Step 1 - Placement
Choosing where your aquarium is going to be can be a challenge. If it's a family aqurium, it should be place in a family public area. Such as the living room, kichen counter, or even on one of those wood frame tv's. An aquarium stand would be good.Note: If your aquarium is on some sorta wood surface that is not water protected, it would be a good idea to place a blanket or towl under it. Also note: If your planning to put a background on your tank, do so before step 2.
Step 2 - Gravel, Plants, and Water
If your reusing gravel, be sure to clean it out good with water. DON'T USE SOAP. It'll be tough to get it out. Although, you should if it was previously use by a turtle or something that carries desease. The gravel should be about 2 or 3 inches in hight. Then fills the tank with water about 3 or 4/5 of the way up. Don't forget to use some sort of water conditioner. I prefer "Hartz All-In-One Instant Water Conditioner". There are more high tech conditioner now like NovAqua TapWater conditioner. Ok, now its time to place your plants. I've never really had real plants before, but a man in a Petco store once told me that fertilizzer is needed for real plants. I use fake plants that need the roots of to be buried under the gravel.
Step 3 - Filters
Filters sometimes can be trickey to set up. In most aquariums, under gravel filters are a must. Especially larger tanks such as 20 or 75 gallon. A good filters usally contains charcoal and cotton. If so, you want to clean the charcoal with water thoroughly, ESPECIALLY NEW CHARCOAL. Charcoal contains some sorta black powder. This powder can contaminate the water, Temporally! The cotton, if any, will probly catch is and be turned pich black. I can't explain much about filters, but the one you purchase should include instructions.
Step 4 - Fish
It's not a good idea to buy fish before your aquarium is set up. After purchasing your fish, let the bag afloat in your aquarium for at least 15 minutes. Therefor, the fish won't get a shock at the sudden change in water tempeture. This process isn't really nessesary, but some fish can go into shock by such a sudden change. For me I try to avoid any kind of agressive fish. The pet stores should tell you if it is peacful and what their diet is. Mollies are sensitive to poor water quality. I you buy one, use it to test the water. If it shows any sign of weakness that hasn't been shown before, remove it right away. Platies would be the next best water tester fish.
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