How to Make an Aquarium

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
First off, you'll want to decide if you would like to have a freshwater or a saltwater aquarium. Freshwater tanks are easier to maintain, but saltwater fish are usually more exotic and colorful.
Step 2:
Determine what size you want. Aquariums come in all different sizes ranging from 5 gallons to 100 gallons and more. Of course, space in your home is a factor along with the weight of the aquarium. Make sure your floor can support the weight of the tank you select. Also, if you live in an apartment and you want to go with a huge tank, make sure your renter's rules allows for fish tanks and their maximum size. Many apartments don't allow water beds or large-scale fish tanks due to possible water damage.
Step 3:
Visit the pet store, and buy the aquarium with the proper specifications. Also, buy the accessories you need: pump, gravel, plants and filter. Most tanks come with these items as a package, but you're not going to get the highest quality of merchandise. Instead, go into the shop with a list of what you want after lots of research and don't get roped into buying stuff you don't need by pushy salespeople.

Do not buy your fish yet though. This is important. Wait until you get your tank set up at home and you're sure the filter is working properly.
Step 4:
When you get the tank home, make sure it is balanced and secure where ever you set it. Get a carpenter's level if you have to. And make sure the stand or base it's on is rock solid.
Step 5:
Fill the tank with water, and start the pump. Ideally, you should let the water filter for at least 48 hours, but the longer the better.
Step 6:
Now buy your fish. Place the bag of fish into the aquarium. Leave them in this bag for at least 10 minutes so they can gradually get used to their new surroundings and the new temperature of the water. Then release them from the bag, and watch them swim.

Resources

Visit the Freshwater Tropical Fishkeeping website for more information.

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