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Yes, It’s That Easy — I Wish I Had This When I Was 10! – Kelvin
Hey there! If you’re new to aquariums and feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath—you’re in the right place.
This guide is designed for beginners, especially those just like me 20 years ago, standing in front of my first tank at age 10, unsure where to begin. Let me walk you through a simple, fuss-free freshwater setup you can put together in just 15 minutes—yes, really.
Whether you’re starting with a non-filter tank or a mini-filter setup, I’ll guide you step by step, including what to buy, how to set up, what fish to choose, feeding tips, and basic maintenance.
This is the simplest, most peaceful form of keeping fish—a still water setup. Best for Betta fish or hardy nano fish like endler guppies in a small, calm tank.
2. Wash the Gravel. (no soap! Till non-cloudy)
3. Add the Gravel into your aquarium.
4. Wash and Place Rocks, Driftwoods, and Ornamentals into the tank.
5. Add Hardy Aquatic Plants—no soil needed.
6. Fill the tank with treated tap water (use anti-chlorine). Add blackwater extract for soft water species (optional).
7. Turn on the light—this keeps plants healthy and helps you enjoy the view.
8. Gently introduce your fish using acclimation steps.
Watch this short video for a complete step-by-step guide to setting up a non-filter tank. Alternatively, click here to download the PDF versions of the following guides:
– Step-by-Step Filtered Aquarium Setup Guide
– Step-by-Step No-Filter Aquarium Setup Guide
– Beginner No-Filter Maintenance Guide
💡 Pro Tip: Give your aquatic plants at least 6 hours of light daily to support healthy growth.
💡 Pro Tip: For new tanks without filters, keep the fish load light. Plants will do the heavy lifting in maintaining water quality.
Feeding too much is the #1 mistake new hobbyists make.
Only feed what your fish can eat within 15 seconds—once a day is enough.
💡 Pro Tip: Leftover food becomes toxic waste. Always remove uneaten bits if possible.
Top up evaporated water with Treated Water.
Frequency: Every 3 days
Water change (50%) using a syphon without taking the fish out from the tank.
Frequency: Weekly
Plant trimming.
Frequency: As needed
Light and Glass cleaning
Frequency: As needed
If you’re ready for something slightly more advanced (but still beginner-friendly), a mini filter setup offers better water circulation and stability.
💡 Pro Tip: Give your aquatic plants at least 6 hours of light daily to support healthy growth.
Too little light can stunt plants, while too much may trigger algae—strike the right balance for a vibrant, algae-free planted tank.
Watch this short video tutorial on setting up a filter in the tank:
Here’s a short video on how to clean the filter.
💡 You don’t need a big budget to enjoy this hobby. You can start your first tank with plants and a betta for under $50! 🗣️ Need Help?
Still unsure what to buy or how to start? Take a photo of your space or your tank idea and show it to our team at any of our retail stores — we’ll walk you through everything, step by step.
Let’s build your first tank together. 🐠✨
The Values That Aquarium brings to your aquarium journey
👉 Next Up: Pro Tips for a Successful First Week – For New Tank
Proudly presented by our That Aquarium Digital Team, where innovation meets aquatic excellence.
Published on 13 June 2025
Author: Kelvin Phua
Illustrator(s): Chai Minyu, Abbie Tan, Rong Sheng
At That Aquarium, we believe that exceptional CARE is the foundation of our success. We are committed to treating each customer and every aquatic life with genuine compassion and respect. Our dedication goes beyond providing quality products and services; we strive to create a nurturing environment that delivers a therapeutic experience for our customers, our aquatic life, and our team. Guided by principles of integrity, forward-thinking mindset, and continuous improvement, we aim to foster a harmonious and supportive atmosphere. Our focus is on ensuring that every interaction reflects our dedication to excellence and our care for both our people and our community.
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