Setting up an aquarium

Setting up an aquarium - For a successful start in aquaristics

Setting up a new aquarium is an exciting process for newcomers and experienced aquarium enthusiasts alike.

With this guide, we would like to show you the basic steps that should help you to successfully set up a new aquarium that will give you a lot of pleasure afterwards. Because it is very important to us that you can feel the same joy as we do.

The size of the new aquarium

Choosing the right aquarium size is one of the decisive factors for the well-being and health of the fish that are to live in it in the future.

The different types of fish that can be kept in an aquarium also have different space requirements. If you already know which fish you would like to keep in the future, please find out the required aquarium size in advance. Some fish require more space, while other species feel more comfortable in smaller aquariums.

The next step is to consider your own space conditions. Make absolutely sure beforehand that there is enough space in your apartment or house for the new aquarium. The best thing to do is to measure the intended space and choose an aquarium that meets your aesthetic preferences as well as the needs of the fish.

If it gets too cramped in a room, this can not only cause stress for your aquarium inhabitants, but also for yourself, as you want to enjoy keeping aquariums.

When choosing the size of your new aquarium, you should also bear in mind that the size of an aquarium can also affect the water values. The larger an aquarium is, the more stable the water values in the aquarium tend to be. This is because larger volumes of water generally tend to balance out changes in the water quality in an aquarium better, resulting in a more stable habitat for your aquarium inhabitants.

A smaller aquarium, on the other hand, usually requires more frequent water changes and more intensive monitoring of the water values.

When choosing the right aquarium size, you should also think in advance about how you would like to set up the aquarium. This is because aquarium decorations such as wood, stones and aquarium plants require just as much space as the fish in the aquarium require swimming space.

Finally, when choosing the size of aquarium, you should also bear in mind that the fish in the aquarium will usually grow, which means that their needs and the space they require may increase. If you also consider this point before buying the right aquarium, you can avoid having to buy a larger aquarium after a short time.

The right location for the aquarium

The right location for an aquarium is crucial for the well-being of the fish, plants and other creatures in the aquarium. Therefore, some factors should also be taken into account here.

When choosing the right location for your aquarium, you should make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight. This is because direct sunlight can not only promote algae growth, but also lead to unnecessary temperature fluctuations in the aquarium.

If possible, it is best to place the aquarium near a natural light source, but even in this case you should avoid too bright light as this can cause unnecessary stress for the aquarium inhabitants.

Another point to consider is the power supply. Make sure that there are power connections nearby so that you can connect your filter, heating, lighting and, if necessary, a CO₂ system.

The floor on which the aquarium or aquarium furniture will stand should be stable, level and horizontal.

Another point you should consider is that air circulation is ensured in the room where the new aquarium will be located in the future. This promotes the exchange of oxygen.

If the new aquarium is a larger tank, it would of course also be useful if there is a water source nearby, which can make water changes or refilling a lot easier.

When choosing a location, also make sure that there is enough space for you to be able to observe your aquarium inhabitants in complete relaxation.

At the end, it is very important to avoid a location with sources of danger such as heaters, air conditioning systems or heavily frequented areas.

The aquarium filter

Choosing the right aquarium filter depends on various factors, including the size of the aquarium, the type of aquarium inhabitants kept, the stocking density, the number of aquarium plants and, of course, your personal preference.

In smaller aquariums, an internal filter is often used. Internal filters are easy to install and maintenance is also quick.

An external filter generally offers powerful filtration and is suitable for medium to large aquariums. An external filter also has the advantage that it does not require any space inside the aquarium, which in turn benefits the aquarium inhabitants.

Another option is to filter with an undergravel filter. This is placed under the substrate in the aquarium and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the aquarium. This type of filtration is well suited to planted aquariums, but may require regular cleaning of the substrate.

Another option for filtering in the aquarium is the foam filter. This filter is ideal as an additional filter or is also very popular in breeding aquariums. This is because the foam filter also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the aquarium very well.

The aquarium heater

Another important point when setting up the aquarium is the aquarium heater. The choice also depends on various factors, which should be taken into account when making the right choice. These include the size of the aquarium, the aquarium inhabitants and the ambient temperature.

The power of an aquarium heater depends on the size of the aquarium. As a rule of thumb, you need around 1 to 5 watts per liter of water.

When choosing an aquarium heater, make sure that it has a built-in thermostat. A thermostat allows you to precisely control the water temperature in the aquarium. Digital thermostats are often even more accurate than analog thermostats.

When choosing an aquarium heater, it is also important to make sure that it has a safety function and switches off automatically in the event of overheating.

