Freshwater Aquarium Setup Guide for Beginners
By Melbourne Tropical Team Β· 1 min read
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Everything you need to set up your first freshwater aquarium, from equipment to adding your first fish.
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Choosing your tank and gear
Pick the largest tank you can fit and afford β 60 litres or more is ideal. You'll need a filter, heater, light, substrate, dechlorinator and a test kit. Estimate the budget with our cost calculator.
Setting it up
Rinse substrate, add hardscape and plants, fill with dechlorinated water, and start the filter and heater. Then cycle the tank before any fish go in.
Adding fish
Once cycled, add a few hardy fish, acclimate them slowly, and build your stocking up gradually over several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank is best for beginners?
60 litres or larger. Bigger tanks have more stable water chemistry and are easier to keep healthy.
What equipment do I need to start?
A tank, filter, heater, light, substrate, dechlorinator and a liquid test kit are the essentials.