Thinking of setting up a freshwater aquarium? We may be a little biased here, but we think that’s a great idea. There are many unexpected advantages to fishkeeping! But… what will your new tank need?
If you’ve never set up an aquarium before, all the equipment and accessories for sale at your local pet store can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a simple aquarium shopping list with all the basics you need to get started.
To kit, or not to kit?
Aquarium companies know that for beginning aquarists in particular, it’s a hassle finding all the equipment and accessories yourself. That’s why every aquarium store is full of aquarium kits claiming to come with everything you need to get started (usually tank, light, stand, and filter at least).
An aquarium kit can be a great option, but it’s important to remember they aren’t always as complete as they make out to be, nor are all of them made equal. Most sets don’t contain everything you need, meaning you’ll still have to go shopping for other products. For example, the heater is often missing, even though most aquariums should be kept at stable tropical temperatures.
More experienced aquarists also often discover that they aquarium kit they bought contains a relatively low-quality light (not enough to properly grow plants), filter (often clunky and loud), and other equipment. This is because these kits are catered to beginners—once you go a little more pro, they don’t always hold up.
Still, buying a kit can save you a lot of time. Just be sure not to impulse buy: check other aquarists’ experiences. If they report still being happy with their set-up after 1+ year, you can probably safely take the plunge.
Buying used
Don’t forget about the power of Facebook Marketplace (and similar sites). We love sustainability here at FantaSEA, but that’s not the only advantage of buying secondhand. After all, folks who are quitting the hobby or getting rid of tanks they don’t need anymore might sell you their aquarium or equipment for less than half of the new price.
If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of having to look for everything separately—tank, stand, light, filter, and much more—buying off another (former) aquarist can be very helpful. Just check everything thoroughly before buying. Very old tanks can be dirt cheap, but they may need to be resealed or they will leak all over the place, making them less than ideal for beginners.
Tip: It breaks our hearts, but we unfortunately have to recommend against depending on pet store employees/owners for advice. Unless an experienced aquarist has told you they can be trusted, the risk of being sold overpriced, unnecessary, or even damaging items is too high. It’s better to have your shopping list ready and sticking to that.
Aquarium shopping list
Heading out to the aquarium store soon? Even if you’re buying a kit, you’ll probably need to pick up some extra supplies. Download the aquarium shopping list by clicking so you can keep it on your phone or print it out to take with you:
Aquarium
- Aquarium
- Stand
- Lid (if not included)
- Foam protector (to place underneath)
Start with at least 10 gallons if you can. Smaller tanks may seem more convenient, but larger ones are much easier to keep stable, which is invaluable for a beginner.
Although lidless tanks look lovely, yours should really have at least a simple lid or hood. This prevents fish from being able to jump out when startled, keeps the temperature stable, and prevents the humidity in your home from going through the roof.
BONUS: Air pump kit
- Air pump
- Air stone
- Airline tubing
Although additional aeration usually isn’t needed, most aquarists will run into a situation where it comes in handy sooner or later. For example, to add more oxygen, like when the water is warm in summer, for quarantine tanks, in case the filter breaks, or to dissolve solids into water. The airline tubing can also be used for drip acclimation, an essential step that helps livestock survival rates after buying.
Cleaning tools
- Bucket
- Algae scrubber (magnetic or sponge)
- Thin hose
- Bonus: Gravel vacuum tool
If you don’t have any spare towels to sacrifice, buy one to keep close to your tank. Aquariums are very wet!
BONUS: Cycling tools
- Pure ammonia
- Bacterial starter
Before your aquarium is safe for fish, it needs an established nitrogen cycle. Although you can cycle a tank without any store-bought products, some pure (surfactant/additive-free) ammonia and a bottle of cycling bacteria can be helpful.
Décor
Fish need shelter and visual barriers to feel safe. Choose a mix of the following:
- Plants (live preferable)
- Aquarium-safe rocks
- Driftwood
- Artificial decorations
- Background (sticker or 3d)
- Bonus: leaf litter for tannins and a natural look
- Bonus: natural hides for fish and inverts that need them, like coconut caves
- Bonus: aquascaping glue or epoxy
If you’ll be growing live plants, consider also picking up a set of planting tongs and scissors for easier maintenance.
Filter
- Filter
- Filter material (if not included)
- Optional: bag of filter floss (has to be replaced regularly)
Although filterless aquariums exist, they’re best left to aquarists with at least some experience. Choosing a filter is an important consideration; you can find more information in our post on types of filters.
Heater
- Heater
- Optional: heater guard (for sensitive, scale-less fish in particular)
Most tropical freshwater fish require a stable temperature between 75–79°F. Even those that do well at ambient temperature will benefit from the use of a high-quality thermostat heater to keep the temp stable.
At room temperature, a 10-gallon aquarium will do well with a 50-watt heater, a 20-gallon with a 100-watt heater… etcetera. If the room is cooler than that, you may need something more powerful.
Light
- Aquarium light
- Optional: reflector to reduce light pollution/loss
Lighting doesn’t just help you view your tank and give your fish the day-and-night rhythm they need; it’s also essential if you plan to grow live plants.
Most aquarists nowadays use LEDs. Quite a few factors come into play when choosing a light, but the most important thing for plants is that it’s full-spectrum white and as wide as your tank. If the brand mentions PAR, that should be around 20-30 for basic freshwater plants—take tank height into consideration.
Net
We should leave our fish alone as much as possible, but sometimes having to catch them is inevitable.
BONUS: Power strip
As we’ve seen, freshwater aquariums usually come with at least three pieces of equipment that need to be plugged in: heater, filter, and light. Pick up an extra power strip with surge-protection if you don’t have one lying around.
Substrate
Coarse sand or fine gravel is usually considered ideal, although it does depend somewhat on what you’re planning for your aquarium. Most freshwater aquarists like a dark-colored substrate, which makes live plants’ colors pop.
Thermometer
Even with a heater, you’ll need a thermometer to monitor water temperature and spot fluctuations. In fact, you should ideally have two—cooked or frozen fish are among the most common aquarium catastrophes.
BONUS: Timer
Unless you’re home every day at the right times to turn your aquarium light on and off, a timer can save your fish from losing sleep (or sleeping until late!) on a regular basis.
Folks who are away a lot can also consider an automatic feeder.
Water conditioner
Tap water in most regions contains chlorine or chloramine, which is harmful to fish. A water conditioner neutralizes these substances instantly, so unless you use RO/DI water (which you probably won’t), it’s one of your most essential tools.
Water test kit
You’ll want tests for at least ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. Although it can be tempting to opt for cheap strips, they’re notoriously inaccurate, so investing in a liquid kit is key.
Conclusion
There’s a lot more to setting up a fish tank than you might think! Even this aquarium shopping list is far from complete, as it only covers the basics.
If you’d like your own aquarium but worry about the hassle, FantaSEA Aquariums can help. We take care of everything, from design to shopping to set-up and maintenance, so all you have to do it enjoy your tank. Contact us with your ideas today!
