Step-by-step
Step 1: Buy the equipmentTank kit (Aqueon 10g, Marina LED, Tetra Whisper or sponge filter, 50W heater),
Fluval Stratum or Eco-Complete substrate, RODI water source, dechlorinator (
Seachem Prime), basic test kit (API Master).
Step 2: Aquascape day 1Rinse substrate in a colander to remove dust. Add 2 inches to tank. Place hardscape (3-5 stones in odd-numbered group, or 1 piece of driftwood). Fill with RODI + Prime, leave 1 inch headroom.
Step 3: Plant the tankPlant carpet first (Monte Carlo or dwarf hairgrass), midground crypts (cryptocoryne wendtii, lutea), background stems (rotala rotundifolia, ludwigia repens). Anubias nana petite tied to wood for accent. Mist with spray bottle if exposed during planting.
Step 4: Cycle the tankAdd bottled bacteria (Dr Tims One & Only, Bio-Spira, Stability). Dose ammonia to 2-3 ppm. Wait 7-14 days. Test daily; once ammonia + nitrite both 0 within 24 hours of dosing 2 ppm, the cycle is done. 50% water change before adding fish.
Step 5: Stock week 1Add 6-10 amano shrimp + 6 otocinclus catfish. They eat the algae bloom that hits new tanks. Wait 2 weeks. Test parameters weekly.
Step 6: Stock week 3Add main school: 8-10 cardinal tetras OR 12 chili rasboras OR 8 ember tetras. Quarantine in a separate tank for 14 days first if possible.
Step 7: Stock week 5Optional centerpiece: pair of celestial pearl danios, single dwarf gourami, or pair of german blue rams (advanced - only if parameters stable). Final fish count target: under 1 inch of fish per gallon.
Step 8: Weekly maintenanceSunday: 25-30% water change with RODI + Prime, gentle vacuum substrate, wipe glass, test ammonia + nitrate. Trim stem plants every 2-3 weeks. Replace filter floss monthly; never clean bio-media.