Before setting up an aquarium first you decide where you are going to place it. Because once it is located with water then it is very difficult to shift. It is desirable to keep the aquarium parallel to one's sitting eye line or three feet above the floor over a table. A piece of 1- inch thermocole sheet is required below the aquarium to withstand the uniform load of aquarium.
1. No detergents should be used in cleaning the inner surfaces of aquariums. If the aquarium glass becomes dirty or has a greenish algal film, use luke-warm water for wasing the glass along with a dish scrub pad. A light solution of herbal shampoo may be used if required.
2. Spread out the under-gravel filter throughout the aquarium base uniformly and attach air pipe to filter stems and air pump (aerator).
3. Rinse the gravel / chips / colored stones (3-5mm) with water till the water is clear. Do not use any detergent for cleaning the gravels. The gravels can be reused after through washing followed by sun drying. The stone of choice is mud color, preferably brown and yellow, as fishes feel comfortable in natural mud color.
4. 30 cm is the minimum required water depth for an aquarium.
5. Spread the washed and dried colored stones in aquarium uniformly. Preferred stone height is 3-4 inches. If one wants to make a slope with stones it's necessary to ensure that it is maintained from the back to about an inch at the front. Few rocks or driftwood add to the aesthetics and fish enjoys a more natural environment. Limestone and other porous sandy rocks should be avoided.
6. It is best not to disturb your inside design while filling the aquarium with water. The best and convenient way to leave the bottom layers undisturbed is to pour water over a piece of clean paper left over the remnant water surface.
7. Bacteria-free water gives better result. If the supplied water is chlorinated and fish is stocked into it one is likely to be disappointed due to sudden fish-kill. De-chlorinataion of the water is hence recommended, the cheapest way being aeration. By this, the chlorine will evaporate within 24-48 hours and after that the water can be used.
8. It is best to plant the aquarium when about three quarters full. One can also plant a small decorative bowl by putting sand and stones on the top layer.
9. Fish should be gradually acclimated to the new aquarium, a process known as ‘conditioning'
10. Avoid any potentially contaminated water that might come from your buying source.
11. If you are installing your sponge filter better to fix it at back corner of aquarium.
12. The best results obtained if you can use aged water. For that you can fill your aquarium and leave it as such for 4-5 days with out any fish.