Lesson 6: Final Setup Checklist Before Adding Fish

The Final Checklist

You're so close! Before you bring your guppies home, let's make sure everything is truly ready. I've turned this into a checklist you can go through point by point. If everything checks out, you're good to go!

✅ Tank & Equipment

• ☐ Tank is the right size (10+ gallons recommended)
• ☐ Tank is on a sturdy, level surface
• ☐ Tank mat or towel underneath for cushioning
• ☐ Filter is installed and running (has been running during cycling)
• ☐ Heater is installed, set to 76-78°F, and verified with a thermometer
• ☐ Light is installed and on a timer (8-10 hours daily)
• ☐ Lid or cover is in place (guppies can jump!)

✅ Water Quality

• ☐ Tank is fully cycled (ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate present)
• ☐ Water has been treated with conditioner
• ☐ Temperature is stable at 74-82°F
• ☐ pH is tested and noted (doesn't need to be perfect, just known)
• ☐ You've done a large water change after cycling to lower nitrates

✅ Decorating & Plants

• ☐ Substrate is rinsed and in place
• ☐ Hiding spots are available (plants, caves, driftwood)
• ☐ No sharp edges on decorations
• ☐ Open swimming space in the front/center of the tank
• ☐ Plants are in place and showing signs of life

✅ Supplies on Hand

• ☐ Water conditioner (Seachem Prime or similar)
• ☐ Test kit (API Freshwater Master)
• ☐ Fish food (high-quality flake or micro pellet)
• ☐ Gravel vacuum/siphon
• ☐ Dedicated clean bucket
• ☐ Small net

✅ Planning

• ☐ You know how many guppies you're getting (start with 5-6)
• ☐ You've decided on males only, females only, or a mixed group
• ☐ If mixed, you have the right ratio (1 male : 2-3 females)
• ☐ You've identified a good local fish store
• ☐ You know the acclimation process (float bag, slowly mix water, net fish in)

🎉 You're Ready!

If you checked everything off, congratulations — you've done more preparation than most beginners, and your guppies are going to have a wonderful home. Go pick out your fish and enjoy the moment. You've earned it!

Common last-minute worries:

• "Is my water perfect?" — It doesn't need to be. Stable and conditioned is what matters.
• "Did I pick the right plants?" — If they're alive and in the tank, they're fine for now.
• "What if something goes wrong?" — You have a test kit, conditioner, and this guide. You're prepared.

What's next? Check out the Feeding & Nutrition course to learn exactly how to feed your new guppies, or dive into Breeding Basics when you're ready for baby fish!