Dreaming of a beautiful and healthy aquarium? It's not as hard as it seems! By following these steps, you'll be able to create the perfect environment for your fish and plants while avoiding common mistakes. Here we go!

Step 1: Choosing an aquarium

• Size: For beginners, it's best to get a 50-100 liter aquarium. Smaller ones (up to 20 liters) are more difficult to keep in balance, and larger ones (from 200 liters) require experience and budget.
• Shape: Rectangular aquariums are easier to maintain and give more space for fish. Round or angled ones are more for aesthetics, but more difficult to maintain.
• Material: Glass is the standard choice, acrylic is lighter but scratches.
• Tip: Think about where the aquarium will stand - away from direct sunlight and drafts, on a stable surface.

Mistake: Do not take too small aquarium (for example, 5 liters) - water parameters in it jump, which is harmful to fish.

Step 2: Choosing the ground

• Type: For beginners, gravel or fine sand (2-5 mm) will do. If you are planning live plants, choose a nutritious soil (e.g. with clay or special substrates).
• Thickness: A layer of 3-5 cm is sufficient for most aquariums. For plants, up to 7 cm at the back.
• Color: Natural shades (gray, brown) do not detract from the fish and plants.
• Tip: Wash the ground before laying to remove dust and dirt.

Mistake: Don't use colored soil with dyes - they can release toxins into the water.

Step 3: Selecting a filter

• Type: External filters (canister filters) - for large aquariums, internal filters - for small aquariums. For 50-100 liters, an internal filter with a sponge and flow control is suitable.
• Capacity: The filter should pump 3-5 volumes of the aquarium per hour (for example, for 50 liters - 150-250 l / h).
• Optional: It is good if there is a compartment for biological filtration (ceramic rings).
• Tip: Do not put the filter too powerful - the strong current can stress the fish.

Tip: Don't turn off the filter overnight - it needs to run 24/7 to keep it clean and oxygenated.

 

Step 4: Plant Selection

• For beginners: Start with simple species - anubias, vallisneria, cattail, and javanese moss. They are unpretentious and grow in low light.
• Planting: Plant rooting plants (Vallisneria) in the ground, and tie anubias and mosses to rocks or driftwood.
• Lighting: LED lights 0.5-1 W/liter, 8-10 hours of light per day.
• Tip: Add 1-2 plants per 10 liters of volume for a natural balance.

Mistake: Don't plant too many plants at once - they can smother each other or cause nutrient deficiencies.

 

Step 5: Starting the water

• Preparation: Fill the aquarium with tempered water (24-48 hours) or use a conditioner to remove chlorine.
• Temperature: Set the heater to 24-26°C (average for most tropical fish).
• Nitrogen cycle: Allow the tank to “mature” for 2-4 weeks before stocking the fish. Add some food or a special bacterial culture to start biofiltration.
• Tip: Check the water with tests (pH, GH, NH3/NH4) before starting the fish.

Mistake: Don't start the fish on the first day - without “mature” water, they will die from ammonia.

 

Step 6: Repopulate the fish

• Quantity: For 1 cm length of adult fish - 1-2 liters of water (for example, in 50 liters - 5-7 neon 4 cm).
• Compatibility: Research what species get along together. For example, guppies and danio are peaceful, while cichlids are territorial.
• Adaptation: Before releasing the fish, keep them in a bag of store-bought water in the tank for 20-30 minutes, gradually adding your water.
• Tip: Start with 2-3 species and add new ones gradually.

Mistake: Do not overfeed the fish - 1-2 times a day, a portion is eaten in 2 minutes.

 

Tips to avoid common mistakes

1. Plan ahead: Decide what kind of fish and plants you want in order to find the right equipment.
2. Take your time: Rushing when starting or settling in is a major cause of failure.
3. Keep an eye on the water: Weekly 20-30% water changes and cleaning the soil with a siphon will help avoid problems.
4. Avoid chaos: Don't mix fish with different temperature or personality requirements.
5. Simplicity is key: Leave complex systems (CO2, high-powered lighting) for later until you have mastered basic care.

Creating the perfect aquarium is a process that requires patience, but the results are worth it. Start small, watch your pets and enjoy the underwater world in your home! Any questions? Write in the comments!