Setting up an aquarium for beginners

In short: An aquarium needs patience: the biological balance develops only after a few weeks, in the cycling phase. Only then do the fish move in.

In more detail: Nitrogen cycle: fish waste is broken down by bacteria to nitrite and then to the less toxic nitrate.

In detail

• Size: Better bigger; at least 54 litres for beginners, as larger tanks are more stable.
• Equipment: Filter, heater, lighting, thermometer.
• Substrate and plants: Sand or gravel; plants consume nitrate and offer hiding places.
• Cycling phase: Run the water for 2 to 4 weeks, test water values.
• Water values: Nitrite should be zero; adapt temperature and hardness to the fish species.
• Stocking: Add slowly and not too densely; choose species that go together.
• Care: Weekly 20 to 30 percent water change.
• Animal welfare: Never release fish or plants into the wild (haustier-anschaffen-verantwortung-und-kosten).