Aquarium Setup Guide for Beginners

Last updated: 1 November 2026

How to start an aquarium in Bangladesh, from the first stand to the first fish.

How to set up an aquarium for beginners

Follow this order: choose a spot and a strong, level stand; rinse the substrate; add hardscape and plants; fill with dechlorinated water; install the filter, heater if needed, and light; then cycle the tank before adding fish. Add fish slowly, a few at a time. For help choosing equipment see aquarium equipment in Bangladesh.

How to start an aquarium in Bangladesh

How to start an aquarium in Bangladesh is the same as anywhere, with two local points. First, check your tap water, because quality differs by area; use a water conditioner. Second, plan for hot months by choosing fish that tolerate warm water and keeping the tank out of direct sun. We can help with a starter plan: see aquascaping in Dhaka.

How to cycle an aquarium

Cycling grows the bacteria that turn toxic ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate. Run the filter, add a source of ammonia (pure ammonia or a little fish food), and test every few days. The tank is cycled when ammonia and nitrite read zero and nitrate appears. This usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Plants and seeded filter media can shorten it.

Fish tank size calculator

Use this as a simple fish tank size calculator: length × width × height in cm, divided by 1000, gives litres. For US gallons, divide litres by 3.785. Subtract some volume for substrate and decor. The Aquazar aquarium calculator is available from the calculator icon in the menu on our shop pages.

Aquarium volume calculator

An aquarium volume calculator uses the same formula: litres = length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm) ÷ 1000. Measure the inside of the glass up to the water line, not the outside of the tank. Knowing volume helps you choose filters, heaters, medicines and substrate quantity.

How many fish in a 20 gallon tank

A 20 gallon tank holds about 75 litres. How many fish in a 20 gallon tank depends on the species: a handful of small fish may be fine, while one large fish may not be. Rules like one inch of fish per gallon are only rough. Choose fish by adult size, add them slowly, and watch ammonia and nitrite. Heavily planted tanks tolerate slightly more.

How to start a planted tank

How to start a planted tank: choose a nutrient soil or a capped substrate, plan the hardscape, plant the foreground to background, fill slowly, and give the lights a steady 6 to 8 hours. Add a liquid fertilizer, and CO₂ if you want faster growth. Start with easy plants, then try demanding ones. See aquatic plants in Bangladesh.

Aquascaping for beginners

Aquascaping for beginners starts with simple rules: odd numbers of focal stones, a clear focal point about two-thirds across the tank, hardy plants, and a tidy low-maintenance layout. Trim often and avoid too many plant species. Our team can design and build for you: aquascaping in Dhaka.

Iwagumi aquascape

An iwagumi aquascape is a minimalist Japanese style built around a few stones, usually an odd number, and low carpeting plants. It looks simple, but it demands good light, CO₂ and clean water to keep the carpet healthy.

Dutch aquascape

A Dutch aquascape is a dense, colourful layout of many stem plants arranged in terraces with contrasting colours and leaf shapes, usually without hardscape. It needs regular trimming and strong nutrient management.

Best aquarium plants for beginners

The best aquarium plants for beginners are anubias, java fern, java moss, vallisneria, water wisteria and cryptocoryne. They tolerate low light and some mistakes. See the full plant list.

Best aquarium fish for beginners

The best aquarium fish for beginners are hardy and peaceful: guppies, platies, mollies, zebra danios, corydoras and small tetras. Add them only after the tank has cycled. See aquarium fish in Bangladesh.

Best aquarium filter for beginners

The best aquarium filter for beginners is one rated above your tank volume that is easy to clean. Sponge filters are simple and gentle, hang-on-back filters are easy to service, and canister filters suit larger or planted tanks.

Best temperature for tropical fish

The best temperature for tropical fish is usually about 24 to 27 °C, though each species differs. Keep it steady rather than chasing exact numbers. Goldfish prefer cooler water than most tropical fish. Use a thermometer and a heater in cooler months.

How many hours of light for aquarium

How many hours of light for aquarium tanks need is usually 6 to 8 hours a day on a timer. Planted tanks often start around 6 hours and increase slowly. Too much light with too many nutrients causes algae.

Aquarium without filter

An aquarium without filter is possible in a very lightly stocked, heavily planted tank, but it needs more care, and for most beginners a filter is easier and safer. If you skip the filter, use an air stone for oxygen and do regular water changes.