the tank, fill and repeat until the water is an inch from the top. put on the lid and the filter, and place the air pump wherever it wont move. set up the heater in a corner of the tank. plug the power bar into the wall, and place on the ground put the heater on the lowest temperature, and plug it in. then set it to about 76 f, or 24 c. add the thermometer. now, clean the activated carbon and sponge inserts for your filter, and put them in. pour water into your filter until it pours into your tank, and plug it in. plug in your air 