Setting Up Continued...

After you have completed the previous steps, and you think you are ready to add fish, then it would be a good idea to test your water first. You can do this by buying the appropriate test kits, or by taking it to PetsMart where they will test your water for free. Nitrates should be at 0. Ammonia should be at 0, and pH usually varies depending on your area, as long as it is not too acidic, it should be fine. Nitrate levels between 0 and 0.2 are normal for new tank setups. Also check your temperature and make sure it is at desired level.

You may notice a whitish cloudiness during the first 2 weeks after setting up your tank, this is normal, do not restart by changing the water, it may make it worse, or the stage will just start all over again. Give it time, and it will clear up.

When choosing a filtration system for your aquarium, try to buy something that does more filtration than you need. You could never have too much filtration, and it keeps your tank maintenance low. See our list of recommended filters for your tank or you can ask us by clicking on the "Contact Us" button at the top of this screen.

When buying fish, it is usually best to buy them from a large retailer, because they are usually healthier, and some even offer guarantees, such as PetsMart, which offers a 14 day guarantee. That means if your fish dies, you can take the fish back with your receipt for an exchange or a full refund.