Setting up your freshwater aquarium

1. Find the right spot

Your new aquarium needs to sit somewhere level and sturdy. Many larger aquariums come complete with built-in cabinets and frames, but if not, grab something that is guaranteed to support your fish tank’s weight. You’re at risk of disaster if not!

Aquariums can be placed anywhere that need a little more life – living rooms and home offices are popular choices. You can pop a fish tank in your bedroom, but be aware that filters do make continuous sound, and the lights may be a little distracting.

Avoid anywhere that gets lots of direct sunlight, and keep your aquarium away from radiators.

2. Add your substrate

Substrate refers to the base level of your aquarium, usually gravel or sand.

It’s important that you only use specialist products which are made specifically for fish tanks. Give them a good soak in water before they go in to remove any fine particles which could cloud your water and clog up your filters.

If this is your first aquarium, you may find gravel a little easier as it’s less likely to cause cloudiness.

3. Get creative with decorations

Now the base layer is in, the world is your oyster when it comes to decorating!

Just like the substrate, you should only use decorations made specifically for use in aquariums. Whether your style is fun and quirky, or sleek and stylish, you’ll find plenty to choose from in our range of fish tank ornaments!

Artificial plants are also a great way of adding some natural beauty to your fish tank, as well as plenty of places for your fish to swim about in. Giving them a choice of hiding places will help to keep them entertained!

Soak your ornaments first to remove any fine particles, and position them around your aquarium, digging them into the substrate so no inquisitive fish can dig them up and get stuck underneath.

4. Check if you need a heater

Tropical fish in particular require a certain water temperature to stay happy and healthy. Unless your aquarium comes with a built-in heater, you’ll need to install an aquarium heater. These all vary slightly, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Don’t turn your heater on until there’s water in your fish tank!

5. Install your filter

Some aquariums have built-in filters, and some will arrive with a separate filter. These are important in maintaining clean and clear water for your fish, filtering out any harmful particles.

Like your heater, simply follow the instructions to install your filter properly, and don’t turn it on just yet.

6. Add lighting

Lights are nice – they mean you get to see your fish living their best lives, and can also help create a wonderful ambience in your home. Install your lighting as per the manufacturer’s instructions – keep yours out of the water, and as with any electricals, keep the cables nice and neat to avoid tripping hazards.

7. Fill it up!

It’s now time to add the most important bit, other than the fish of course – water! A useful hack here is to place a plate on top of your substrate and pour water onto that initially. This will make sure your substrate doesn’t kick up any dust into the water when you’re pouring it in.

Once it’s full, it’s very important that you add a dechlorinator to make the water safe for your fish. There’s a few out there to choose from – follow the instructions carefully to give your underwater buddies the nicest home possible.

This is now the time to turn on your filter and heater to let the water come up to temperature and settle.

8. Add your fishy friends

Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for: adding fish to your aquarium! We’d always recommend doing your research and choosing fish which will be happy together, and ones that will have enough room in your chosen aquarium.