How To Setup a Tropical Fish Tank, Ultimate Guide

Learning how to set up a first tropical fish aquarium can be an exciting experience, but it can also seem a little daunting. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right equipment to establishing a thriving underwater ecosystem

Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up your Tropical Aquarium

So, how do you set up a tropical fish tank? It all begins with proper planning and knowing what equipment you need. Here, we’ll guide you through a checklist of items you need and what to consider to create a wonderful home for tropical fish.

Get all your essential equipment

Aquarium tank

The first step in how to set up a fish tank for tropical fish is, of course, choosing the tank itself!

• Size and Shape: From 5 gallons to over a hundred gallons, aquarium tanks come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Common shapes include cube or rectangular tanks. Size typically measures the amount of water the tank can hold, while shape will affect the dimension.
  
  For beginners, a rectangular tank between 10 and 20 gallons is ideal. This size offers enough space for a small community of fish while remaining manageable for maintenance. 

• Material: Tanks are typically made from glass or acrylic. Glass tanks are generally more scratch-resistant, while acrylic tanks are lighter and less prone to cracking.

Aquarium hood/lid

A hood or lid is essential to prevent fish from jumping out, especially for species known to be jumpers. It also helps to reduce evaporation and prevent dust and debris from entering the tank.

Water filter

A filter is crucial for maintaining water quality in your tropical tank.

• Types of water filters:

• Hang-on Filters: These are suitable for smaller tanks under 20 gallons. They are affordable and easy to install, hanging on the back of the tank.
• Sponge Filters: These are simple filters that provide excellent biological filtration and are suitable for smaller tanks or breeding setups.
• Canister Filters: These are more powerful and efficient filters, ideal for larger aquariums.

Air pump

While not always essential, an air pump can be beneficial for increasing oxygen levels in the water. They work by agitating the water surface, encouraging oxygen exchange. 

LED Lighting

LED lights provide essential illumination for your fish and plants. They come in different lighting intensities, often measured in lumens, some with features like timers and dimmers. LED lights may be installed hanging above a tank, clipped onto a side of a tank, sit on a stand attached to the sides of a tank or even come integrated with an aquarium hood/lid. 

If you plan on having live plants, choose LED lights with a spectrum suitable for plant growth.

Substrate and tank decorations

• Substrate: The substrate is the material used to cover the bottom of the tank. Options include gravel, sand, and specialised plant substrates like aquasoil.
• Decorations: Decorations such as rocks, driftwood, and artificial plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your tank but also provide hiding places and a stimulating environment for your fish.

Water treatment chemicals

While there are many chemicals available to alter water chemistry and make it suitable for tropical fish, the absolute essential every aquarist needs is a water conditioner to neutralise chlorine and chloramine found in tap water. 

These chemicals are harmful to fish and can also kill beneficial bacteria in your filter, disrupting the nitrogen cycle that converts toxic fish waste into less harmful substances. 

Unbox your aquarium tank

It's finally time to get hands-on! Carefully remove your new tank from its packaging. It's a good idea to give it a quick wipe down with a clean, damp cloth to remove any dust or residue.

If you plan on using an aquarium background, now is the best time to apply it to the outside of the back panel of the tank while it is out and easy to access.

Before proceeding, it's crucial to perform a leak test. Place the empty tank on its stand (if you have one) in a location where a small leak won't cause any damage. Fill it with water and let it sit for a few hours. This will ensure that your tank is watertight and ready to house your aquatic friends.

Place the tank in designated area

How do you set up a tropical fish tank in the best location in your home? The location of your aquarium can affect the level of maintenance you’ll need to do and the well-being of your fish. Ideally, you want a location that is:

• Stable and Level: The surface should be strong enough to support the weight of the filled tank and perfectly level to prevent uneven pressure on the glass or acrylic.
• Away from direct sunlight: Sunlight can cause excessive algae growth and temperature fluctuations in your tank.
• Away from air conditioners or heat sources: Air conditioners can and heat sources can cause sudden temperature changes. Maintaining stable water temperature is vital for the health of your tropical fish.
• Easily accessible: You'll need easy access to the tank for maintenance and feeding.

Good places to consider include a quiet corner of the living room or dining room.

Rinse all accessories

Before placing anything into your pristine tank, give all your accessories a thorough rinse with clean water. This includes your substrate, decorations, filter media, and any other items that will be going inside the aquarium.

