5 Tips on how to set up your tank

Alright, let’s say you bought the tank and technical equipment. The next question then is: what do you put into the tank? And I’m not yet talking about fish but about gravel, plants and decoration, etc.

1. There are loads of different ways to arrange the content of a tank. You can have a plain ground, form a landscape with mountains, etc., form stairs or a terrace. You should maybe look at various pictures of different tanks and steal some good ideas…?. As soon as you have a picture (on your mind) you can just go to your aquarium shop and tell them what you have in mind. They’ll give you the material you need and if necessary explain to you how to realize what you imagine.

2. In any case you will need some gravel. With this you’ll find out that there are several different sorts of gravel – varying in colour and size. You need to know that gravel looks different if it is wet or dry. It is also important to know that the size does not only make a difference in the appearance but also in the cleaning.

3. The decoration. With the tank ornaments you have to keep in mind that on the one hands side your fish need hiding places and some kind of a structure in the tank but they also need free space where they can swim well.

4. The plants. There is a huge variety of freshwater plants. But you should not only consider whether you like a plant or not but also whether it is difficult or easy to take care of. In addition to this you should find out how quick the plants grow/ how tall they get and buy both small and big ones (considering the size they are going to have). Often there is some more information about each plant, for example whether it needs very bright light or not. Remember this when you plant it.

5. The final setup. This is what many people are a little afraid of but don’t worry. It is not at all complicated. Together with the tank and the technical equipment you should have got a piece of paper or a little booklet with a description of how to set up the tank on it. Simply follow the instructions. And with the arrangement within in the tank you can relax – as long as there are no fish in your tank, you can just go with try and error.