1. You should be sure to rinse out all of the materials you are going to be placing in the aquarium with water. Do not use soap or detergents, soap can cause toxic results for the fish in your aquarium. Just rinse the equipment with distilled water.
2. You must always treat the water in the aquarium before attempting to place fish. If you fail to treat the water the fish can die from the condition of the water.
3. You should always stay up to date on the new and exciting practices for fish keeping. Subscribe to several news letters to keep up to date. If you like to read, go to your local library and get some books on fish keeping.