Setting up a fish tank is one of the most rewarding pet care experiences, but it can also be a little intimidating if you’re new to aquatics. With the right equipment, careful planning, and some patience, you’ll create a beautiful underwater world your fish will thrive in.
Whether you’re aiming for a simple freshwater setup or a planted community tank, here’s your complete beginner’s guide.
The foundation of any healthy aquarium starts with choosing the right tank and essentials. Bigger tanks are usually easier to manage than small ones, as water quality stays more stable and fish have more swimming space.
Here at The Pet Express, we carry a wide range of suitable tanks that are perfect for different types of fish, allowing them to be happy in their new environment.
Rosewood Pet Keeper Plastic Tank Medium is a versatile and lightweight 7.2 L plastic tank that’s perfect as a temporary home or holding space for small fish or other small animals. It features a secure, ventilated lid with an access door and a handy carry handle, making cleaning, transportation or tank maintenance easy and stress-free.
The transparent design gives great 360° visibility, while the sturdy construction ensures your pet stays safe and comfortable.
Adding fish tank gravel and/or substrates to your aquarium will not only improve the aesthetic quality of the interior, they’re also ideal for creating a plant-friendly underwater environment, and for improving anaerobic activity.
Pettex Roman Gravel Aqua Blend Mix is a vibrant and versatile aquarium substrate that instantly enhances the look of your fish tank. Made from selected inert silicate aggregates and coated in colourfast resin, this gravel is suitable for coldwater, tropical, and saltwater setups without affecting your water’s pH. Its fine size also makes it ideal for planted tanks, helping support beneficial bacterial activity and a healthy aquatic environment.
Set your aquarium on a level, sturdy surface. Avoid direct sunlight, heaters or draughts, sudden temperature changes stress fish and encourage algae.
Rinse your substrate and then add it to the tank. Once that’s settled, place décor like rocks, plants or ornaments to create hiding spaces and visual interest.
If you want a planted aquarium, install live plants before filling the tank completely, they help oxygenate the water and add to the ecosystem’s stability.
Decorate and enhance your aquarium with our range of ornaments. Available in a range of designs, colours and sizes, there is sure to be something to suit you, and your fish!
Including plants, bridges and other unique aquarium decorations, our range is suitable for a variety of different habitats to ensure all needs are catered for.
Caldex Classic Magic Of The Orient Small Bridges Assortment is a charming aquarium accessory that brings your underwater world to life. Crafted from hand-painted, non-toxic polyresin, these small rustic bridge ornaments add authentic detail and visual interest to freshwater tanks.
They also offer cosy hiding spots and swim-through areas for smaller fish, helping to enrich their environment and stimulate natural behaviour.
Add a whimsical touch to your aquarium with this Classic Mushroom Assorted ornament. Hand-made and hand-painted in bright, fun colours with non-toxic paints, it brings a playful fairytale vibe to your fish tank while remaining completely safe for your aquatic pets.
Perfect for small tanks and bowls, this charming decoration adds character and interest to any underwater setup.
Install filter, heater & light, follow product instructions. For lighting, aim for 8–10 hours of light per day to mimic a natural day/night cycle.
Fill with water carefully, then add dechlorinator to make tap water safe for fish.
Before adding fish, your tank needs to go through the nitrogen cycle, this is where beneficial bacteria grow and help convert toxic fish waste into less harmful substances. This process can take 2+ weeks and is essential for fish health.
Use test kits during this time to monitor ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels, only add fish when ammonia and nitrite are at zero.
When your water parameters are stable and safe, it’s time for fish! Float the bag of fish in the tank to let the temperature equalise, then gradually acclimate them by adding small amounts of tank water to the bag over 15–20 minutes.
Gently net and transfer fish, don’t pour bag water into the tank.
It is also best to start with just a few fish to avoid overwhelming your system.
At The Pet Express we understand that the health of your fish and aquatic pets is of the upmost importance to you. This is why we stock a huge range of fish foods from respected and trusted brands including Tetra, King British and Aquarian.
We have flake food for goldfish and tropical fish, general pond foods and tropical fish food, koi food and slow-release food blocks if you go on holiday. Don't forget you can also set up a subscription for regular fish food deliveries without having to worry about running out.
One of our most popular foods is Supa Mixed Pond Sticks, which is a complete floating food, specially formulated for all varieties of pond fish including goldfish, koi and orfe.
Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, these mixed sticks support healthy growth while providing enjoyment as your fish come to the surface to feed.
Another popular choice is the King British Algae Wafers 200g, which are a complete, sinking fish food.
They are specially formulated for bottom-feeding and algae-eating species such as plecos, loaches and corydoras. These dark-green wafer discs are rich in protein and packed with spirulina, natural ingredients, vitamins and minerals to help support fish health and vitality.
The wafers stay stable in the water for extended grazing, making them ideal for slower feeders and ensuring your fish get their nutritional fill.
Enjoy Being a Fish Owner
Setting up your first fish tank might feel like a big job, but with the right tools and a little patience, you’ll create a thriving aquatic habitat in no time.
Explore the fish & aquatic supplies range to find everything you need to get started and keep your tank looking great.
