This is what you’ll need to get started:

• An aquarium ranging from 5-1/2 to 40 gallons (10 gallon is a good size if your are just starting, larger sizes are available by special order).
• An approved aquarium stand. (This is important. Most manufacturer warranties are void on tanks unless you place them on an approved, level aquarium stand.)
• A hood with either an incandescent or fluorescent light bulb.
• A power back filter or an under gravel filter. (You can reduce maintenance time and provide the best water condition by using both types together.)
• Under gravel power head, if using an under gravel filter.
• A heater large enough to maintain a water temperature of 70-80°F. Five watts per gallon is usually enough. For larger tanks, such as a 40 gallon tank, you may need two heaters equaling 200 watts.
• Thermometer to check water temperature.
• About 2 to 2-1/2 pounds of gravel for each gallon of water. Be sure it’s aquarium-safe and clean.
• Plants and aquarium decorations.
• Water conditioner to age water and remove chlorine. Most city water is treated with chlorine or chloramine, which is harmful to fish.
• Fish food for the type of fish you plan to keep.
• A Fish net large enough for the fish.
• And of course, a few types of fish that can get along together. There are quite a few that don’t, so you’ll want to be sure you don’t put them in the same tank. And you don’t want to add them until the water’s been in the tank for 24 hours.

Putting It All Together:

1. You can put your new aquarium just about anywhere you like, just avoid radiators and direct sunlight. Too much sun will cause algae. Algae’s harmless, but it isn’t very attractive. If you have a problem with algae, get an algae eating fish such as a Chinese Algae Eater. Rinse your aquarium with warm water (don’t use soap) and place it on an approved aquarium stand. Water is heavy (8 lbs. per gallon, or 1 kg. per liter), so don’t compromise on this.
2. Now rinse the gravel. Pour it in a bucket and rinse with water until the water comes out clear. Once again, don’t use soap.
3. Put the gravel in your aquarium. (If you’re going to use an under gravel filter, now’s the time to install it; follow the instructions that came with the filter.)
4. Add water to your tank until it’s about 2/3 full, then let it stand for 24 hours. (If you use dechlorinated water, you don’t need to let it stand.)
5. Next is the air system. This is very important for a healthy environment inside the tank. Follow the directions that accompany your filter.
6. Now create your own undersea world with whatever plants, rocks, and decorations you like. Remember, this part’s pretty much for you. The fish aren’t going to know the difference. You can also tape a background to the back of your tank. This makes your undersea world a little more realistic, and also hides cords and tubes and stuff.You do want to be careful, however. Some kinds of metals, shells and rocks can create an unhealthy environment. Ask your Meijer Fish Care Professional if you’re unsure. Once you’ve added all the sunken treasures and ceramic shipwrecks and plants, fill the tank up the rest of the way.
7. Now you have to make the water comfortable for your fish by installing the heater, again according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Almost done! Put the light and cover on the tank. Meijer carries light bulbs made especially for aquariums and can recommend a type for you. After the top’s on, make sure the pH is between 6.8 and 7.2 and the temperature is between 70 and 80°F (or 21-27°C). Most tropical fish will do just fine under these conditions, but there are exceptions. You can buy pH testing kits in the Meijer Pet Dept. Ask your Meijer Pet Department for advice about pH conditions for specific fish.
9. Finally, you’re ready to add your fish! But whoa, not so fast. You don’t want to create Sea World in your living room just yet. It's recommended to let your tank stand without fish for a few days. Then, start with just a few fish. Guppies, sword tails, and catfish are good. Then keep an eye on them for a few days. If everything looks all right, you can add a few more, but don’t overcrowd your finny friends. If you’ve done everything right, you should be able to keep 1 or 2 average fish for each gallon. (What’s average? About 1 or 1-1/2 inches long.) For a 40 gallon tank, that’s a lotta’ fish.

Take Heed: Some Warnings

• Don’t overfeed your fish. You should feed them once a day and give them only as much as they can eat in 5 minutes. If the temperature rises above 75°F (24°C), feed them twice.
• Fish are hardy. They can go up to a week without food, but have you ever skipped breakfast? About 10am and you’re thinking of lunch, right? A good solution is an automatic fish feeder, especially when you plan on being away for awhile.
• Don’t tap on the aquarium. The reason your fish respond when you do that is because they’re scared and confused. They’re not playing with you.
• Replace your filter when needed.
• Once a week or so, remove about a tenth of the water in the tank and replace it with fresh water that’s the same temperature as that inside the tank. It doesn’t have to be dechlorinated; you can draw it from your tap. Another idea is to save a few gallon milk containers, cleaned and rinsed thoroughly and fill them up with water and store them when you need them. Any chlorination will dissipate after a day or two.