An aquarium can be a great way to bring life and colour to your living areas at home, and it can also provide both a calming and stimulating feature.

It’s not too hard to set up your own aquarium, but there are some things to keep in mind.

It’s best to plan how big you’d like your aquarium to be, what sort of fish you want to populate it with, and where in the house you want to put it. Close to a power point and away from drafts and natural light is the best option. Make sure you have all equipment and accessories ready before you start setting it up; this includes filtration systems, heating, lighting, gravel, rocks, plants, decorations and backgrounds. Pet shops will have everything you need. Only use fresh water to clean the tank before you start adding everything into the tank.

Once you’ve set everything up, you can start filling it with water, but make sure the tank and its base are both stable and secure, because once the tank is filled, you won’t be able to move it. Adding the fish themselves won’t happen for a day or two after the set-up, and when you do introduce the fish, it’s best to acclimatise them gradually to their new environment.

Find a pet store that stocks pet supplies and aquariums in your area right by searching with us.