13 Must-Do Steps While Adding Water to A New Fish Tank

Getting a new fish tank is thrilling. But setting it up may seem scary, especially if it’s your first time.

Don’t worry, it’s not hard. Just read the instructions well, check you have everything you need, and clean everything that goes in the tank. This will make a nice, healthy home for your fish.

If you’re still nervous, ask someone you know who has done it before to help out.

However, today we are going to look at one of the most important steps of setting up a fish tank – adding water to the fish tank.

13 Steps to Fill Your New Fish Tank with Water

Before adding water to a new fish tank, you’ll need the tank and its equipment, a water conditioner, a clean bucket, a clean plate, and some washed gravel.

1. First, buy a bottle of aquarium water conditioner. This chemical is used to remove harmful substances from tap water.
2. Next, get a bucket and label it for aquarium use only. Make sure it’s never been used with soap.
3. Now, pour your washed gravel into the tank until it’s two to three inches deep.
4. Place a clean plate on top of the gravel. If you’re not sure if your plate has soap residue on it, clean it with a bleach solution, rinse it well, and let it air dry.
5. Run your tap water for a few minutes to get rid of any minerals or residue.
6. Fill your clean bucket with water, but only about two-thirds to three-fourths of the way.
7. Slowly pour the water from the bucket onto the plate in the tank.
8. Repeat the previous two steps until the tank is half-full.
9. Now you can add your plants and decorations. Ensure all items are thoroughly cleaned and dried before putting them in the tank. It’s better to use items from an aquarium store because objects found outdoors can affect the tank’s pH.
10. Install your heater and filter, but don’t plug them in yet.
11. Repeat the process of filling the bucket and pouring water onto the plate until the tank is full.
12. Remove the plate and add your water conditioner according to the package instructions. Now would also be a good time to add a bacteria starter.
13. Finally, start up the filter and heater, and let everything run for at least 24 hours before you add any fish.

2 Tips to Remember While Adding Water to A Fish Tank

Remember the below tips while adding water to a fish tank.

1. You can reuse old buckets, just make sure they haven’t been used for chemicals. Clean them with bleach, rinse them well, and let them air dry.
2. When filling the bucket with water, don’t make it too heavy to carry or pour.