For natural decorations like driftwood, you might need some extra preparation. Check out our guide on how to prepare driftwood for a fish tank to learn about boiling and soaking techniques to ensure it is safe for your aquarium. Similarly, if you're using plastic plants, it's a good idea to learn how to safely clean plastic aquarium plants to remove any manufacturing residue or unsafe chemicals.

Take your time arranging your substrate and decorations. Create a visually appealing aquascape with hiding places, open swimming areas, and interesting focal points. This is your chance to get creative and design the underwater world you envision!

Fill up the tank

Now for the exciting part – adding water! But before you grab a bucket and head to the tap, consider the type of water you'll be using. While tap water is generally safe after treatment with a water conditioner, some aquarists prefer to use other sources, such as:

• Distilled water: This water has had most impurities removed through distillation.
• Deionized water: This water has had minerals removed through an ion exchange process.
• Reverse osmosis water: This water is purified through a membrane filtration process.

No matter what water source you choose, always treat it with a water conditioner to remove any chlorine, chloramine, or heavy metals.

To avoid disturbing your carefully arranged substrate and decorations, use the "small bowl method" to fill the tank. Place a small, clean bowl on the substrate and gently pour the water into the bowl. The water will overflow and fill the tank without creating a mess.

Switch on the filter, lighting & air pump

With the tank filled and treated, it's time to bring it to life! Install your filter, ensuring it is securely in place and the intake tube is submerged. Prime the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

Next, position your LED lighting and set any timers or dimmers as desired. Finally, if you're using an air pump, connect it and place the airstone in the tank. The gentle bubbling will not only help with oxygenation but also add a pleasing visual element to your aquarium.

Let your tank cycle

Before you rush to add fish, it's essential to understand the nitrogen cycle. This is the process where beneficial bacteria break down harmful ammonia from fish waste into less toxic nitrates. 

Cycling a tank means allowing these beneficial bacteria to colonise your filter and substrate. It's crucial because these beneficial bacteria live in your filter media, breaking down fish waste and creating a healthy environment for your fish. 

To kick start the process, add a pinch of fish food to the tank and leave it to decay. This will provide an ammonia source for the bacteria to feed on.

Cycling generally takes anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks. Be patient and resist the temptation to add fish too early. Rushing this process can cause your fish to develop health problems or die as they are introduced into a toxic environment. 

To check if your aquarium is cycled, you’ll need to test your water parameters.

Test your water

During the cycling process, it's vital to monitor your water parameters with an aquarium test kit. This will help you track the progress of the nitrogen cycle and ensure your water is safe for fish.

Key parameters to watch are:

• Ammonia: This is the initial waste product produced by fish.
• Nitrite: Ammonia is converted into nitrite by beneficial bacteria.
• Nitrate: Nitrite is further converted into nitrate, which is less harmful but still needs to be controlled through water changes.

Your tank is cycled when ammonia and nitrite levels are at zero, and nitrates are present. Acceptable nitrate levels are generally below 20 ppm (parts per million). Once your tank is cycled, continue to test your water regularly to maintain optimal water quality.

FAQs About How to Set Up a Tropical Fish Aquarium

How long do I have to wait to put tropical fish in a new tank?

You need to wait until your tank has completed the nitrogen cycle, which can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks. This process allows beneficial bacteria to grow in your filter and substrate, breaking down harmful fish waste and creating a safe environment for your fish. 

It's best to be patient and test your water regularly with an aquarium test kit to ensure the cycle is complete before introducing any fish. Your tank is cycled when ammonia and nitrite levels are at zero, and nitrates are present.

What happens if I put fish in the tank right away?

Adding fish to a new, uncycled tank can lead to a condition called "New Tank Syndrome." This happens because the beneficial bacteria that convert toxic ammonia and nitrites into less harmful nitrates haven't had time to establish themselves. 

As a result, ammonia and nitrite levels can rise rapidly, poisoning your fish. Symptoms of ammonia or nitrite poisoning in fish include gasping at the surface, lethargy, loss of appetite, and clamped fins. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

What temperature should my fish tank be?

The ideal temperature for a tropical fish tank depends on the specific species you plan to keep. However, most tropical fish thrive in a temperature range of 22-28°C. 

While optimal temperature is important, it is even more crucial to maintain a consistent temperature within your aquarium, as sudden fluctuations can stress your fish and make them more susceptible to disease. There are aquarium chillers or heaters available for hobbyists to ensure stable water temperature for your fish.