Aquarium Startup - First use

Welcome to the world of aquaristics!
To ensure the well-being of your fish and the proper functioning of your AQPet aquarium, it is essential to follow these simple steps before introducing any animals.

⚠️ Important: a new aquarium is NOT immediately ready for fish.

1. Placement

  • Place the aquarium on a flat and stable surface.
  • Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Ensure it is near an electrical outlet.

2. Initial cleaning

Before setup:

  • Rinse only with water (no detergents!) the tank, gravel, decorations, and filter.
  • Do not use soaps or chemical products.

3. Setup

  1. Insert the substrate (gravel or sand).
  2. Place any decorations and plants.
  3. Slowly fill with tap water (preferably by placing a plate at the bottom to avoid disturbing the gravel).
  4. Add water conditioner to eliminate chlorine and heavy metals.
  5. Install filter and heater (if present).

4. Filter startup (crucial phase)

Turn on the filter and heater.

Now begins the biological maturation phase, during which "good" bacteria develop in the filter, making the water safe for fish.

This phase normally lasts 2–4 weeks (indicative time. Ask your trusted retailer).

During this period:

  • DO NOT add fish.
  • Keep the filter always on.
  • If the water becomes cloudy: this is normal in the first few days.
  • Perform small water changes (10–20%) every 4–5 days.

This cloudiness is part of the natural startup process.

5. Introducing fish

Only after at least 3-4 weeks (this timing is indicative, ask your trusted retailer for advice):

  • Introduce a few fish at a time.
  • Acclimatize the fish by floating the bag for 15–20 minutes before releasing them.
  • Do not overload the aquarium immediately.

6. Routine maintenance

  • Weekly water changes of 20–25%.

  • Light filter cleaning (only with aquarium water, never under the tap).

  • Do not overfeed fish.

Common problems (and quick solutions)

Cloudy water in the first few days?

Normal during startup. Continue with small water changes.

Fish introduced immediately and dirty water?

Likely due to incomplete filter maturation.

Filter noisy or not drawing well?

Check that it is fully submerged and free of air.

In summary

An aquarium is a small ecosystem: it requires patience at the beginning, but then becomes simple to manage.