Depending on the size of the aquarium, you may also need more than one aquarium heater. It is important that you can ensure the water temperature that your aquarium inhabitants require.

The aquarium lighting

In addition to the aquarium, the aquarium filter and the aquarium heater, the aquarium lighting is also an important component for the aquarium inhabitants and aquarium plants. This is because the right lighting in the aquarium is crucial for the well-being of the aquarium inhabitants and aquarium plants.

One point to consider when choosing aquarium lighting is the light intensity: the light intensity should be appropriate for the specific needs of your aquarium inhabitants and aquarium plants. Tropical fish and plants often require a higher intensity than cold-water-loving species.

In addition to the light intensity, the color spectrum of the aquarium lighting is also very important. The light spectrum influences the growth of aquarium plants and the appearance of fish. Full spectrum light, which is similar to natural sunlight, is ideal for many aquariums. Red and blue tones are particularly important for plant growth in the aquarium.

When it comes to aquarium lighting, LED lamps are the most popular choice for aquariums these days. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting and offer the option of precisely adjusting the light spectrum.

When installing the aquarium lighting, please ensure that there are no excessive reflections on the water surface, as this can impair the view into the aquarium.

If you will be keeping many aquarium plants in your aquarium, you should also make sure that the lighting is sufficient to meet the needs of the aquarium plants. Aquarium plants need light for photosynthesis, and a lack of it can lead to poor aquarium plant growth.

The duration of lighting in the aquarium should be based on the natural light cycles. As a rule, 8 to 12 hours of light per day are recommended. This also allows a natural day-night rhythm for the fish. Some aquarists also swear by a midday break and therefore switch off the aquarium lighting for 2 to 3 hours at midday.

Another option for aquarium lighting at night is an aquarium moonlight. A moonlight simulation used at night makes it possible to observe the aquarium inhabitants without disturbing them and simulates natural lighting conditions at night.

The aquarium substrate

The substrate in the aquarium is an essential component of an aquarium and plays a decisive role in the ecological balance and well-being of the aquarium inhabitants. It forms the basis for a healthy and functioning aquarium system.

The substrate in an aquarium fulfills many different important functions, which we would like to describe in a little more detail in this guide.

The substrate in an aquarium provides the aquarium plants with the necessary support so that the aquarium plants can take root in the substrate. Aquarium plants play an important role in an aquarium, as they produce oxygen and can also break down pollutants in the aquarium. Of course, the visual appearance should not be forgotten either.

The substrate also acts as a natural filter in an aquarium. It provides a large surface area for beneficial bacteria that regulate the nitrogen cycle in an aquarium. Among other things, these bacteria convert harmful waste products such as ammonia into less toxic substances.

Of course, a substrate also provides an important habitat for many bottom dwellers such as catfish and shrimps. These animals search for food on the substrate, sometimes hide in it and can act out their natural behavior.

Finally, the substrate also plays an aesthetic role in an aquarium. Depending on the substrate selected, different colors, grain sizes and structures can be used to achieve an appealing and natural appearance in the aquarium.

In addition to these points, there is of course also the question of what type of substrate should be used. The choice of substrate should meet the needs of the future aquarium inhabitants.

Sand, for example, is suitable for aquarium inhabitants that like to dig through the substrate, such as the panfish. Sand is fine-grained and allows fish to express their natural behaviors. Sand also provides good permeability for the roots of aquarium plants, making plant care easier for you.

Gravel is also a substrate that is used in many aquariums. Gravel comes in different sizes, shapes and colors. This type of substrate is easy to clean and is suitable for many aquarium inhabitants, as well as aquarium plants.

Another substrate is aquarium soil. This substrate was specially designed for aquariums that focus on aquarium plants. The aquarium soil contains many nutrients, which should support the growth and development of the aquarium plants. Aquarium soil should always be covered with a layer of sand to prevent the substrate from being stirred up.

Soil is becoming increasingly popular. Soil is a special substrate for particularly demanding aquarium plants. Soil contains a high concentration of nutrients and promotes the growth of aquarium plants. Soil can also influence the pH value of the water in the aquarium and is therefore particularly suitable for certain aquarium plants.

Now that you know what the typical types of substrate are, the question now naturally arises as to which substrate is best suited for your new aquarium.

When choosing the substrate, it is important that you think in advance about which aquarium inhabitants and which aquarium plants you would like to keep.

There are aquarium inhabitants that prefer fine sand and other species that require a coarser substrate structure. Aquarium plants also have different requirements for the substrate. Some aquarium plants require a nutrient-rich aquarium soil, while other aquarium plants thrive with sand or gravel. Find out about the specific requirements of your desired aquarium plants to create optimal growing conditions.

