Perform a 20-25% water change . Use a siphon to vacuum the substrate, removing settled waste. Always treat new water with conditioner before adding it.
Rinse your substrate and decor thoroughly with plain water—never use soap or detergents. Freshwater Aquariums Basic Aquarium Setup and M...
For beginners, a 20-gallon tank is often recommended. Larger volumes are actually easier to maintain because water chemistry stays more stable. Perform a 20-25% water change
Before adding fish, you must "cycle" the tank. This is the process of growing beneficial bacteria that convert ammonia (from fish waste) into nitrites, and finally into less harmful nitrates. This typically takes 4–6 weeks. You can speed this up using bottled bacteria starters or "seeding" from an established aquarium. Phase 4: Maintenance Routine Consistent care is the secret to a thriving tank. Rinse your substrate and decor thoroughly with plain
Install the heater and filter, but do not turn them on until the tank is full. Phase 3: The Nitrogen Cycle (Crucial Step)
Place the tank on a level, sturdy stand away from direct sunlight (to prevent algae) and drafty windows.
Gently rinse filter media in a bucket of old aquarium water (not tap water, as chlorine kills the good bacteria).