Fishician®Set up your first aquarium without guessing
A calm, practical order of operations for choosing a tank, cycling it, adding livestock, and building a maintenance routine.
1. Choose the adult livestock first
Research adult size, social grouping, temperament, water needs, and minimum swimming space before buying the aquarium.
2. Size the tank and equipment
Choose filtration, heating, lighting, flow, and a secure lid for the final livestock plan—not only the empty tank.
3. Cycle before adding fish
Establish the nitrogen cycle and confirm that ammonia and nitrite return to zero after a controlled ammonia source.
4. Add livestock gradually
Introduce compatible animals in a planned order. Test water frequently while the biological filter adjusts.
5. Keep a repeatable routine
Log tests, water changes, feeding, maintenance, behavior changes, and treatment doses instead of relying on memory.
6. Respond to warning signs
Test water first when fish behave unusually. Isolate contagious disease when practical and avoid mixing medications blindly.