The pH value and water hardness can also influence the substrate. Some aquarium inhabitants prefer acidic water with a low pH value, while others prefer alkaline conditions. Make sure that the substrate you choose matches the water parameters of your aquarium.

Once you have found the right substrate for your aquarium inhabitants and aquarium plants, please follow the instructions on the packaging. It is often necessary to clean the substrate thoroughly under running water beforehand to remove dust and dirt.

When filling in the substrate, make sure that the height is between 4 and 7 cm. This allows the aquarium plants to find sufficient support and form new roots.

The aquarium hardscape

The question always arises as to what is actually meant by the term "hardscape". This term covers all non-living elements in an aquarium such as stones, roots, wood and other decorative elements for an aquarium. The hardscape forms the basic structure of the aquarium and plays an important role in creating a natural environment for the aquarium inhabitants and aquarium plants.

The hardscape is not only important for the aesthetic design of the aquarium, but also fulfills various functional purposes. Stones and roots provide hiding places for the aquarium inhabitants and serve as spawning grounds. They can also serve as natural barriers to demarcate certain areas in the aquarium. In addition, the hardscape can support the biological balance in the aquarium by serving as a surface for the growth of beneficial bacteria.

When choosing hardscape for your new aquarium, you should consider the needs of the aquarium inhabitants and the desired look. It is important to use natural materials that do not affect the water or even release toxic substances. Preference should therefore be given to natural stones and roots. These materials are not only safe for the aquarium inhabitants and aquarium plants, but also give the aquarium a natural and appealing atmosphere and come closest to the natural habitat of your future aquarium inhabitants.

The aquarium plants

Aquarium plants have many advantages and should therefore not be missing in any aquarium.

Aquarium plants produce oxygen in an aquarium through photosynthesis, which is important for the survival of the aquarium inhabitants. Aquarium plants also help to filter the water by absorbing pollutants such as ammonia and nitrate and breaking them down in the aquarium.

Aquarium plants that feel comfortable in an aquarium and grow well can reduce or even prevent unwanted algae in an aquarium by absorbing nutrients in the water that would otherwise be used by the algae.

Aquarium plants also offer your aquarium inhabitants the opportunity to hide, establish territories and reproduce and, last but not least, aquarium plants also contribute to the appearance of your new aquarium.

When it comes to choosing the right aquarium plants for your aquarium, there are also a few points that you should take into consideration.

Aquarium plants have different lighting requirements. Make absolutely sure that the aquarium lighting you choose can meet the light requirements of your aquarium plants.

If you are setting up a new aquarium, it is advisable to choose aquarium plants that grow quickly, among other things. This is because fast-growing aquarium plants absorb nutrients more quickly and can therefore accelerate the biological balance in a new aquarium.

When choosing your new aquarium plants, also consider the amount of care they require. Some aquarium plants require more care than other aquarium plants and finally, you should also consider the final size of the aquarium plants. There are aquarium plants that prefer open aquariums and would be less suitable for aquariums that are closed at the top. Plants that grow too large can also restrict the habitat of your aquarium inhabitants, which in turn can have a negative effect on the well-being of the animals.

For newcomers to aquariums, there are some aquarium plants that are particularly easy to care for and also robust.

Anubias are slow-growing aquarium plants that do not require too much light and can thrive in different water temperatures.

The Java fern is a classic aquarium plant and can therefore be found in many aquariums. Java fern usually copes well with most water conditions and also offers many aquarium inhabitants a great hiding place.

Waterweed is a very fast-growing aquarium plant that can absorb the excess nutrients in an aquarium and thus control the growth of algae in an aquarium.

Also suitable is the Vallisneria. This aquarium plant gives your aquarium a natural look due to its long leaves and also offers great retreats for your aquarium inhabitants.

Before you put the newly purchased aquarium plants in your new aquarium, you should definitely clean the plants thoroughly beforehand.

This allows you to rid the aquarium plants of unwanted pests.

Another option is to use in vitro plants. In vitro plants pose no risk to your aquarium inhabitants as they are grown under sterile laboratory conditions. This means that in vitro plants are free from algae, snails, fungi, parasites or germs.

If you are unsure which plants are best to choose for your new aquarium, it is best to seek advice from experienced aquarists in your area.

Once you have found the right aquarium plants for your aquarium, cleaned them thoroughly and removed excess substrate and damaged leaves or stems, you can start adding the aquarium plants.

It should be noted here that not every aquarium plant can be planted in the substrate. There are also aquarium plants that float on the surface of the water (floating plants) and aquarium plants that are best attached / glued to stones or roots (sit-on plants).

