The complete aquarium guide, step by step

This page organizes all of AcuarioSano into stages. Each one gathers the guides that explain what to do, the reviews of the gear you will buy, the calculators that save you the math and the species profiles. If you are starting from scratch, follow it from top to bottom: most new-tank problems come from skipping the cycle or choosing fish before choosing the tank.

1. 1. Set up the aquarium
2. 2. Cycle the tank and prepare the water
3. 3. Choose fish, plants and invertebrates
4. 4. Maintenance
5. 5. Problems and fixes

1. Set up the aquarium

Pick the size, the equipment and the decor before you add water: almost everything else depends on this decision.

Choosing the tank

How many gallons, a kit or separate parts, and where to put it. A 15-gallon (60 L) tank or larger forgives mistakes far better than a nano.

Filter, heater and lighting

The filter houses the bacteria, the heater keeps the temperature steady and the light grows the plants: how to choose each one.

Substrate and decor

Gravel or sand, rocks, driftwood and hiding spots: what makes fish feel safe and the tank look natural.

2. Cycle the tank and prepare the water

A new tank needs 4 to 6 weeks to grow the bacteria that remove ammonia and nitrite. Skip this step and the fish get sick.

Cycling and your first fish

How to cycle the tank, which water conditioner to use with tap water and how to acclimate fish the day they arrive.

Water parameters

What to test (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and hardness), which values to aim for and which test kit to buy.

3. Choose fish, plants and invertebrates

Once the tank is cycled, choose species that suit your tank size, your water and each other, and add them gradually.

Fish

Lists by tank size and tank type, the compatibility calculator and profiles of the most popular species.

Plants and CO₂

Easy and low-light plants, aquasoil, fertilizer and when CO₂ is worth it.

Shrimp, snails and crabs

Shrimp and snails clean up and bring the tank to life, but they need very stable water and peaceful tank mates.

4. Maintenance

Water changes, lighting, feeding and cleaning: a simple 30-minute weekly routine keeps the water stable.

Maintenance routine

Weekly water changes, light hours, glass cleaning and what to do when you go on vacation or move the tank.

Feeding

How much and what to feed: flakes, sinking food and specific food for bettas, cichlids and goldfish.

5. Problems and fixes

Cloudy water, algae, snails or sick fish: what causes them and how to fix them without making things worse.

Cloudy water, algae and pests

It is almost always too much light, food or fish: fix the cause before reaching for chemicals.

Fish health

How to spot stress and the most common diseases, such as ich, and treat them in time.