In-Depth Aquarium Guide

29 May

Introduction

Setting up an aquarium isn’t just about adding fish—it’s about creating a living, balanced ecosystem. A well-planned tank can be a beautiful, calming addition to your home, but mistakes in setup or maintenance can lead to frustration, wasted money, and even the loss of animals. This guide walks you through the essentials of aquarium care, from choosing the right tank and filtration to substrate, plants, lighting, and maintenance.

By focusing on the ecosystem as a whole, you’ll create a tank that not only keeps your fish healthy but also provides natural enrichment, aesthetic appeal, and long-term sustainability. The goal is to give you a deep understanding of your aquarium so that it thrives as a dynamic environment.

Defining Your Aquarium Goals

Before you even pick a tank or start thinking about filtration, plants, or fish, it’s essential to define what you want from your aquarium. Understanding your goals will shape your setup, maintenance routine, and even the species you choose. Not all aquariums are built for the same purpose, and what works for one hobbyist might be frustrating for another.

Ask yourself:

Do you want a beautiful statement piece in your home?
If your goal is aesthetics, you’ll likely be looking at large planted tanks, aquascaped with carefully chosen hardscape and decorations. These tanks focus on visual impact and harmony—lush plant growth, natural substrates, and an ecosystem that looks like a snapshot of nature. They often feature smaller, schooling species that add movement and color without dominating the scene. The reward is a tank that’s visually stunning and therapeutic, but these setups require attention to balance, plant care, and nutrient management.
Do you want a biotope-style tank?
Biotope tanks aim to mimic a natural habitat. Some hobbyists go all-in with highly precise water chemistry, substrate, decorations, and species choices. But it doesn’t have to be that complicated. A less specialized version simply captures the feel of a natural environment—using natural-looking substrate, rocks, wood, and plants, along with compatible species that fit the theme—without obsessing over every detail. This way, you get a relatively natural-looking, relaxing tank without the stress of exact chemical parameters or rare plant/fish selection.
Do you want a beautiful, easy-to-manage planted community tank?
This is the approach I personally favor and recommend to most beginners. A large planted community tank balances aesthetics and simplicity. You get lush plant growth, healthy fish, and a dynamic ecosystem, without the complexity of a strict biotope or the maintenance-heavy nature of delicate aquascapes. Shrimp or snails can help with cleanup and enrichment, and hardy small species thrive in this environment. The focus here is a visually pleasing ecosystem that is forgiving and enjoyable.
Do you want a “pet” aquarium?
Some hobbyists prioritize interaction with their fish over aesthetics. If your goal is a “pet” aquarium, you might lean towards larger, personality-rich species, like American cichlids. These fish are often described as “underwater puppies”—they’re intelligent, interactive, and respond to their keeper. You can even hand-feed or watch them develop distinct personalities over time. The trade-off is that some of these fish are less visually striking and don’t blend as easily into a planted aquascape. Additionally, they can be territorial, messy, and require more robust filtration and regular maintenance.

Why defining your goal matters:

Your choice of tank size and layout will depend on the type of aquarium you want.
Fish species selection should align with whether your priority is beauty, ecosystem health, or interaction.
Maintenance expectations differ—planted community tanks often require regular nutrient management, while “pet-focused” tanks may need more frequent cleaning due to waste.
Understanding your goals will prevent frustration and help you succeed long-term. Setting up a tank without a clear purpose is a common reason beginners struggle or abandon the hobby.

Choosing the Right Aquarium

Choosing a tank is more than just picking a size—it sets the foundation for everything that comes after. There are many ways to get a tank:

Browse aquarium shops or online sellers
Look for second-hand tanks (older tanks are often some of the most durable, but always perform leak tests)
Consider custom-built aquariums for unique designs

Tank design is important too. Glass quality, such as low-iron glass, can affect clarity and color. Bowfront or curved tanks make a statement and look stunning but are more prone to cracking. The stand is equally important—it must evenly distribute the tank’s weight to avoid catastrophic failure and potential flooding.

Tank size should meet both the biological and behavioral needs of the inhabitants. A 40L tank may biologically support fast-swimming schooling fish, but it limits their ability to express natural behaviors. Larger tanks allow fish to swim freely, establish territories, and display fascinating natural habits.

Filtration and Water Flow

Filtration is the heart of your aquarium, keeping water clear, safe, and balanced. Effective filtration has three main aspects:

Mechanical filtration: removes debris and particles from the water.
Biological filtration: establishes colonies of beneficial bacteria to process ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate.
Chemical filtration: often uses activated carbon to remove odors or discoloration, but overuse can strip beneficial trace elements and nutrients from the water.

Other tools like UV filters can help control pathogens and algae, but they’re optional depending on tank goals.