If you are unsure, we recommend that you contact an experienced aquarist in your area. Thanks to their many years of experience and great enjoyment of the aquarium hobby, you will receive helpful and valuable tips for your own aquarium.

You will soon find our own guide to caring for aquarium plants. Because the ongoing care of aquarium plants is also an important point.

This includes regular fertilization, cutting and trimming, as well as the removal of dead plant parts.

The running-in phase of the aquarium

The running-in phase of an aquarium is an important step in creating a healthy and stable ecosystem for your aquarium inhabitants and aquarium plants. The running-in phase begins after you have filled the finished aquarium with water.

The running-in phase is the subject of controversial debate in the aquarium hobby and there is probably no one right solution. Some people don't let an aquarium run in at all, others give the aquarium 2 weeks and still others let an aquarium run in for 2 months until the first aquarium inhabitants are allowed to move into the new aquarium.

In our personal opinion, a running-in phase is important. During this phase, the nitrogen cycle can become established in an aquarium, which is an important factor in ensuring that ammonia and nitrite are broken down and converted into nitrate respectively.

The nitrogen cycle is crucial for the survival of the aquarium inhabitants.

We cannot and do not want to answer at this point how long such a run-in phase lasts. This is because the running-in phase can vary in every aquarium and therefore we cannot and do not want to give a fixed number of days or weeks.

In any case, it is important to check the water values in the aquarium at regular intervals. This is because ammonia and nitrite can no longer be detected before the first aquarium inhabitants are introduced.

Not infrequently, the question arises as to whether the running-in phase of a new aquarium can be accelerated. These possibilities do exist, but opinions in the aquarium hobby differ on this point too.

One way to speed up this process is to add nitrifying bacteria from an aquarium that is already running well or a special starter culture product. These bacteria help to establish the nitrogen cycle more quickly.

Another approach is to use filter media from an already functioning aquarium to accelerate the colonization of beneficial bacteria. Good water circulation and sufficient oxygen are also important to promote the development of the bacteria.

We informed you above that you should check the water values at regular intervals. The most important values that you should definitely keep an eye on are:

• Ammonia (NH3/NH4+): High concentrations of ammonia are toxic to aquarium inhabitants and can cause damage to their gills and organs. Ideally, the ammonia content should be almost zero during the running-in phase.
• Nitrite (NO2-): Nitrite is also toxic for aquarium inhabitants and can lead to symptoms of poisoning. During the running-in phase, the nitrite content initially increases and should then gradually decrease as the nitrifying bacteria become established.
• Nitrate (NO3-): Nitrate is less toxic than ammonia and nitrite, but can promote the growth of algae at high concentrations. The concentration of nitrate should also be monitored regularly and reduced by partial water changes if necessary.
• pH value: The pH value of the water is crucial for the well-being of the aquarium inhabitants and aquarium plants. During the running-in phase, the pH value may fluctuate at first, but should eventually stabilize. Most freshwater inhabitants in an aquarium prefer a pH value between 6.5 and 7.5.

Our recommendation is to be patient, remain attentive and give the aquarium enough time to settle in.

A thorough running-in phase ultimately ensures a stable and healthy aquarium in which the aquarium inhabitants and aquarium plants can develop optimally.

Inserting the aquarium inhabitants

As soon as the running-in phase of the aquarium has been successfully completed and the water values are in order, the first aquarium inhabitants can move into the new aquarium. For many, this is an exciting step and we can of course fully understand that.

The right choice of aquarium inhabitants is an important factor if you want to enjoy your aquarium and aquarium inhabitants for a long time.

Since you have already decided in advance which aquarium inhabitants you would like to keep in the future and have selected the appropriate aquarium and technology based on this and the water parameters have been adjusted accordingly, let's move on to the step of how best to relocate the new aquarium inhabitants to the new aquarium.

Here too, there are different procedures for acclimatizing new aquarium inhabitants before finally releasing them into the new aquarium.

At this point, we describe the procedure that is used in many cases.

In the first step, place the bag with the new aquarium inhabitants on the water surface of your aquarium. This allows the temperature in the bag to be equalized with the temperature in the aquarium. This step takes approx. 20 minutes, but also depends on the time of year you are in and whether the transport bag has been exposed to cold or heat during transportation.

In the second step, we recommend placing the bag in a bucket and opening it at the top. Now use a thermometer for the aquarium to check whether the temperature in the bag and in the aquarium are identical. If they are, you can move on to the next step.

If this is the case, you can move on to the next step. The new aquarium inhabitants have now become accustomed to the new temperature, but not yet to the new water values. The next step is often skipped because you were not properly informed in advance and can therefore lead to failures.

