Freshwater Aquariums: Set Up, Supplies & Resources
Aquariums can make beautiful, relaxing additions to your home and provide a calming hobby. Most importantly they are homes to the creatures you place within. Learning how to create a stable, healthy environment for aquatic pets will help you enjoy yo...
Tanks & Stands
Making sure you have a sturdy tank and stand is imperative. The right type of tank set up and placement will save you from fish mishaps and cleaning issues.
When creating an aquarium set up you can buy individual parts or a kit including most equipment at once. Larger tanks maintain their systems better once set up, smaller sizes need more frequent water changes and conditions like temperature may change...
Believe it or not 10 gallons is actually a rather small tank size. Sometimes you have to work with your space and preferences though, and you can make difference choices work!
A compact 7.5 gallon tank kit, slightly more room than 5 gallons but under 10 for space restrictions.
If you are interested in keeping a very small aquarium, perhaps for one Betta, or due to limited space, your tank set up should still have the essentials like filtration, lighting, a heater and aeration. No Betta should be in a cramped unheated tank,...
A 29 Gallon tank kit, a convenient way to for beginners to obtain the main equipment needed and more room for fish.
Choose from 5 to 55 gallon kits with basic supplies. Using a store brand kit or filter usually means you can only buy replacement materials or cartridges from the same store in the same brand, but that's not necessarily a bag thing if the products ar...
When choosing a stand for your tank it's best to know the tank dimensions as well as weight to compare to the furniture weight holding limit. You can calculate the basic weight of your tank by multiplying the amount of gallons by the weight of water ...
Aquarium stands are meant to be even, stable & durable while offering storage for food and accessories, but they don't have to be your only option. For smaller tanks you may already have a sturdy table or chest that can handle the weight and dime...
For large tanks a proper aquarium stand will also serve as a focal point because of the size of the support. You can find a durable stand that matches your style at pet supply companies or regular furniture suppliers.
Substrate
Substrate is the material at the bottom of the tank. It is incredibly important to the ecosystem of your tank. The type you choose should depend on the type of animals you are planning on including in your aquarium. For example, some fish are sensiti...
Aquarium gravel is fun to choose for your personal color preference and style. A rule to follow about how much you need in your tank is for each gallon, 1 pound of gravel will make 1 inch of substrate. For example, 10 pounds of gravel for a 10 gallon...
I like using sand in my aquariums but it requires more manual cleaning. Some fish need sand if they have sensitive bodies or lack scales to prevent injuries and it's a nice aesthetic option.
If you are trying your hand at a planted aquarium, this recommendation can help you set up and maintain healthy plants and parameters.
Aquarium gravel accents come in glass and plastic, just make sure they are meant for aquariums and with leech harmful chemicals or paint into your tank
Larger stones can provide some variety in texture for bottom dwellers and snails, or smooth places for fish to rest.
Natural river stones for aquariums can give a more natural feel to a tank set up
Filtration
It is important to have multiple types of filtration to create a stable ecosystem. Include chemical, mechanical and biological filtration accessories to improve your aquarium health and stability.
This is a good accessory kit with a filter that is easy to find replacement pads for. Meant for 20 gallon tanks
There are filter sizes up to 40 gallons with this option from Chewy. Notably there is a 3 gal version that would be best for Bettas in even 5 gallon tanks as they have a low bioload and do not do well with strong currents.
Back of tank filters are usually positioned at the rim of the back of your tank. They rest over both sides of the tank and protrude slightly above the tank. They are my preferred filter because they are easy to use and get or make cartridges for. Aqu...
Under gravel filters can be effective and do not require a bulky piece of equipment on your tank. They may have a more gentle flow and attractive assistance. They collect waste and debris under slotted plates below the gravel and cannot be used with ...
A sponge filter option for 20 gallon tanks. Requires air line and pump hook up but may be a worthwhile option for your tank.
For larger aquariums over 50 gallons canister filters are often preferred. They can house all forms of necessary filtration and have higher capacities for debris. They are usually better choices for more experienced fish keepers.
Heaters & Lighting
Lighting is incredibly important to your aquarium ecosystem. Placing your aquarium near a natural light source is a good idea but to much light can increase algae growth so it's important to know balance. Windows can also affect the temperature of yo...
A floating thermometer can help you tell the temperatures in different parts of the tank with ease.
