Setting Up Your First Aquarium

## Choosing a Tank

Bigger is easier — a 75-liter (20-gallon) tank is the ideal minimum for beginners. Larger water volumes are more stable and forgiving of mistakes. Glass tanks are affordable and scratch-resistant; acrylic is lighter and comes in more shapes.

## Essential Equipment

You need a filter (hang-on-back or sponge filter), heater (for tropical fish), thermometer, substrate (gravel or sand), water conditioner to neutralize chlorine, and a test kit for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.

## The Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is the most important concept in fishkeeping. Beneficial bacteria convert toxic ammonia (from fish waste) to nitrite, then to less harmful nitrate. Cycling a new tank takes 4-6 weeks. Never add fish before the cycle is complete.

## Adding Your First Fish

Start with hardy species like danios, platies, or corydoras catfish. Add only a few fish at a time to avoid overloading the biological filter. Float the bag for 15 minutes to equalize temperature, then slowly mix tank water in before releasing the fish.