Wash out your fish tank with water only!

• Do not use soap or detergents.
• Soap residue left behind will be harmful to your pet fish.

Carefully choose where to place your aquarium

• Keep aquarium clear of windows and heater vents.
• Keep clear of direct sunlight.
• Place your home aquarium on a stand that will be able to hold its total weight.
• Be sure that the floor is able to support the total weight of the aquarium and stand.

Rinse gravel, aquarium plants and aquarium decorations

• Be sure to wash the gravel thoroughly before adding it to your aquarium tank.
• Do not use soap or detergents.
• Soap residue left behind will be harmful to your aquarium fish.
• Place the clean gravel back in the fish tank carefully using a cup or your hands.

Set-up and clean your aquarium filter

• Remove the filter from the aquarium and take out all the individual pieces.
• Rinse the noodles, bio-balls, wool, charcoal and the aquarium filter itself.
• Place the filter tubing together and fit to the pump.
• DO NOT turn on the pump just yet.

Use clean tap water only

• Place a plate or saucer in the middle of your home aquarium and direct the water flow onto the plate.
• Use room temperature water when filling.
• Don't completely fill up the home aquarium.

Water ager helps remove nasties from the water

• Add water ager.
• Install your heater for tropical fish.
• Ensure you have an aquarium thermometer.
• Check the light works.

I know, you want to add some aquarium fish. But wait.

• To endure your fish have a healthy environment you must wait until your aquarium has cycled before adding any fish.
• Check out the nitrogen cycle page to learn more about starting the nitrogen cycle and how to speed it up.
• You may notice your fish tank cycle kicking in gear if you start to get some white cloudy aquarium water after a few days.

Only add one or two pet fish at a time.

• Adding a couple aquarium fish at a time gives your filtration system the time needed to take on the increased biological load that the new fish introduce.
• When you bring the aquarium fish home let the bag float in the fish tank for about 15 minutes so that the fish can become acclimated to the temperature and pH of the aquarium water.
• After 5 minutes of floating the bag you should add some of the aquarium water to the bag so that the fish can become acclimated to the pH level in the aquarium. This will help reduce the amount of stress imposed on the fish. Stressed fish often lead to dead or diseased fish!
• Don't feed your aquarium fish on the first day. They probably wouldn't eat any food on the first day anyway. Let them get acquainted with their new home.

Regular tank maintenance keeps your fish happy and healthy

• Be prepared to spend some time once every 2 to 4 weeks to clean your tank.
• Performing regular partial water changes will reduce the nitrate levels and keep your fish happy and healthy.