--0.png?w=1200&h=720)
This step-by-step guide is specially designed for new fish keepers, covering full aquarium preparation from disinfection and landscape cleaning to water conditioning, beneficial bacteria cultivation, and safe fish introduction. Every step includes clear operating tips to avoid common beginner mistakes, ensure stable water quality, and help fish adapt to their new home safely with minimal stress. All steps are logical, easy to follow, and highly practical.
Step 1: Thorough Aquarium Disinfection to Remove Residue & Harmful Substances
Wipe the inside of the aquarium clean first, then fill it with room-temperature tap water. Add aquarium-specific water conditioner and disinfectant per the product instructions, stir well, and let it soak for 20 minutes. This ensures the solution fully covers all glass surfaces and the tank bottom, killing residual bacteria, toxins, and neutralizing chlorine in tap water. Once soaking is complete, drain all disinfectant water completely — no leftover solution is allowed, as it will harm fish and beneficial bacteria later.
Step 2: Pre-Clean Decorations & Substrate to Prevent Water Pollution
For substrate such as sand, gravel, and pebbles: Rinse repeatedly under running clean water 3-4 times, rubbing gently to remove dust, dirt, and debris until the runoff water is fully clear and no longer cloudy. Set aside for later use. For artificial plants, rocks, and ornaments: Do NOT use boiling water, which may damage materials. Soak them in 80°C (176°F) hot water for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and air-dry completely. This kills attached bacteria without ruining decorations and avoids introducing unclean water that ruins tank conditions.
Step 3: Arrange Aquascape — Customize Without Blocking Equipment
You can follow the layout example in the product details page or create your own DIY aquascape as you like. When arranging, keep clear of the water pump, filter inlet, and outlet to ensure unobstructed water flow and normal filter operation. Blocking these parts will weaken water circulation and reduce filtration efficiency.
Step 4: Refill Tap Water & Control Proper Water Level
Refill the aquarium with room-temperature tap water slowly to avoid stirring up substrate and decorations. Make sure the water level is higher than the bottom of the water pump at all times — this keeps the pump fully submerged and prevents it from burning out due to dry operation.
Step 5: Add Water Stabilizer to Condition & Purify Water
Add the recommended dosage of aquarium water stabilizer evenly into the tank and stir gently. This product quickly stabilizes water pH levels, neutralizes chlorine, heavy metals, and other harmful substances in tap water, creating a safe basic environment for fish. This step is mandatory and cannot be skipped, as untreated tap water is toxic to most fish.
Step 6: Add Nitrifying Bacteria to Build Beneficial Biological Filter
After adding the water stabilizer, let the water rest for 2 full hours to reach initial stability. Then add nitrifying bacteria per the product dosage instructions, pouring slowly along the inner glass walls — avoid splashing directly onto substrate or decorations. Nitrifying bacteria are the core of a healthy aquarium: they break down fish waste, leftover food, and toxic ammonia and nitrite, building a stable biological filtration system.
Step 7: Run Filter Continuously for 2 Full Days to Cycle Water
Turn on the aquarium filter and keep it running24 hours a day nonstop for 48 hours (2 full days). Do NOT turn off the filter during this period — continuous water flow allows nitrifying bacteria to multiply and colonize filter media, fully establishing the biological cycle. Never rush this step: Adding fish before the water is fully cycled often causes stress, illness, or death due to toxic water conditions.
Step 8: Acclimate Fish Slowly & Release Safely
Once the 2-day cycling is done, do NOT pour fish directly into the tank. First, float the sealed fish bag (with fish inside) on the tank water surface for 15-20 minutes to equalize water temperature — this prevents temperature shock. Then open the bag, add a small amount of tank water into the bag every 5 minutes, repeating 3-4 times total. This gradual mixing lets fish adjust to the tank’s water parameters slowly. Use a net to gently transfer fish into the tank; do NOT pour the bag water into the tank, as it may carry outside bacteria or parasites.
Step 9: Monitor Fish Health & Remove Deceased Fish Promptly
After releasing fish, keep the tank area quiet and avoid frequent disturbances. Observe fish closely for 1-2 days: check their swimming behavior, appetite, and body condition. Look for signs of injury or illness such as torn fins, scratches, white spots, or fuzzy growth. If any weak or unhealthy fish die, remove them immediately with a net. Decomposing dead fish pollute water quickly, damage the established nitrifying system, and spread disease to other fish.
Step 10: Feed Properly After 3-Day Acclimation Period
Strictly follow a 3-day fasting rule after introducing fish. These three days are critical for fish to adapt to the new water temperature and environment; fish are under severe stress during this time, with weak digestive systems. Feeding too soon causes indigestion, bloating, or rotting leftover food that ruins water quality. After 3 days, once fish swim actively and approach the glass looking for food, start feeding small amounts of fish food. Follow a “small portions, frequent feeding” rule: begin with half the normal amount, make sure fish eat all food with no leftovers, then gradually adjust the quantity. Never overfeed.
