Complete Fish Tank Setup Checklist

The aqualista team shares our checklist for setting up your fish tank; feel free to omit any materials you find unnecessary. But always, we recommend you follow our steps to keep you on the right track.

1. Tank & Stand

• [ ] Aquarium Tank—Choose appropriate size (10-gallon minimum for beginners)
• [ ] Tank Stand—Sturdy, level support rated for your tank's weight
• [ ] Tank Lid/Cover—Prevents evaporation and fish jumping
• [ ] Background—Optional aesthetic enhancement (black, blue, or decorative)

2. Filtration System

• [ ] Filter—Choose type based on tank size:
  • Hang-on-back (HOB) filter
  • Canister filter
  • Sponge filter
  • Internal filter
• [ ] Filter Media—Mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration materials
• [ ] Replacement Cartridges—Keep extras on hand

3. Heating & Temperature Control

• [ ] Aquarium Heater—3-5 watts per gallon as general guideline
• [ ] Thermometer—Digital or stick-on type for monitoring
• [ ] Heater Guard—Optional protection for fish and heater

4. Lighting

• [ ] Aquarium Light—LED, fluorescent, or specialty grow lights
• [ ] Timer—Automated day/night cycle (8-10 hours daily)
• [ ] Light Hood—If not included with tank

5. Substrate

• [ ] Gravel or Sand – 1-2 pounds per gallon
  • Gravel (easier maintenance)
  • Sand (better for bottom-dwellers)
  • Plant substrate (for planted tanks)
• [ ] Substrate Vacuum—For cleaning during water changes

6. Water Treatment & Testing

• [ ] Water Conditioner/Dechlorinator—Removes chlorine and chloramines
• [ ] Beneficial Bacteria Starter—Jumpstarts nitrogen cycle
• [ ] Water Test Kit – Tests for:
  • Ammonia
  • Nitrite
  • Nitrate
  • pH
  • GH/KH (hardness)
• [ ] pH Buffer—If needed to adjust water chemistry

7. Decorations & Hardscape

• [ ] Rocks & Stones – Aquarium-safe only
• [ ] Driftwood—Pre-soaked or aquarium-ready
• [ ] Ornaments—Caves, castles, or hiding spots
• [ ] Artificial Plants—Low-maintenance option

8. Live Plants (Optional but Recommended)

• [ ] Beginner Plants—Easy species like:
  • Java Fern
  • Anubias
  • Amazon Sword
  • Java Moss
• [ ] Plant Fertilizer—Liquid or root tabs
• [ ] CO2 System—Optional for advanced planted tanks
• [ ] Plant Substrate—Nutrient-rich bottom layer

9. Aeration

• [ ] Air Pump—Provides oxygen, especially for heavily stocked tanks
• [ ] Air Stone—Creates fine bubbles
• [ ] Airline Tubing—Connects pump to stone
• [ ] Check Valve—Prevents water backflow

10. Maintenance Equipment

• [ ] Aquarium Net—For catching fish (2+ different sizes)
• [ ] Algae Scraper/Magnet Cleaner—Keeps glass clean
• [ ] Gravel Vacuum/Siphon—Essential for water changes
• [ ] Buckets—Dedicated aquarium-only buckets (2-3)
• [ ] Water Change Pump – Optional convenience tool
• [ ] Scissors & Tweezers—For plant trimming and maintenance
• [ ] Cleaning Brushes—For filter and equipment

11. Fish Food & Care

• [ ] Appropriate Fish Food—Match to Species:
  • Flakes
  • Pellets
  • Frozen food
  • Live food
• [ ] Feeding Ring—Optional to prevent food drift
• [ ] Automatic Feeder—For vacations or consistency

12. Safety & Backup Equipment

• [ ] GFCI Outlet/Power Strip—Prevents electrical hazards
• [ ] Drip Loop Setup—For all electrical cords
• [ ] Battery-Powered Air Pump—Emergency backup during power outages
• [ ] Spare Heater—Backup for emergencies
• [ ] Hospital/Quarantine Tank—Separate small tank for sick fish

13. Fish Selection

• [ ] Research Compatible Species—Consider:
  • Tank size requirements
  • Water parameter needs
  • Temperament compatibility
  • Schooling requirements
• [ ] Quarantine Protocol—Plan for new fish acclimation
• [ ] Stocking Plan—Follow the “1 inch of fish per gallon” guideline (with research)

14. Medications & Treatments (Keep on Hand)

• [ ] Aquarium Salt—For minor ailments
• [ ] Ich Treatment—Common parasite medication
• [ ] Antibacterial Medication—For bacterial infections
• [ ] Fungus Treatment—For fungal issues
• [ ] Stress Coat—Helps with acclimation

15. Documentation & Resources

• [ ] Aquarium Journal—Track parameters, maintenance, and observations
• [ ] Care Sheets—For your specific fish species
• [ ] Emergency Contact—Local aquarium store or expert
• [ ] Maintenance Schedule—Weekly, monthly tasks

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Setup Timeline

Week 1: Cycle the Tank (Before Adding Fish)

1. Set up equipment and fill tank with treated water
2. Add beneficial bacteria starter
3. Run filter and heater continuously
4. Test water parameters daily
5. Add ammonia source (fish food or pure ammonia)

Week 2-4: Continue Cycling

1. Monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels
2. Wait for ammonia and nitrite to reach 0 ppm
3. Nitrate should be present (under 20 ppm is ideal)

Week 4+: Add Fish Gradually

1. Start with hardy fish species
2. Add only a few fish at a time
3. Wait 1-2 weeks between additions
4. Monitor parameters closely

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Regular Maintenance Checklist

Daily:

• Check temperature
• Observe fish behavior and health
• Feed fish (1-2 times)

Weekly:

• Test water parameters
• 10-25% water change
• Vacuum substrate
• Clean algae from glass
• Check equipment function

Monthly:

• Clean/replace filter media
• Trim plants
• Deep clean decorations
• Inspect equipment for wear

Quarterly:

• Replace filter cartridges (if needed)
• Deep maintenance on filter
• Replace airline tubing

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Pro Tip: Don't rush the cycling process! A properly cycled tank is the foundation of a healthy aquarium. Take your time during setup to ensure long-term success.