem of the pet fish.

Filter: It is important to keep the water in your tank clean and clear. It removes debris, uneaten food, and fish waste, which helps to keep the water quality high and the fish healthy.
Heater: Most fish require a specific water temperature to thrive, and an aquarium heater helps to maintain a consistent temperature.
Substrate: The substrate is the material at the bottom of the tank, such as gravel or sand. It provides a natural environment for your fish and helps to anchor plants.
Lighting: Lighting is essential for the growth of plants in the aquarium, and also helps to simulate day and night cycles for the fish.
Water Conditioner: Tap water is not safe for your pet fish, so to make it safe, we need to add a water conditioner. It removes chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals from tap water. Add the appropriate amount of water conditioner to the water before adding it to the tank. I use the API Tap Water Conditioner.
Aquarium Water Test Kits: These test kits come in handy when you wish to test the water for pH levels, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrates. This way, you will know that the water is safe before adding fish to the tank. I use the API 5-IN-1 Freshwater Aquarium Test Strips. In case you use a saltwater aquarium, you can use an Instant Ocean Aquarium Water Test Hydrometer that tests for marine salt and gravity levels.
Fish Food: From pellets and flakes to dried brine shrimp and bloodworms,a variety of fish food is available in the market. Based on the type of fish, you can buy fish food. Feel free to ask the staff at the store where you make a purchase about what food to feed your fish. They can help you out.
Tank Cleaning Supplies: Use a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate and remove debris and uneaten food from the bottom of the tank. This helps to maintain good water quality and prevent the buildup of harmful waste products.To remove algae from the sides and bottom of the tank, use an algae scraper. There are several types of scrapers available, including magnetic, handheld, and extendable versions. You will need a fish net to transfer fish before cleaning your tank. Additional basics include a bucket, gloves, sponges, and cleaning pads.

5. Importance of Nitrogen Cycle:

Now that you have all the supplies and the tank is set up, your mind will ask “Can I add the fish now?” Well, the answer is still “NO.” There is something called the Nitrogen Cycle, a crucial process that occurs naturally in aquariums and plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy aquatic environment for fish. The following things happen in a Nitrogen Cycle while setting up a new fish tank:

Ammonia Production: After setting up a new fish tank, add some fish food and this will initiate the cycle. The uneaten food will produce Ammonia.
Ammonia to Nitrite: Nitrosomonas (beneficial bacteria) grows on surfaces in the aquarium, including the substrate, decorations, and filter media. This bacteria helps in converting ammonia to nitrite in a process known as nitrification.
Nitrite to Nitrate: Nitrite is then converted to nitrate by Nitrobacter bacteria. Nitrate is still toxic to fish, but at much lower levels than ammonia or nitrite.
Removal of Nitrate: Nitrate can be removed from the aquarium through regular water changes or taken up by plants as a nutrient. Some types of biological filter media can also remove nitrate from the water.
Continuous Supply of Beneficial Bacteria: The process of nitrification is ongoing and requires a continual supply of ammonia to maintain healthy levels of beneficial bacteria in the aquarium.
Nitrogen Cycle Established: Once the nitrogen cycle is established, the aquarium will maintain a stable environment for fish and other aquatic organisms. Regular water testing is essential to ensure that ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels remain within safe limits. Now, you can add fish!!!

6. Fish Shopping Guide:

Choosing the right fish for your tank is highly essential. Use this fish tank setup checklist while shopping for fish.

Tank size: The size of your tank is the most important consideration when choosing fish. Different fish have different space requirements, so make sure your tank is large enough for the fish you choose.
Water parameters: Different fish have different water requirements, including temperature, pH, and hardness. Research the water requirements of the fish you’re interested in, and make sure they’re compatible with the water parameters in your tank.
Compatibility: Not all fish get along with each other, so it’s important to choose fish that are compatible. Research the social behavior of the fish you’re interested in and make sure they’re compatible with each other. For instance, you cannot put a betta fish (aggressive in nature) with an angel fish. Similarly, if you put a common goldfish with Cichlids, the latter might eat them. On the other hand, you can create a community fish tank and put a variety of fishes that go along with each other.

