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Freshwater Aquarium Must-Haves
9
items My personal recommendations for filtration, decor, and more to make sure your aquarium is in top shape!
Sections
3
Filtration
Substrate and Decor
Water Maintenance
Filtration
Get rid of your cartridge filters and take a look at the AquaClear line! These are hanging filters that utilize bio-media instead of cartridges (which don't always work well and are expensive in the long run.) When cleaning, rinse the media in tank w...
AquaClear 30 Power Filter for 10-30 Gallons
I also recommend adding a sponge filter to the intake, as this increases the amount of filtration. Clean the sponge the same way you clean the bio media: rinse and squeeze the sponge in tank water, then reattach to the intake.
AQUANEAT 6-Pack Pre-Filter Sponge 0.6”
If you choose to use a bio-media filter, I recommend adding Matrix to your filter media. It is porous and enables the beneficial bacteria to colonize your filter and maintain water quality.
Matrix - Seachem
Substrate and Decor
Java Moss is easy to grow, easy to care for, and beneficial to your aquarium! Plants help to maintain water quality and parameters, provide hiding places for your pets, and give your aquarium an authentic look!
Java Moss For Aquariums - Petco
For substrate, I usually recommend aquarium sand. It’s easy to clean and safer for fish, frogs, etc., as it is much smaller than rock gravel.
Carib Sea Moonlight Sand for Aquarium, 5lb
Water Maintenance
Prime is the GOAT of water conditioners. Add some drops of Prime to new water whenever you do water changes, and whenever you notice that your water parameters are off. Prime detoxifies ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, and is concentrated, so a little ...
Seachem Prime Conditioner 500 ml
Stability contains beneficial bacteria that help to cycle and stabilize your aquarium water. It can be added directly to your tank, as well as to your new water prior to a water change.
Seachem Stability Fish Tank Stabilizer 16.9oz
Siphons are a must-have for quick and efficient water changes! If you aren’t sure what to actually siphon the tank water INTO, check out my next rec!
Amazon.com: Aquarium Siphon
Water change hack:
- Fill one of these with conditioned, clean water.
- Siphon your tank water into a second empty container.
- Pour your clean water into the tank.
- Pour out your tank water OR save some to clean your filters, sponge, etc.
If you...
WaterStorageCube BPA Free Collapsible Jug