How To Set Up An Aquarium For Tropical Fish

Choosing your fish tank

Setting up a tropical aquarium starts with choosing your fish tank. There are many shapes and sizes of aquarium, which actually makes a big impact. Although unusual shaped aquariums can be tempting, a standard rectangular tank is the most practical choice. They are far easier to clean, and the surface area allows for better gas exchange, which keeps your oxygen levels higher, and in turn, your fish healthier.

Larger tanks are also a more practical choice, provided you have room for one. Smaller tanks are more prone to temperature and water quality fluctuations, which may stress your fish. We recommend a tank around 60cm in length, typically around 54L in volume, for beginners. These aquariums are large enough to house a small community of fish. However, if you have the space and budget, it's worth considering something bigger, around 180L, to allow more options for different fish species, like Angelfish and Rainbowfish.

Key considerations:

• Rectangular tanks are highly recommended
• Bigger tanks allow you to keep more species
• A 54L tank is a good size for beginners, but 180L+ allows more flexibility

Browse our range of tropical tanks to find the perfect one for your space.

For more help choosing your tank, check out our helpful guide.

Do I need a cabinet for my aquarium?

Aquariums are very heavy when filled with water, meaning they need sufficient support. Where possible, it's always advised to select a cabinet specially designed to be compatible with your chosen aquarium, or a surface that is more than capable of holding the weight. This isn't just for safety, it also keeps your warranty valid. Aquarium spec cabinets also provide storage for food, test kits, and equipment.

Pair your aquarium with a matching cabinet for both safety and style.

Heating a tropical aquarium

Tropical fish require consistently warm water, typically around 24°C. An aquarium heater is the best way to maintain this temperature, even in colder weather. It's also a good idea to keep a thermometer on hand, or install a stick on thermometer in your tank to regularly check the temperature of your water.

You will need to make sure you have the right wattage heater for your aquarium. We suggest 1W per 1L of water, so a 100L tank requires a 100W heater. Some large aquariums may require two heaters to be installed to maintain the right temperature.

A lot of tropical aquariums or aquarium kits come with a heater included for a cost-effective solution.

Explore our range of aquarium heaters to maintain a comfortable temperature year round.

Aquarium Filters

A reliable aquarium filter is an essential piece of equipment. It works to clear debris and convert harmful waste into safer compounds. Internal filters are very simple units that are ideal for beginners with smaller aquariums, whereas external filters provide superior performance for large aquariums or fish that produce more waste, such as cichlids.

When choosing your filter, be sure to make sure it is suitable for the size of your tank. If you're in doubt, always size up. If you have an overstocked tank, you may need a more powerful filter than recommended based on your tank size.

Lighting your aquarium

Aquarium lighting isn't just for visual appeal, it supports plant growth and fish wellbeing. Many aquariums feature built-in lighting, but you can choose to upgrade to plant-specific lights for superior growth. You could even use a timer to keep lights on for 8-10 hours a day. Too much light encourages the growth of algae, but too little light can harm your plants.

Browse aquarium and plant-specific lighting here.

Air pumps and aeration

Air pumps are a useful addition to your tank. Although not essential, they can be used as a backup if your filter fails, and increase oxygen levels for a healthier environment. Air stones and bubbling ornaments can be connected to add visual interest and increase the movement of the water.

Decorations and substrate

Adding gravel, sand, rocks, and wood to your aquarium doesn't just make your aquarium look beautiful, it also creates hiding spots for fish, reducing stress. Decorations and substrate can also house colonies of beneficial bacteria, keeping your ecosystem healthy. 

For a natural aquarium, you may want to check out bogwood, live plants, and rocks. Natural materials bring a beautiful aesthetic, and have a positive impact on your aquatic life. For crystal clear water, use activated carbon in your filter to reduce tannins from wood that cause your water to appear brown in colour.

Using artificial plants and decorative ornaments is a popular choice, especially for beginner aquariums, allowing for greater customisation and easier maintenance.

Filling and treating your tank

When adding water to your tank, always use a tap water dechlorinator to remove chlorine and other elements that can harm aquatic life. It's important to keep dechlorinator on hand, so that you can condition water during water changes too. You can also add bottled beneficial bacteria to kickstart the biological filtration, making the cycling process quicker.

Be sure to allow the tank to reach the correct temperature and run the filter for at least 24 hours before adding fish.

Monitor your water quality

Clear water doesn't necessarily mean it's safe for aquatic life. Test kits are an essential for keeping track of ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and pH levels. These parameters show whether your tank is cycled and safe for fish. In the first few weeks daily testing may be necessary, but this can be reduced to weekly once your tank is established.

Other useful equipment

A few extra tools go a long way in making maintenance easier:

• Fish net: for safely moving fish
• Algae pad, magnet, or scraper: for easy glass cleaning
• Siphon tube with gravel vacuum: simplifying water changes
• Dry and frozen foods: to meet the dietary requirements of your chosen species

Adding fish to your aquarium

Once you have determined the water parameters are suitable for aquatic life, you're ready to add fish! There's a huge range of tropical fish available from pet stores or online, but choosing the right species doesn't have to be as overwhelming as it may seem. 

Be sure that your desired species can comfortably live in the size tank you have chosen, and that you are able to meet their care requirements. If you're interested in keeping a range of species in a community tank, it's important to be mindful of their temperament around other fish.

Researching a species before stocking them is always essential. If you need more assistance with choosing a species, our team of experts are available to advise.

Feeding your fish

Good nutrition is the key to vibrant and healthy fish. Keeping a varied mix of foods is ideal, especially for community tanks, as different fish have different dietary requirements. This can include frozen or dry foods, as well as sinking and floating diets. You may also want to look into species specific foods that have been specifically formulated to suit the diet of your chosen fish.

Explore our full range of tropical fish food to support your fish's needs today.

Ready to set up your aquarium?

With the right setup and equipment, you can easily establish your own tropical tank, perfect for supporting a thriving ecosystem full of vibrancy. Remember to research, stock carefully, and enjoy bringing your aquarium to life!