New tank setup help
Build a starter plan by tank type, then refine it with an expert or optional Tank Mate chat before you buy livestock.
New tank setup planner
Pick your tank style and get a practical first-pass buy list plus step-by-step setup tasks.
Recommended path
Freshwater Community
Easiest path for new hobbyists with stable, forgiving fish choices.
Small tanks are cheaper up front, but parameters swing faster.
Buy first
- - 20-29g tank and stand
- - Filter rated above your tank size
- - Heater with thermostat and thermometer
- - Dechlorinator and bacteria starter
- - Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate test kit
- - Substrate, hardscape, and beginner plants
Do in order
- - Rinse substrate and hardscape with plain water.
- - Fill tank, run filter and heater, then dose dechlorinator.
- - Start fishless cycle and test parameters every 2-3 days.
- - Add first fish only after ammonia and nitrite hold at zero.
- - Stock slowly over 2-4 weeks to avoid spikes.
Watchouts
- - Do not add a full fish list on day one.
- - Overfeeding is the fastest way to crash a new system.
Beginner mode: keep livestock list simple and avoid same-week major changes.
Choose dependable core equipment now to reduce replacements and surprise losses.