How to Set Up a Fish Tank (Detailed Version)

My young daughter Gamer Girl wants to set up her first fish tank and if you’re not super familiar with aquariums, the process can be a little overwhelming, so I’m going to share the whole process we went through so you can follow along.

🐟 MATERIALS I USED
(I work for Aquarium Co-Op but do not receive commissions from their links.)
▶ Aquarium (with lid and light): I got the Fluval Flex 15 (black version) from Petco (a local pet store chain)
▶ Gravel: I got a bag from Petco
▶ Decorations: I got them from Petco
▶ Pothos plant: I got a clipping from my aunt

🌿 RESOURCES

🦐 EXTRAS

ATTRIBUTION

#girltalksfish #fishtank #aquarium

0:00 My daughter's first fish tank
0:14 How old should my kid be to get pet fish?
0:46 How much does a new fish tank setup cost?
1:24 Location
2:16 Aquarium size
3:53 Aquarium background
4:23 Gravel and decorations
5:56 Live aquarium plants
8:26 Aquarium heater
9:41 Aquarium filter
11:22 Add dechlorinated water
12:01 Plug in the equipment
12:26 Aquarium cycling

[GirlTalksFish]

*Note: This is an aquarium decorated by my daughter, so please be kind with your comments. Everything in this tank is safe for fish and invertebrates and will not negatively affect their well-being.*

[christopherseilaff]

We need more content like this. Basic aquarium setups using the artificial decor. I can't tell u how many times people have told me they decided against an aquarium because of how complicated the plants are. Also I am a sponge filter fan fir the exact same reason

[watersrising]

I actually love that you ended the episode with “don’t add your fish now.” So many newbies buy the aquarium stuff and the fish at the same time for instant gratification. I love that you left your daughter choose what she wants in the tank.

[greatyig]

You're such a wonderful mother! Being able to introduce your daughter to one of your passions and being willing to let her express herself even if it doesn't completely match up with your tastes. The tank looks great!

[jacquig]

I love you saying 'yes it's my daughter's tank but as the adult I'm responsible' I hate so many parents get a dog and then complain the 7yo doesn't do everything, like yeah it's a 7yo they're going to forget things

[troy]

Respect new people joining in on the hobby.

[MandoLoriean-bndf]

I'm happy you're showing some love for us who are new to the hobby and starting with artificial decor. People rail on me too often for this choice, but I'm struggling with keeping fish alive as it is, how do you expect me to add live plants to the mix?? 😭😭 Thank fully this new group I have haven't had any casualties or signs of sickness, though me and my niece have found an estimate of 8-13 baby platys!🥰

[shaffwana]

My first tank looked similar to this years ago, fake plants, colorful rocks, etc. It was a good experience for me and once I got older I was able to set it up with real plants and more "special" substrate, this is a great starting point for kids! Great job and good luck to the little ones with this new hobby!

[musicalfish]

Haha, I probably chose the worst possible place for my first fish tank. The stand was right above a heating/AC vent with another vent a few feet away from it and a sliding door leading outside also a few feet away. It was also behind a north facing window, so hello, algae-ville! Plus, it was in the living room which is the place with the second most traffic xD And my piano was very close by, so that didn't do any good for my piano. *cough cough* moisture. The two sinks that I could use for water changes were both on other floors, so every time I changed the water, I'd have to lug a gallon of water up and down stairs. The tank was still amazing and I loved the heck out of it, despite choosing such an unfortunate place lol

[neurness]

Place a neoprene mat under your tank to prevent it from cracking due to vibrations when people walk by or are actively doing stuff near the tank. As Irene showed at 4:31

[cherylmartin]

Love it!! You and your daughter did a great job🤩 can't wait to see what fish go in!

[Evil_Genius_]

Great video as always! It’s the initial cost part I wish I’d have known going into the hobby. My first 2 tanks were free, but all the other stuff I had to purchase.

[garg]

Just wanted to say that this is a very helpful and informative video, and I love that in addition to covering the basics it also has pro-tips that I don’t hear about as often, such as using a black background and substrate to help the colors of the fish stand out more, and using pothos and anubias to purify the water without needing any special care

My stepmom is actually looking to get into fishkeeping and we’ll be setting up one of my old tanks when my little brother is old enough, and I’ll definitely be showing this video to them!

[sarahwoodring]

Fantastic walk through! I shared this video with my sister, whose kids want aquariums "like Aunt Sarah's!"

[Lisa.Sparkman]

My granddaughter is 9 and has a tank almost like this one. I love it. ❤️

[lakeshiamills]

This is a great tank for kids and an easy to follow and absorb guide for new fish keepers/young fish keepers.

[TeamFlame_]

Me: puts a tank in my bathroom like she said.
Two days later: my gourami looks at me while I'm pooping like: sooo, u gonna feed me or what?

[CaveTraH]

So the bathroom location choice makes much more sense when you explain your reasoning for it, but quick question: what about showers or baths? Would the fluctuations in temperatures and humidity caused by basic stuff like that have an adverse effect on the tank? Just curious.

[jasonyang]

Such a good parent. I honestly wanna model after you when I get my own kids

[forrestfoster]

Wonderful video -- just the right amount of advice I needed to get my son (and my wife and I) started! Thank you!!!