Even simple setups like sponge filters and airbubblers provide more than just bubbles—they create surface agitation, which enhances gas exchange and oxygenation. This is crucial for most tropical species, while some fish like bettas can rely on atmospheric air and prefer gentle water flow. Other species, such as hillstream loaches or coldwater fish, require high oxygenation and strong water flow, so your filtration setup should match your chosen species’ needs.

Temperature Management

Maintaining stable temperature is critical. Fish and plants are sensitive to rapid fluctuations, which can stress or even kill inhabitants.

Determine whether your tank will house tropical or coldwater species. Tropical doesn’t mean fancy—it just indicates that a heater is needed. Coldwater species are often more difficult to maintain in warmer climates, like Queensland, Australia.
Sudden or improper temperatures can lead to common issues such as white spot (Ich). Correct temperature management can even be used to treat some parasites, but caution is required, as some pathogens thrive in warmer conditions.

Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is the backbone of a healthy aquarium. Ammonia from fish waste and decomposing matter is converted by bacteria into nitrite, and then into nitrate:

Ammonia (NH3/NH4+): produced by fish and decomposing matter; highly toxic.
Nitrite (NO2-): created by bacteria from ammonia; also toxic.
Nitrate (NO3-): final product; less toxic but still needs management through water changes or plant absorption.

Using aquasoil in planted tanks can accelerate this process. Plants naturally start with some ammonia production, and the bacteria on them establish a robust colony quickly. This jump-starts the nitrogen cycle more efficiently than waiting for bacteria to grow from scratch, creating a more stable, forgiving environment for your aquarium.

Substrate and Aquascaping

The substrate and decorations define both the look and function of your tank.

Sand is ideal for bottom-dwelling species; gravel works well for general setups, and aquasoil is best for planted tanks.
Decorations such as rocks and wood create hiding places and reduce stress, while live plants help absorb excess nutrients.
Keep it natural where possible, but feel free to add personality—fake skulls or thematic decorations can add a spooky yet beautiful twist.
Avoid painted or colored rocks, as paint can degrade over time and release toxins.

Your aquascaping should also account for territory and flow. Dense plant arrangements allow shy or territorial fish to establish homes, reducing aggression while enhancing visual appeal.

Lighting for Planted Tanks

Lighting doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Reliable, budget-friendly LEDs from online sellers can provide everything your plants need without breaking the bank.

Photoperiod: 8–10 hours is ideal for most plants; too much light causes algae.
Spectrum: Full-spectrum lights with red and blue wavelengths encourage healthy plant growth.
Placement: Ensure even coverage over the tank to avoid shaded areas.

Lighting also brings out the vibrant colors of fish and creates natural shading for shy species. Proper placement and duration ensure a healthy balance between plant growth and algae control.

Feeding and Nutrition

Feeding isn’t just about the fish—it affects water quality, plant health, and the entire ecosystem.

Offer a balanced, varied diet based on species requirements: flakes, pellets, frozen, live, or algae-based foods.
Avoid overfeeding. Some fish will gorge themselves; others need multiple small feedings.
Observe species behaviors, as feeding routines can vary significantly depending on size, appetite, and tankmates.

Routine Maintenance

Maintenance needs depend on your setup and the species you keep.

Even tanks with low nitrates require water changes, as minerals and salts accumulate over time. Advanced RO systems may allow partial top-ups, but periodic water changes are still necessary.
Species like African cichlids require more frequent maintenance. These herbivorous, territorial fish uproot plants, produce more waste, and often need slightly overstocked tanks to manage aggression.
Regular tasks: inspect and clean filters (using tank water), remove algae, vacuum gravel where needed (avoid disturbing aquasoil), and monitor water parameters (TDS, GH, KH, pH).

My Preferred Setup

My favorite long-term setup combines:

Large, heavily planted tanks (~100L) with aquasoil capped with washed sand
Lots of smaller species, rather than a single statement fish
Shrimp added after cycling to act as natural cleanup and enrichment
Bunnings pond pump attached to a garden hose for easy drain/fill during maintenance, initially used for siphoning waste

This method is cost-effective, fascinating to watch, and reduces maintenance stress while encouraging natural behaviors in both fish and shrimp.

Conclusion

A thriving aquarium is about balance, patience, and understanding the ecosystem as a whole. From tank choice and filtration to substrate, plants, lighting, feeding, and maintenance, every decision influences the health of your tank.

Take the time to research and experiment with your setup—aquariums aren’t just a hobby; they’re living, dynamic worlds. Your investment in learning and planning will pay off in a beautiful, low-stress, and rewarding aquatic environment.

For more guidance, check out our other care guides, including our quick dot-point checklist to see if fishkeeping is right for you and our upcoming species-specific guides. You can also follow us on Instagram for tips, inspiration, and updates, or visit our shop to grab some of the easiest, no-fuss plants that thrive in beginner and community tanks alike.

Elora-Roze Langford