The following 14 steps will help you set up and maintain a healthy underwater environment for many years.

1. Location - Decide where to place your aquarium by choosing a site that avoids direct sun and drafty areas. Direct sunlight will cause algae. Use an appropriate size aquarium stand placed  near a wall and an electrical outlet.

2. Clean Aquarium - To clean your aquarium simply wipe the inside and outside with a damp cloth or paper towel. Be careful when handling a wet aquarium because glass can be slippery when wet. Never use soap to clean your aquarium. Do not rest the aquarium on its side because bumping the exposed glass edges can cause chips and cracking.

3. Filtration - The basic filter systems are under gravel, inside box filter or outside power filter. If this is your first aquarium we suggest that you ask your sales person for their advice on which system to select. Among your options power filters are our recommended choice because they remove sediment and particulate matter from the water while also providing chemical filtration with the use of activated carbon. If you decide to use a power filter install it but do not plug it in until the aquarium is filled. Above all, carefully read and follow the directions for whatever system you choose

4. Gravel - Gravel is necessary to anchor live or artificial plants and comes in a variety of colors. Natural or brighter colors can be used to match or contrast your rooms' decor. Remember to use about 1.5 pounds of gravel per gallon to have depth of about 2 inches. Most gravel contains a little dust or fine particles and, therefore, should be rinsed thoroughly. For best results put about five pounds of gravel at a time in a clean bucket. Use a laundry or stationary tub to run water into the bucket while stirring the gravel. Empty the water and continue stirring until the water is clear. Empty the water from the the bucket and carefully dump the gravel into the aquarium. Continue this process until you have finished washing the rest of the gravel.

5. Water - Slowly fill your aquarium with fresh, room temperature water. Do not use cold water because condensation may form and cause puddling, which looks a lot like leaking. You can use a plate or saucer to diffuse the water and keep the water from scattering the gravel. Leave about 2 or 3 inches of space at the top so you will not overflow the aquarium when you add decorations.

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