This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Mars Fish Care and the API brand

A gallon fish tank is easy and fun for the entire family.

Have you ever contemplated setting up an indoor fish tank, but hesitated because you were not sure how much work it would require or maybe wasn’t sure how to set it up properly? I have definitely been there before! Having a gallon fish tank for the entire family is both easy and fun, especially when you have to the tools to set it up properly.

Having the tools makes it even easier.

If you have the right tools, anything can be done easily. A fish tank is great for families with kids! We recently set up our gallon fish tank in the kids’ virtual learning/playroom. It not only adds to the overall ambience of the room, but it is a pet they can help me take care of, thanks to API Mars Fish Care products. My toddler even helped me set up our aquarium: from picking out the pet fish, adding the gravel, to adding the Mars Fish Care products to create a safe environment for our new pet fish.

How to Easily and Properly Set Up a Gallon Fish Tank

It is also a great way to teach kids responsibility and how to follow instructions. My toddler loves to feed her fish now that she knows how to feed them a little pinch for ‘breakfast’ and ‘dinner’. I still have to observe her during the feeding times because we know how excited toddlers can get.

How to properly set up a gallon fish tank.

If you follow the following instructions on how to set up your gallon fish tank, you should be on your way! Thanks to API Mars Fish Care for showing us how easy it is to have pet fish when you set your gallon fish tank up properly.

If you are ever in doubt of the quality of your aquarium water, you can use the API® 5-IN-1 Test Strips. By dipping the test strip into the water, you can quickly and easily test the 5 most important aquarium water parameters – pH, KH, GH, nitrate, and nitrite. Then adjust the water by adding whatever products to correct any imbalance.

How to Properly Set Up a Gallon Fish Tank

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

Indoor Fish Tank: 10 Gallon Tank is a great starter size
Fish Tank Light
Filter
API Mars Fish Care Products:
API® STRESS COAT
API® QUICK START
API® STRESS ZYME
API® AQUARIUM SALT
API® 5-IN-1 TEST STRIPS
API® TROPICAL FLAKES
Fish Tank Water Heater appropriate for the fish tank size
Fish! Freshwater Fish: Tetras, Barbs, Angelfish, Guppies
Fish Tank ornamental decor: aquarium gravel, plastic plants, etc.

Instructions

Clean the new fish tank well with water and a mild soap.
Rinse the aquarium gravel to remove any fine dust.
Prepare the fish tank! Add the gravel to the bottom of the tank as well as any fish tank ornamental products, like a plastic plant.
Attach the aquarium heater to the side of the tank. Make sure you have a place to plug in the heater, filter as well as fish tank light near by! You will want to keep the fish tank heater set for around 76-78 degrees. This is best for all tropical fish.
Attach the filter to the fish tank.
Add the water to the fish tank! Make sure you have the spot you want to keep the aquarium clean and ready to go and stable. As you are adding the water, add API® STRESS COAT water conditioner. This will make the tap water safe for your fish by removing chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals from tap water, and contains the healing power of Aloe Vera to reduce fish stress by up to 40% and to heal damaged tissue and wounds. This should also be used when : handling, netting, or adding fish to a bag for the trip home
from the store, and when performing monthly water changes.
Add the appropriate amount of API® QUICK START. This will allow you to add your fish immediately to the fish tank because it starts the natural aquarium cycle, converting toxic ammonia into nitrite. The waste produced by the fish alters the water with toxic ammonia. Quick Start helps take care of this! This should be done after every water change.
Add API® AQUARIUM SALT to the gallon fish tank. Yes, even to the freshwater aquarium tanks! It is made from evaporated sea salt and is a must-have for your aquarium.It not only promotes fish health by improving gill function, making it easier for fish to breathe, but it also provides essential electrolytes that fish need to reach peak coloration and vitality.
Add your fish and enjoy!

Notes

Goldfish are not a tropical aquarium fish. They do not require a heater!

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…

Give those fish an environment that they can thrive and ‘just keep swimming’. Your kids will love it. Your fish will love it. It is basically a win-win thanks to products like API Mars Fish Care!