Watching fish in an aquarium can be a relaxing activity.

Perhaps you’ve considered setting up your own tank, but don’t know what you need.

Getting the basic essentials of aquarium equipment will enable you to set that tank up and begin enjoying fish in your own home or office. Here are the things to consider:

* Location – You need a place where there is an electrical outlet, out of the direct sunlight, away from drafts, which can be used permanently.

* Size – You may want to start small, but a larger tank is more forgiving. A 20 gallon tank is a good size to choose.

* Fish – The number of fish you get depends upon the size of the tank and how large the fish will be as adults. A good rule of thumb is to allow one gallon of water for each inch in size of adult fish.

* Equipment – Basic equipment is the same for both fresh and saltwater fish. You’ll need a substrate for the bottom, live plants, an air pump, filter system, cover, light, and heater. Tropical fish need temperatures of about 78 degrees Fahrenheit. A reputable pet store will be able to help you choose the right number and kind of fish.

* Saltwater tank difference – The filtration system is more important in a saltwater tank, as is lighting depending upon which type of sea life you choose.

* Cleaning supplies – These include siphons, bucket, scraper to remove algae, and nets.

* Water test kits and food.

Setting up an aquarium from scratch can be quite expensive. Some estimates are as much as $500 for a 25 gallon tank completely set up with fish. Of course, most of the expense will be a one-time occurrence, but the price can shock the novice.

Saltwater tanks will most likely cost more because the price of the filtration system and saltwater fish are more expensive. Does it mean you have to spend that much money for a complete aquarium? Of course not! There are ways to reduce the cost.

You can choose a smaller tank, cheaper fish, and use a piece of furniture you already own for a stand. The staff at the pet store may also be able to give you some ideas to save money if you’re on a budget.

As much as you’d like to, you can’t bring your tank home, set it up, and toss in a few fish immediately. You need to test the equipment after its set-up to ensure it doesn’t leak. It’s also important to treat the water to remove chlorine. It may take as much as two weeks to get all of the chemical levels in your tank ready to accept fish.

When you’ve got the fish, float the bag in the tank for about 15 minutes to get the temperature of the water the same; you may even scoop some water from the tank and add it to the bag. This helps acclimate the fish and avoid shock. After the fish has floated in the bag, you can release them into the tank.

Be sure to continue testing the water once the fish have been added. Putting the fish in the tank will cause the pH balance to change, along with other chemicals. Purchasing a book or reading all you can about owning an aquarium on the internet can also help.

Now that you know the basic essentials of aquarium equipment, you may feel more comfortable and ready to set up your first aquarium.

If maintained properly, you can expect to enjoy your fish for quite some time.