- 1). Purchase a pump and filter setup based on your tank and the creatures inside. Go to an aquarium supply shop and browse through the pumps to find one that's right for you. Look at the packaging on the setup to make sure it can handle your aquarium's size in both filtering and pumping capacity. Choose a pump that will circulate the entire tank's water at least once every two hours to keep good circulation and movement in the tank. If you're unsure about the pump's capacity, ask an employee for help.
- 2). Set up your pump and filter system when your aquarium is empty, for ease and safety. Put the pump on the bottom of the tank, in a corner for security. Put the filter attachment in the location it's designed for, per the directions that come with the equipment. Attach the tube to the pump's "out" opening and then to the filter's intake valve. The pump will push water through the filter to be cleaned. Don't plug the system in yet.
- 3). Fill your tank with fresh or salt water, depending on your preference and setup. Make sure the equipment is fully submerged, then turn on the pump and filter. Allow it to run for at least an hour before you add any marine life, to filter out any litter in the water and make sure it's working as it should.
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