This section will depend upon what equipment you have purchased for your tank. Setting up your tank is one of the most exciting parts next to adding fish to it, but you have to take your time and get it done right or you could face disastrous results.

1. First things first, find a large enough area for your tank where you have access to one or two outlets. If there is only one outlet then you may need to run an extension cord to another. Make sure that the spot you have chosen is away from direct sunlight otherwise you will have a major problem with algae. Before placing the tank on the stand get your leveling tool out and level the stand, we wouldn’t want the tank to break on you.
2. Take your tank and set it on the stand. Once settled on top get some wet paper towels and wipe out the inside. Even though it may be new, dust and dirt will accumulate on the inside. If it’s not a new tank you may want to take it outside for cleaning. Now for a used tank get some vinegar, and pour it on the inside. Never use any soap or chemicals on your tank as they are toxic to fish. Take a paper towel or a new sponge to wipe out the inside of the tank. You may need to take a razor blade and gently scrape some of the mineral deposit off, but be careful not to scratch the surface. Tilt it on its side and spray with a garden hose to rinse. Dry it thoroughly. Now set it on a level surface outside and fill with water. Wait several hours to see if it leaks. Once you are satisfied that it doesn’t leak drain the tank, take it back inside, and set it on the stand.
3. Get your fish only bucket and fill it with gravel. Now rinse the gravel thoroughly to remove any dust. When the water runs clear from the gravel then it is clean enough. Set the bucket next to the aquarium.
4. If you bought one of those background scenes for you tank now is a good time to tape it in place.
5. Now set up your filter according to the directions that came with it, and then put it on the tank. If you got a power filter that hangs on the back and you have a rather large tank, then try to place it as close to the center as possible. This way you will get optimum water surface movement for the exchange of gasses. For those planning on buying fish that don't like a lot of current, place filter as close to one side as possible to give them one end of the tank that isn't too turbulent. Do not plug it in until you have added water to the tank, and a ¼ cup of water to the filter or what ever amount of water the filter calls for. Be sure to rinse your filter cartridges thoroughly. If you are using a box filter that sits inside the tank in the corner be sure to rinse the carbon granules thoroughly until the water runs clear, otherwise you will end up with darkened or black water in your tank. Don’t forget to add your filter floss to the filter.
6. Put the heater in place, but do not and I repeat do not plug it in. If your heater gets too warm then when cold water comes in contact with it, it will break.
7. Add the gravel.
8. Stand back and get a good visual of your tank, and think where you want to put the decorations. Once you have a general idea start adding your plants and decorations.
9. Now make sure all air hoses for animated decorations and bubble wands are hooked up to your air pump. You can go ahead and plug in your air pump at this time.
10. It’s time to add the water. If you bought a vacuum like the python and are using it to add water place your fingers over the opening to prevent the water from dislodging plants and moving gravel. If you are using your bucket to fill it then get a clean soapless plate (Styrofoam works better since you are guaranteed that there is no soap on it) and run the water over the back of the plate slowly.
11. Once the tank is full add your ¼ cup of water to your filter or whatever amount that it indicates and plug it in.
12. Now you can plug in your heater and lights.
13. Add your water conditioner according to the directions on the bottle.
14. Let it sit overnight before adding any fish.

When the time comes to add fish, you only want to add one or two hardy fish, such as danios, at first and then once every two weeks there after until your tank has either the maximum number it can comfortably hold or less. When you first get your fish home sit the bag in the water for 15 minutes to let the temperature reach the temperature that’s in the tank. Then carefully open the bag and dump a little water into a bowl or something and add a little tank water to the bag. Keep doing this every 15 minutes until the water in the bag is almost pure tank water. You don’t want to add the water from the fish store to your tank if you can help it. Once you have pure tank water in the bag carefully add the fish to the tank.