#1

Rinse everything in warm/hot water

No soap! 

​

#2

Add 1" of substrate (gravel/sand) to the bottom of the tank

Place your decor on top of the gravel

Bury the bottom/roots of the plants in the gravel

#3

Attach the FILTER and HEATER (if heater is needed) 

do not plug in

​

#4

Fill your tank with Room-Temperature water 

Leave 1" between the water and lid

Add the correct amount of conditioner/bacteria per gallons added

#5

Plug in the FILTER, HEATER, and LIGHT

Leave slack in the cords to prevent water from getting into electrical outlets (aka "drip loop")

#6

Let the filter and heater run for at least 3 days for freshwater

Let the filter and heater run for at least 3 weeks for saltwater

Check the temperature for 76-82 °F

#7

After waiting - test your water for the correct parameters 

Begin adding fish to the aquarium

Do not add too many fish at once - start slowly!​