Aquarium Startup Checklist (Step-by-Step Tank Setup)

Starting your first tank? Whether it’s for shrimp, plants, or nano fish, getting things right from the beginning will save you money, stress, and livestock losses. This step-by-step checklist walks you through the entire setup process — from gear to water chemistry to first livestock.

🧱 1. Choose Your Tank Size & Placement

• Recommended: 10–20 gallons for stability
• Place away from direct sun, near outlets
• Use a level stand or surface (test with water first)

🏗️ 2. Add Substrate, Hardscape, and Plants

• Choose active substrate for shrimp, inert sand/gravel for fish
• Add hardscape (rock/wood), then mist lightly
• Optional: Add beginner-friendly plants (Java fern, moss, Crypts)

💧 3. Fill With RO or Dechlorinated Water

• Use RO + GH+ remineralizer for shrimp
• Use dechlorinated tap for fish or Neocaridina
• Fill slowly to avoid disturbing layout

🔌 4. Install Filter, Heater & Lighting

• Sponge filter or HOB for small tanks
• Set heater to 72–75°F for shrimp, 75–78°F for tropical fish
• Use a timer for your light — start with 6 hours/day

🧪 5. Begin Cycling the Tank

• Add ammonia or shrimp-safe fish food
• Add a bacteria starter (Fritz, Dr. Tim’s)
• Test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate every 3–4 days
• Cycle is done when ammonia + nitrite = 0 and nitrates are present

📊 6. Test Water Parameters

• Target GH: 4–6 for Caridina, 6–8 for Neos
• TDS: 100–150 Caridina, 150–250 Neocaridina
• pH: 6.0–6.8 for Caridina, 6.8–7.4 for Neos/Fish

🐠 7. Add Livestock (Slowly!)

• Start with a cleanup crew or hardy shrimp
• Acclimate slowly using drip method
• Wait 1–2 weeks before adding more

🔗 Related Setup Tools

• How to Cycle a Tank
• Disaster Kit Checklist
• Shrimp Care Hub
• Remineralize RO Water for Shrimp

Need help choosing gear or water parameters? Drop your tank size and goals in the comments and I’ll build you a custom checklist.