Aquarium Fish Setup

Here you'll find the most commonly asked questions about aquariums and fish keeping. If you don't find the answer to your question here, you can e-mail us at TetraCare® or call at 1-800-423-6458.

Q) After adding Tetra AquaSafe®, when can I add the fish?

A) Tetra AquaSafe® will instantly remove the chlorine from the water. You may add your fish as soon as you put in the Tetra AquaSafe®.

Q) When can I add fish to my new aquarium?

A) When you first set up your aquarium, it is recommended you run your filter, heater, and air pumps for 24 – 48 hours before adding your fish. This will allow the heater to stabilize the temperature and ensure that all equipment is working properly. After this 24-48 hour period, you can immediately add fish once you have added Tetra AquaSafe® to the water. When you do add your fish, float them in a plastic container for 20-30 minutes. This will allow the water temperature in the bag to be the same as the water temperature in your aquarium. After 3-4 weeks, you can begin introducing new fish at a rate of 1-2 fish per week. Just keep in mind that you should have 1 gallon of water per 1 inch of (mature) fish. Have 3 gallons of water per 1 inch of goldfish.

Q) What types of fish should I add to my aquarium?

A) There are a variety of fish you can add to your aquarium. As a rule, tropical fish and goldfish should not be mixed. Also keep in mind the size a fish will reach as it matures. As fish grow, they may outgrow your tank.

The type of fish to choose will depend on the size of your aquarium and the temperament of the fish. There are community, semi-aggressive, and aggressive fish. If you mix in an aggressive fish with a community fish, it could mean the death of your new fish. Your local pet store can help you select the right fish.