Setting up an aquarium is like bringing a small piece of nature into your living room.
The gentle sound of bubbles, the slow movement of colorful fish — it’s relaxing, beautiful, and surprisingly easy once you know the basics.
Step 1: Choose the Right Tank
For beginners, a 20- to 30-gallon tank is ideal. It’s large enough to stay stable but small enough to manage.
Avoid starting with tiny bowls — they’re difficult to clean and don’t provide enough oxygen or space for fish to thrive.
Step 2: Add a Filter and Heater
Clean water is everything in an aquarium.
A good filter removes waste and keeps the water clear, while a heater ensures a stable temperature (most tropical fish like 24–26 °C).
Step 3: Substrate, Plants, and Decorations
Add gravel or sand to the bottom — this helps beneficial bacteria grow.
Then place aquatic plants, rocks, and caves to make fish feel safe. Real plants also help produce oxygen and reduce algae.
Step 4: Cycle the Tank
Before adding fish, let the tank run for 1–2 weeks. This builds up healthy bacteria that break down waste — a process called cycling.
Step 5: Add Fish Slowly
Introduce only a few fish at first. Good starter species include guppies, mollies, platies, and tetras.
Observe them daily — healthy fish swim actively, eat well, and show bright colors.
Step 6: Maintenance
Change 20 % of the water every week, clean the filter monthly, and avoid overfeeding.
A well-maintained aquarium can last for years — a calm, living decoration that brings peace to your home.