After you have opened the bag at the top, empty small amounts of water from the aquarium into the bag at regular intervals. This step allows the aquarium inhabitants to get used to the new water values. There are also special acclimatization kits available for this purpose, which allow water to flow very slowly from the aquarium into the bag.

This step should take a maximum of 30 - 45 minutes. If all the aquarium inhabitants are still in good health, you can carefully release the aquarium inhabitants into the new aquarium without the water in the bag. Depending on the species you are keeping, it is recommended that you then dim the aquarium lighting or even switch it off completely so that the new aquarium inhabitants can get used to their new environment in peace.

Our tip is not to buy all the aquarium inhabitants at once, but to introduce the animals gradually. This will also give the bacteria in the aquarium enough time to adapt to the new water conditions.

Now that the new aquarium inhabitants have moved in, it is important to observe the animals' behavior. Keep an eye out for signs such as stress and illness. Check the water values at regular intervals and make sure that all aquarium inhabitants are eating enough.

In the initial phase, you should handle the aquarium as little as possible and not make any changes so that the aquarium inhabitants can get used to their new environment in peace.

Feeding the aquarium inhabitants

Many aquarium inhabitants have different requirements when it comes to nutrition. It is therefore essential that you find out in advance how you can feed your aquarium inhabitants in a species-appropriate way. A species-appropriate diet is an important factor for the well-being and development of your aquarium inhabitants.

When feeding, make sure that the food is the right size and consistency so that it can be eaten by your aquarium inhabitants. It is also important to ensure that all fish can reach the food so that no malnutrition or deficiency symptoms can occur.

Feeding time is also a good time to check the well-being of the aquarium inhabitants.

Avoid overfeeding at all costs, as food that is not eaten pollutes the water and can have a negative impact on the health of your aquarium inhabitants. It is best to stick to the feeding recommendation, which you can read on every food. As a rule, you should always feed as much as the aquarium inhabitants can eat within 2 to 3 minutes.

If you have nevertheless fed too much, please siphon off the excess food.

Feeding should take place at regular times. This will give your aquarium inhabitants a certain routine and support their natural behavior.

Feed your aquarium inhabitants once or twice a day, depending on the species.

Care and water changes in the aquarium

An important part of aquarium care is the regular water changes that need to be carried out in an aquarium. One of the purposes of changing the water in an aquarium is to remove harmful substances and excess nutrients from the water.

Depending on the size of the aquarium and the stocking density, the water in the aquarium should be changed weekly or every two weeks. Depending on the circumstances, between 30 % and 50 % of the water should be changed. Prepare the new water in advance with a suitable water conditioner and make sure that the new water has the same temperature as the water in the aquarium. This will avoid unnecessary stress for your aquarium inhabitants.

In addition, it may also be necessary to clean the aquarium filter. At the latest when the flow rate decreases, it is time to clean the aquarium filter.

When cleaning the filter, it is important never to clean the entire filter material, as this ensures that the bacterial cultures in the filter are preserved. We also recommend that you do not clean the filter material under running water, but fill a clean bucket with water from the aquarium and carefully squeeze out the filter material in this water and then place it back in the filter.

Regular cleaning of the aquarium glass is also part of aquarium maintenance. With special glass cleaners for aquariums, you can remove algae and other deposits from the glass. Please never use sharp tools or cleaning agents that were not designed for aquariums for this purpose.

Algae should also be checked as part of regular aquarium maintenance. Excessive algae growth often indicates an imbalance in the aquarium. Check the light intensity, the duration of the lighting, the fertilization, the amount of food and the water values on a regular basis. There are various algae remedies that can help to remove algae in the aquarium. However, we would like to emphasize here that such remedies only combat the symptoms and not the cause. It is therefore essential to get to the bottom of the cause in order to minimize algae growth in the future.

Cleaning the substrate in the aquarium is a further step in regular aquarium maintenance. Vacuuming off dirt/mulm and excess food prevents the formation of harmful bacteria and improves the water quality in the aquarium. Use a special bottom cleaner for this purpose and ensure that you do not penetrate too deeply into the substrate so as not to damage the roots of the aquarium plants.

The aquarium plants also require regular care in the aquarium. Dead leaves should be removed and overgrown aquarium plants should be cut back. Make sure that the aquarium plants receive sufficient light and nutrients so that they can develop splendidly.

We wish you lots of fun

We hope that our guide to setting up an aquarium has answered the most important questions you may have. If you still have any questions, we will of course be happy to help you with our many years of expertise.

You can also regularly visit our Swiss aquarium blog, where we regularly publish exciting and informative articles about aquariums.

Finally, we wish you lots of fun and many exciting moments with your new aquarium.