This is the setup for my new 10 gallon aquarium. I got the Aquarium Starter Kit from Walmart. Jason from Prime Time Aquatics is my go-to for all my questions. He has a fantastic series on how to manage an aquarium starting with Part 1. After a few hours of looking at tanks, accessories and fish, I acquired much of the stuff needed to get started.

You can clean the outside with Windex and the inside with a damp cloth. A black background really sets off the inside of the aquarium. Jason even has a video on how to paint the back aquarium panel with DecoArt Lamp Black acrylic paint. These are the first two steps as he lays out in Part 3.

Next, the substrate goes in. I’m using brown gravel but Jeff likes black gravel because it’s easier to keep (look) clean. Then the rocks/castles/cave structures go in. Now the plants go in – tall in back and short in front. Add water that’s about 78 degrees with a conditioner that removes chlorine. Rinse the filter and put it in the pump. Fill the pump with water if it needs priming. Add the heater near the pump. Use an external thermometer to regulate the temperature at about 78 degrees. Now add quick start that removes amonia and nitrite and adds nitrifying bacteria. It’s ready for fish.

Part 4 describes adding fish to your aquarium. To add fish, float the bag of new fish in the aquariam for 15 – 20 minutes to equalize the temperature. Turn off the tank light to make it easier for acclimation. Don’t use drip acclimation. Place fish net over a container and pour the bag with the new fish into the net. This prevents fish store water from entering your tank.

Part 5 describes how to clean your fish tank.

Part 6 tells where to buy fish.