Freshwater Aquariums Basic Aquarium Setup And M... ✭

Invest in a liquid test kit to monitor pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.

Gently rinse filter media in a bucket of old aquarium water (not tap water, as chlorine kills the good bacteria).

Gravel or sand provides the base for plants and decor. Freshwater Aquariums Basic Aquarium Setup and M...

Rinse your substrate and decor thoroughly with plain water—never use soap or detergents.

For beginners, a 20-gallon tank is often recommended. Larger volumes are actually easier to maintain because water chemistry stays more stable. Invest in a liquid test kit to monitor

Place the tank on a level, sturdy stand away from direct sunlight (to prevent algae) and drafty windows.

Add your substrate, then fill the tank with water. Use a water conditioner (dechlorinator) to remove harmful chlorine from tap water. Rinse your substrate and decor thoroughly with plain

To get started, you will need the following core components: