When it comes to setting up your own aquarium, you might feel like a fish out of water. And truthfully, fishkeeping isn’t all plain sailing. But there are loads of handy tips for how to set up an amazing aquarium, and how to care for it for years to come. Let’s dive in. 

Firstly, you need to know which type of fish species you want, because they all have different needs. 
Temperate fish prefer cooler conditions, but generally no lower than 17°C. 
Tropical fish need warm water, typically between 24–27°C. 

If you’re still unsure and want to know generally how an aquarium works, you’ve come to the right place. 

1. A good-sized tank.
2. A reliable aquarium filter to keep tank water clean and help beneficial bacteria break down fish waste.
3. Lighting to support plant growth and create a natural day and night rhythm for your fish.
4. Substrate to form the base of your aquarium, such as gravel, sand, aquarium soil, crushed coral or decorative pebbles.
5. Live aquarium plants to support a healthier aquarium ecosystem.
6. Décor such as rocks, driftwood, artificial plants or ornaments to provide hiding spaces and create a more natural environment.
7. A water dechlorinator to remove chlorine and other chemicals that can harm fish.
8. A water test kit to monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH levels.
9. An aquarium thermometer, which needs checking daily.
10. An aquarium heater if you’re planning on keeping tropical fish. In cooler homes, a heater may also be needed for temperate species. 

1. Choose a tank that suits your species and the amount of fish you plan to keep. A good rule of thumb is to start with the largest aquarium you can reasonably accommodate, because larger tanks are more stable and easier to maintain.
2. Choose the place in your home that you wish to situate your tank. It should sit on a sturdy, level surface designed to support its weight. Position it away from direct sunlight, radiators and drafts. Sudden temperature changes can stress fish, and excess sunlight can encourage unwanted algae growth.
3. Add your chosen substrate to form the base of your aquarium.
4. Add equipment such as your filter and lighting. If you’re planning on keeping tropical fish, add a heater and thermometer too.
5. Add your chosen plants and ornaments to give your tank a personal touch. These provide hiding spaces and create a more natural environment for your fish. Taller plants and décor can go towards the back to create depth.
6. Carefully fill your tank with tap water treated with a water dechlorinator to remove chlorine and other chemicals that can harm fish. Alternatively, water can be left to stand for at least 24 hours before use.
7. Turn on your equipment and let everything settle.
8. Test the water regularly to check ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH levels. Maintaining the correct balance is essential for fish health.

Water treatment is a really big deal. You’ll need a water dechlorinator, which will get rid of chlorine and other chemicals that can harm fish before filling the tank with tap water. Alternatively, water can be left to stand for at least 24 hours before use. 
You should also test the water regularly. Key things to monitor include ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH levels. Maintaining the correct balance is essential for fish health. 

Live plants have a whole host of perks and we strongly encourage you to add them. For starters, they help oxygenate the water, absorb waste nutrients and contribute to a healthier aquarium ecosystem. They’re not only lush additions to your tank, but they also boost your fish’s wellbeing, encouraging them to behave more naturally with places to explore and relax among the greenery. 
Just make sure your lighting helps support plant growth so your plants can flourish. 

With all the right elements and a little bit of love, you can create a healthy and thriving aquarium for your fish!