Setting up your aquarium should be a relatively simple procedure. You should be able to get the whole system up and running in a couple of hours at the most, although you'll have to wait some time before you add the fish. The most important thing for you to do before you begin is to be sure you're prepared. Know in detail what you want the aquarium to be like when you're done, and be sure you have all the equipment, space, and tools you'll need.

The mechanical aquarium filtration system is the next step in the process. You have a great variety of filters to choose from, and each has its own particular requirements for preparation. Some may need assembly and others may not. Read the instructions that came with the filter and follow them carefully. If you still have trouble fitting everything together, check with your dealer. This is part of the service that the store you bought the filter from should offer.

It's finally time to add some water to your aquarium, but don't fill the tank just yet. Pour in only enough water to fill two thirds of the tank, and use lukewarm water from the tap. Don't use hot water, which can crack the glass. Cold water is no problem, but it can take quite a while for the aquarium heater to bring it to the correct temperature.

Once the undergravel filter is operating properly, you're ready for the final steps in aquarium setup. First, the power filter can be started. The filter box or canister must be at least half full of water in order to prime the filter. The body of some filters is marked where the water level should be.