setup
Setting up a first aquarium
The two decisions that determine how a first aquarium goes are made before any fish are bought: whether the tank was cycled, and whether the stocking list suits the water and the tank's dimensions.
Short answer
Set the tank up completely, cycle it without fish over several weeks, and only then add stock gradually — chosen to suit your tap water rather than fought against it.
Order of operations
- Choose the largest tank you have room and budget for. Larger volumes are more stable and more forgiving, which makes them easier rather than harder for a beginner.
- Find out your tap water hardness before choosing fish. Keeping species that suit your water is the single biggest labour saver in the hobby.
- Set up fully: substrate, hardscape, plants, filter, heater, lid.
- Cycle fishless. Three to eight weeks, or faster with mature media from an established tank.
- Plan the full stocking list before buying anything, checking adult sizes and group requirements.
- Add stock in small groups over several weeks, testing as you go.
Common first-tank mistakes
- Buying fish on the same day as the tank.
- Choosing a tank under about 40 L because it seems easier. Small volumes swing faster and are less forgiving.
- Buying single specimens of social species.
- Buying a fish for a job — algae eater, clean-up crew — rather than for itself.
- Not checking adult size. The common pleco and clown loach problems both start here.