A good heater will keep your fish healthy and happy and your home safe. The right wattage relates to the size of your tank, and the temperature you need is based on the fish you keep. Add a tank thermometer to see that you're keeping a steady tempera...
A less powerful heater for small aquariums.
I had a really hard time finding a miniature aquarium light that had a wall plug until recently. It's nice to have a small, positionable tank light if you have light sensitivity or sensory issues.
The 2 lengths available for this affordable hood light should work for 10 (20") and 20 (24") gallon tanks.
This light can change patterns and colors or remain on a solid color for aesthetically pleasing tank glow.
A flexible multi colored light and bubble wand. Requires an air pump, sold separately.
Hooking up your aquarium lighting to an outlet plug timer can make it cheaper and easier to keep your tank healthy and may stop it from turning green from too much algae growth.
Water Prep & Testing
Once you have the right supplies setting up and maintaining the homeostasis of your tank will become easier and give you peace of mind.
When setting up a new aquarium it's extremely important to let it "cycle" before adding fish. Cycling allows water conditions to stabilize as good bacteria grow and create the right conditions for your fish to be healthy. Adding Seachem Stability whe...
A powerful water conditioner and must have for safe water changes. Use when setting up new aquariums and regular water changes to protect your fish and have a lower chance of losing fish than other products.
For initial tank set up and water changes my go to options are above, but this is another option I have used and had success with.
Water changes can throw off the bacteria populations in your tank and cause problems. Stresszyme can keep good bacteria populations up and your tank well balanced
You can usually take a water sample to your local fish store for testing but having good test kits on have help keep your water parameters in shape without leaving home. This is a basic, easy to use kit for pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate testing
Not all fish can tolerate aquarium salt, but it can help with stress and illness if you use it correctly for some circumstances.
Stocking Recommendations
These are my recommendations for aquarium residents that range from easy to moderate care levels.
Bettas are my favorite fish for their lively personalities and beautiful fins and colors. You can keep them alone or sometimes under certain circumstances with other fish. Females can be kept in groups of 5 or more if you have the room and they have ...
Honey Gouramis are vibrant little fish in the same family as Bettas. They stay under 2" and can be kept with others of their kind and other peaceful fish.
Ghost shrimp or Glass shrimp are delightful scavengers that will have you playing hide and seek. They do well in established aquariums without aggressive tank mates and can be fun additions to your aquarium.
Amano shrimp are peaceful community dwellers who will eat up the algae in your tank. Supplement their diet with algae wafers if your tank isn't well established or you lack algae growth.
I'm a big fan of snails in my aquariums and I love mystery snails but if you aren't vigilant they can breed like crazy and over run your tank. Nerite snails are algae eaters and scavengers and require brackish conditions to breed. Nerites will help k...
I love Corydora catfish. They are small, goofy bottom dwellers that provide endless entertainment. They do not have scales and do better with sand or smooth gravel to avoid injuries or infections.
White cloud mountain minnows or Danios are active and easy beginner fish. They should be kept in schools of 6 or more and measure about 1.5" as adults.
Neon Tetras are a favorite among beginner and seasoned fish keepers alike. Their small size, vibrant colors and need to be kept in schools makes them a good choice to stock up your tank. They like larger schools over 6 or more. They stay under 1.5" a...
Cherry Barbs are bright reddish or orange schooling fish that are less aggressive than their relatives and can be kept in community tanks. Give them at least a 10 gallon tank or larger.
Rasboras come in multiple varieties and are classic beginner fish. They like to be kept in schools and generally stay under 2" as adults.
Mollies are very cute but can grow up to 5.5" so they are best kept in at least a 20 gallon tank without too many fish. They can breed somewhat easily and you may end up with more than you started with if the fry survive. Balloon Mollies are my favor...
I love Mystery or Apple snails and refuse to leave them off this list. They are clumsy, hilarious, egg laying chonkers and if you care for them well you will have funny tank residents keeping you entertained. It's relatively easy to remove eggs and k...
Fish Food
Your fish are what they eat... Kind of
To keep your fish healthy and encourage vibrant colors a good flake food is necessary. Tetra, Aqueon, API and Hikari are all good brands to use. Better nutrition means brighter fish.
These Betta pellets are less clumsy in size for more successful consumption and less waste.