7. Acclimation:

When you purchase fish from a pet store and move them to your aquarium, they may experience stress or even die if they are not acclimated properly. Acclimation is a process that allows fish to adjust to the new environment without experiencing shock or stress.To acclimate fish, it is important to slowly introduce them to the new water conditions over a period of time. The process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the species and the differences in water parameters between the old and new environments. Follow these steps:

Float the bag containing the fish in the new aquarium for about 15-20 minutes to allow the temperature in the bag to gradually adjust to that of the aquarium.
Open the bag and add a small amount of the aquarium water to the bag.
Wait another 15-20 minutes and then repeat step 2. Do this a few more times, gradually adding more and more aquarium water each time.
After several water additions, the water in the bag should be mostly from the new aquarium. Carefully net the fish out of the bag and release it into the aquarium.

8. Emergency Fish Saving Tips:

Fish can fall sick like every other living being on Earth. Therefore, it is important to monitor them every now and then. If you find any of your fish inactive, then follow these tips:

Make a quarantine tank when you are setting up a new fish tank. This backup tank will come in handy when your fish falls sick. Put the sick fish in it to treat and monitor. This way, you can avoid the spread of diseases.
Test the water in the quarantine tank to ensure that the water quality is appropriate for the fish. Poor water quality can weaken the fish’s immune system and make it more susceptible to illness.
Depending on the specific illness, you may need to use medication to treat the fish. Some common medications for fish include antibiotics, antifungal medication, and anti-parasitic medication. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions on the medication and consult with a veterinarian if needed. Adding aquarium salt can help sometimes.
In addition to medication, you may need to provide supportive care for the sick fish, such as increasing the water temperature, improving water quality, or adjusting the fish’s diet.
Once the fish is recovered, you can move it to the main tank.

9. Cleaning & Maintenance:

Keeping a fish tank clean and well-maintained is essential for the health and well-being of your fish. Here are some steps to follow for cleaning and maintaining your fish tank:

Regular Water Changes: Regular partial water changes (around 20% – 30% of the tank’s volume) every 1-2 weeks will help remove accumulated waste and maintain good water quality.
Clean the Substrate: Use a siphon to remove debris and waste from the substrate. Avoid cleaning the entire substrate at once as it may disturb the beneficial bacteria that keep the tank healthy.
Clean the Filter: The filter is a crucial component of your tank’s ecosystem, so clean it regularly to keep it functioning properly. Rinse the filter media in a bucket of water taken from the tank to remove excess debris. Avoid changing the filter media entirely at once, as this may also disrupt the beneficial bacteria.
Clean the Decorations: Clean any decorations in the tank using a soft brush or sponge, and avoid using soap or detergents which could be harmful to the fish.

10. Introducing New Fish to an Established Tank:

Introducing new fish to an established aquarium can be a delicate process, as the existing fish may view the newcomers as a threat and become aggressive toward them. To minimize stress on the new fish and ensure that they are accepted by the existing inhabitants, it’s important to follow a few steps:

Acclimate the new fish as explained earlier and then gradually introduce them into the tank.
After introducing the new fish to the main tank, monitor them closely for any signs of aggression or stress from the existing inhabitants. If any fish show signs of aggression towards the newcomers, you may need to separate them temporarily with a divider or net until they become accustomed to each other.
Before introducing new fish to an established aquarium, it’s important to research their compatibility with the existing inhabitants. Some species may not get along well with each other and can become aggressive, while others may have different water parameter requirements that can cause stress.

Conclusion:

Setting up a new fish tank can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to approach it with knowledge and care. This blog mainly focuses on setting up a freshwater aquarium for beginners. You can use it for setting up a saltwater aquarium too but do more research. Before diving into the process, follow these guidelines and invest in the proper equipment and care. I hope my fish tank setup checklist helps your fish thrive in their new environment and provide you with years of enjoyment. Remember, patience, research, and attention to detail are key to creating a healthy and thriving aquatic environment for your fish.