How to Set Up an Aquarium

Setting up an aquarium for fish is easy! With this simple step-by-step guide from PetSmart, you’ll learn the first set of steps to keeping a healthy aquarium. What you need: 1. LED light 2. filter 3. heater 4. water conditioner and bacteria starter 5. plants 6. ornaments 7. gravel Choose the right size tank. Select a stand or surface that will support the tank. (Water is heavy!) Add rinsed gravel—1.5 pounds per gallon—to the bottom of the tank. It should be 1 to 3 inches deep. Sculpt gravel to create dimension. Fill tank 2/3 with water. Add rinsed ornaments and plants. Add heater. Fill tank to 1-inch below the top edge. Attach filter. Add LED-illuminated hood. Treat and test the water. This includes using water conditioner to remove chlorine from tap water and bacterial starter to add beneficial bacterial and speed up the aquarium’s Nitrogen Cycle. Once the water is balanced, acclimate your fish to the aquarium by floating in a bag for 15 minutes, then gently netting them into the water. For complete information, visit: Enjoy your underwater world! Shop this video: By participating in PetSmart Text Messages, you are agreeing to receive recurring marketing messages and phone calls sent using an automated telephone dialing system to the mobile number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message & data rates may apply. Text STOP to 84848 to opt-out. Text HELP to 84848 to help. Conditions of Use are subject to change. I further understand that my information will be used as described here in the PetSmart Privacy Policy.