Setting up a tropical fish tank is explained below. Depending upon the fish you are going to keep and other data, modify the procedure according to your requirement.

The equipment needed to set up a tropical fish tank are heater, replacement filter media, aquarium filter, aquarium gravel, and an aquarium along with decorations either real or fake plants.

The amount of effort needed to set up a tropical fish tank is same as having a cat or a dog as pets. Unless you work hard at it, it is not an easy job to set up and maintain a tropical fish tank. Every week maintenance work is to be performed along with frequent change of water. The fish has to be fed at least once in a day. If you do not mind these hard work, then look forward to the pleasure of keeping a tropical fish at home.

Analyze the type of fish which you will put in the aquarium prior to the purchase. Certain types of tropical fish grow up to twelve inches or more in length. If you are sure of the type of fish you will be keeping it will be easier to decide the size of the tank needed. Beginners should start with a ten or twenty gallon aquarium and use it to stock hardier and smaller variety of fish.

The aquarium should not be placed near heater vents or windows so that it will not affect the temperature and light of the tank. The temperature of the tank is affected by the sunlight which enters through windows. Such an exposure to light may lead to algae problems too. The stand which carries the aquarium should be be capable of taking the load and weight of the aquarium.

While buying the aquarium and equipment, decide the type of filter to be used. The heater should be capable of the heating the tank properly. Buy one to one and half pounds of gravel for each gallon of water.

While washing the aquarium do not use detergents or soap and use only water. The tropical fish will be harmed by the left over residue of the soap. The gravel should be washed well before it was placed in the tank. The decorations and plants can be added after the cleaned gravel is placed in the tank.

Flow of water on to the aquarium can be controlled by placing a saucer or plate in the middle and by directing the flow of water to it. Add water which is corresponding to room temperature. Remove all the chemicals in the water including chloramine and chlorine by using suitable removing agent. Do not fill the tank to the brim since when the arm is placed in the aquarium the water will overflow and mess up the surroundings.

Allow nearly 15 minutes so that the heater's thermostat gets adjusted to the temperature of the water and plug all other accessories and turn on the power supply. Wait for a while before putting the fish in to aquarium since the water has to be recycled to a suitable condition. Add only a couple of fish at a time to enable the filters complete the biological process according to the number of fishes thriving in the tank.