Plan your aquarium before you buy.

New to aquariums? Follow the first-tank build order before buying. Already keep fish? Review one proposed setup or livestock change, then keep the ongoing records in the app.

First aquarium guide Already have an aquarium

1
Describe the aquariumType, stage and optional measurements
2
Add livestockChoose profiles and planned quantities
3
Review the planSee concerns, equipment and next steps

First aquarium

Follow the build in this order.

Plan before buying. Decide what kind of aquarium you can maintain, then research the adult needs of any animal you hope to keep.
Choose the tank and equipment. Check the inside footprint, safe position, filter, access for cleaning and any species-specific heat, flow or cover. See the five build checkpoints.
Run it without animals. Set up the equipment and establish the biological filter through a fishless cycle. Learn what cycling means.
Use tests, not a calendar. Record ammonia and nitrite in a dated log through the cycle; confirm the filter repeatedly processes the waste source before the first animals arrive. See the app’s aquarium records.
Add livestock gradually. An experience label is not a suitability verdict. Recheck the exact care profiles and this plan, introduce a suitable first group or individual, then observe behaviour and water quality. Read the first-week guide.

Now start the aquarium plan

Your aquarium

Start with what you know.

Choose the setup type and stage first. Measurements improve the comparison; leave unknown values blank. Marine plans have an additional readiness check before livestock is considered.

Aquarium details

What are you planning?

Plan name optional

Setup type

Aquarium stage

Tank dimensions

Measure inside length, width and water height up to your fill line. This rough estimate subtracts substrate and a further 8% for decor and equipment; actual water volume may differ. Measure replacement water for dosing.

Length

Front to back

Water height

Substrate depth

Unit

Approx. working waterEnter all three dimensions

Water column before substrate—

Approx. US gallons—

Current water readings

Record only measurements you have taken. Leave an unknown value blank rather than guessing; marine readiness keeps every missing reading visible.

Temperature °C

Livestock shortlist

Who will live here?

Add animals or plants from Discover, then set the number you intend to keep. Supported conflicts appear here; no alert does not prove a pairing is safe.

Add livestock from Discover

Your setup plan

What to check next.

Compare available adult-care guidance, see gaps and decide what to address first. There is no one-size-fits-all fish-per-litre rule.

Planning support cannot guarantee individual behaviour or replace observation. A recorded minimum volume is not a stocking allowance: footprint, adult size, territories, social groups, filtration and water quality still matter.