If you’ve recently bought a new aquarium, you might be tempted to set it up straight away, but there are a couple of things you need to consider first. Knowing where to put it, how to filter it and what to do before you put the fish in is an absolute must if you want to keep your tank running cleanly and efficiently.

When placing your aquarium, put it somewhere away from noise or vibration – keep it out of places like the kitchen or next to the television, and instead put it where it can be enjoyed but where the fish won’t be disturbed or distressed by lights and loud noises. You’ll also want to avoid anywhere near a radiator, as this will cause the water temperature to fluctuate too much, and keep it out of prolonged natural light, as this can affect the natural algae that contributes to the tank’s ecosystem.

To keep your tank clean, you’ll want to pick up an aquarium filter like those available from Pets at Home. Before filling the tank, wipe it with a clean cloth, and then add your sand or gravel and any decorations. It’s best to put plants in while the tank is about 50 per cent full, to keep them from being too damaged by the move. Finally, fill your tank and add some water treatment – it’s advisable to avoid adding your fish until your aquarium has had a few weeks to establish itself.