Finish the dry layout
Start with your tank-size equipment plan. Match the exact aquarium to its intended stand and follow both manufacturers’ support instructions. Check levelness, required support and service access while empty. Do not move a filled aquarium to make room behind it.
Fit an optional outside background now. Leave room for filters, hoses, lid opening and light mounts. The filled aquarium weight calculator collects component loads; it cannot approve furniture or a building structure.
Prepare substrate and position unpowered equipment
Follow the substrate label: a rinse instruction for gravel does not automatically apply to planted-tank soil. Estimate the chosen depth in the substrate calculator. Place hardscape according to the aquarium’s limits; avoid improvised supports against the glass.
Dry-fit the intake, return, heater, independent thermometer and air system. Use the exact heater’s orientation and water marks. Keep equipment unplugged until its startup conditions are met. Check that the lid and feeding opening still work.
Fill and start each device by its instructions
- Prepare new water using the conditioner label and known water quantity.
- Fill to the intended operating level and record the actual water added if using the measured-fill method.
- Install the correct media stack. Prime as instructed; a self-priming claim does not transfer to another filter model.
- Finish the pump, valve and sponge-filter air path.
- After the heater’s stated immersion wait, power it and check the thermometer. Follow dry-connection and drip-loop instructions.
- Close the lid, mount the light and set its timer.
Watch for leaks and check the temperature
Keep a setup log: waterline, visible leaks, filter flow, vibration and independent temperature readings. Recheck after equipment has run and after the manual’s restart check. For leaks or electrical defects, use the maker’s safe shutdown instructions and resolve the problem before continuing.
A filter moving water and a heater reaching temperature do not prove that biological filtration is established.
Plan cycling before adding fish
New media starts with immature biological filtration. Clear water and elapsed days cannot establish readiness for animals. Arrange ammonia, nitrite and nitrate testing before starting the chosen cycling method; check which tests the kit includes.
The Merck aquarium-management reference explains new-tank syndrome and fishless cycling. Follow a detailed cycling and species-care plan before adding fish.