Initial Aquarium Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the first time, it is important to wash and rinse all aquarium components carefully before assembling and adding the fish. The tank itself should be rinsed well both inside and out with warm tap water without the use of cleaners. Gravel should be washed in a bucket until water runs clear. Decorative wood or rock should be rinsed carefully, preferably under pressure, and any collected driftwood should be boiled first and completely immersed in water for several weeks before adding to the aquarium plants. Although beautiful, coral and sea shells should not be used in a freshwater aquarium.