Extra small pellets for small fish so you will have less leftovers
Your fish will love these frozen bloodworms. They are more desirable than the dried options but must be kept in the freezer.
Brine shrimp are another favorite treat for fish.
If you can't or don't want to keep fish treats in your freezer, freeze dried blood worms don't need refrigeration.
My Cories were so happy with this food they bred like crazy.
For wafers for algae eating fish I also recommend the brand Hikari. My Albino Plecostomus enjoyed these.
Some fish require vegetables and others enjoy them as treats. Learn how to properly prepare fresh fruit and vegetables for your fish.
Having something to secure lettuce or other vegetables in place can help you find remains for easier clean up later.
Decor
Aquarium plants and decor give fish safe places to hide, play and rest and allow you to truly customize your aquatic space. This is the fun part! Get creative and let your personality shine. Just make sure the decor isn't sharp and is intended for aq...
Fabric aquarium plants are my preference, again for fish safety but also I enjoy knowing that they provide a nice soft resting area for my fish, like a cotton bed sheet instead of a plastic sheet.
A variety pack can save you some money and time when deciding on aquarium decor. A variety of textures and types of hiding spots in one package.
Adding certain types of driftwood to aquariums can help with pH issues and add natural beauty. Some fish such as Plecostomus need wood for dietary fiber. Wood needs some preparation to be able to sink or not stain the water due to tannins. Soaking wo...
Cholla wood comes from cacti and can provide natural shelter for shrimp and food for algae eating fish. It will break down but it's cheap to replace.
Bettas aren't the only fish that enjoy these, I've even seen my shrimp going for a ride in these logs.
Some fish, especially Bettas who breathe from the surface, like to rest near the top of the tank. It's nice to have a spot you can keep just below the surface for them or some floating leaves.
These hiding spots are sure to lure in sleepy fish.
It's nice to find aquarium decor that you like but it's most satisfying to find objects your fish love. This rock cave and ledge is great for small bottom dwellers and schooling fish that want a place to gather for rest. Even my Betta took to sleepin...
Support a small business on Etsy and pick a scene for a tank background, or customize your own! Aquarium backgrounds can make your fish feel safer and your tank more personalized.
Accessories
Good old fashioned fish net for wrangling fish.
You might want a fish net with a longer reach or larger area.
When you need a simple cover for your tank these come in various sizes.
For connecting filtration and aeration and some decorations to pumps.
You can use air stones to keep your tank oxygenated and and some fish like to play in the bubbles
A good air pump is quiet and won't vibrate loudly or rattle around, a good base of rubber or silicone helps.
A cheap yoga mat cut down to size can serve as a tank leveling mat or insulation
These shells provide a good source of calcium for snails in addition to aiding water cleanliness. Too much can make water cloudy, but they can be broken easily into smaller sizes for adjustments.
If your fish happen to be ready to have or already had offspring you can try to raise the fry using a net breeder. As harsh as it may sound, it's usually best to let fry become nutritious snacks for established aquarium residents to prevent over popu...
Cleaning
Cleaning your tank on an appropriate schedule will keep your tank friends in good shape and can provide a meditative, mindful exercise for you.
A tank vacuum with a pump makes it easier to start the suction and a more precise tube can get into tighter areas with less disturbance.
For minor waste removal between full vacuums.
A tank scrubber with a good reach
Even if you don't have live plants in your tank an aquascaping tool set can really help with rearranging or smoothing things out after cleaning.
Having a few basins is useful for water changes, washing filter parts, rinsing gravel or decorations and general things you may not want in your sink or falling down the drain.
Have a good bucket or two for water changes.
Temporary housing for fish during deep cleans or rearranging will keep them out of harms way.
Resources & Articles
Guides, Social Media, and YouTube resources to help you succeed at being an aquarium keeper
A helpful guide to starting a tank for beginners.
Knowing how and when to do partial water changes and will keep your aquarium healthy and beautiful.
For the Betta lovers, this forum is a great place to share and learn.
For Tropical fish keepers, this site is a great resource.
From beginners to pros you can find helpful information here.
Tips to successfully keep a peaceful aquarium
The low down on your tank base
Filter options explained
You can buy a filter baffle or you can make one at home in various ways. Here is one example.
Choosing the right heater for your aquarium will save you and your fish from a lot of stress.
Understanding how to correctly use aquarium salt can help certain sick or stressed fish.