Fishician®A Fishician collection · 16 guides
Equipment & setup
Plan the setup, understand the equipment and prepare for the things that can go wrong.
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Search the whole libraryNew to this topic? Start with Planning a build: what to buy first, the first guide below.
Planning a build: what to buy firstAnimals, then the room, then the tank, then equipment.2 min read
Beginner aquarium setupChoose species, plan the tank, verify the cycle, then stock slowly.2 min read
Starting a freshwater aquariumSource water, cycling and stocking order for a freshwater tank.2 min read
Starting a saltwater aquariumSystem type, salt mixing and cycle checks for a marine tank.2 min read
Cycling and water testingCheck the cycle with measured results before stocking.2 min read
Aeration and dissolved oxygenHow aeration works and how to respond to distress.2 min read
Filtration explainedMechanical, biological, chemical: which media to protect.2 min read
Temperature and heatingMaintain a suitable temperature. Place heaters safely.2 min read
Lighting and photoperiodIntensity, spectrum and day length are separate choices.2 min read
Substrate and hardscapeHow materials affect chemistry, shelter and water flow.2 min read
What equipment specs actually meanWhich box numbers are measured and which are assumed.2 min read
Power outages and equipment failureSupport aeration while checking temperature and equipment.2 min read
Moving or upgrading an aquariumProtect the biofilter and check conditions after the move.2 min read
Quarantine and biosecuritySeparate new arrivals to reduce disease transmission.2 min read
Planted tank basicsLight, substrate and CO2 working together. Start low-tech.2 min read
Reef tank basicsLive rock, measured salinity and what a skimmer removes.2 min read
Educational, not veterinary advice. Check species needs against current sources, follow the current label for any product, and see a qualified aquatic veterinarian for severe, urgent or uncertain health problems. How Fishician sources and reviews guides. Photographer credits and licenses appear beneath the relevant guide images.