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Aquarium Must-Haves
28
items Everything I use to keep my fish tank clean, peaceful, and thriving — beginner-friendly and budget-conscious.
Sections
5
Tank Essentials
Filtration & Cleaning
Decor & Substrate
Feeding & Health
Extras
Tank Essentials
These are the basics you need to get your aquarium up and running — the tank, a lid with a light, water conditioner, heater, and thermometer. Everything here is beginner-friendly and helps keep your fish safe and happy.
This compact aquarium is perfect for small spaces like desktops or bedrooms. Its curved, scratch-resistant glass offers a clear view of your aquatic pets. The built-in air pump and LED lighting create a serene environment, making it an ideal choice f...
Small Fish Tank, Aquarium Tank With Build-in Light, Water Pump, Clear Cover, Ecological Cycle System,High Transparency Acrylic Rectangular Fish Tank
The Imagitarium Digital Aquarium Thermometer is a compact device designed to help monitor your aquarium’s water temperature. It features a 3-foot wire with a temperature probe, allowing for flexible placement within your tank. The thermometer is suit...
Imagitarium Digital Aquarium Thermometer | Petco
The Aqueon Mini Flat Heater is a compact, fully submersible heater designed for small aquariums, ideal for tanks up to 2.5 gallons. Its slim profile allows for easy placement, and it’s equipped with suction cups for secure attachment to the tank’s si...
Aqueon Mini Flat Heater, 5 Watts
The Tetra EasyBalance Plus Aquarium Water Conditioner is a reliable solution for maintaining a healthy freshwater aquarium. This all-in-one formula helps regulate pH and alkalinity, reduces nitrates and phosphates, and replenishes essential vitamins ...
Tetra Easy Balance Regulates pH in Freshwater Aquariums Water Conditioners - 8.45 fl oz
The Top Fin Essentials Aquarium Starter Kit is a fantastic choice for beginners looking to set up a freshwater aquarium. Available in various sizes, including 5, 10, 20, 29, 37, and 55 gallons, this kit provides flexibility based on your space and th...
Top Fin® Essentials Aquarium Starter Kit
The Aqueon 10 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit is a comprehensive package designed for beginners venturing into the world of fishkeeping. This kit includes essential components to establish a healthy aquatic environment:
• 10-gallon glass aquarium
• Low...
Aqueon Aquarium Kit 10 Gallon
Filtration & Cleaning
A good filter keeps your water clear and your fish healthy. These are the tools I use to clean the tank easily — from filter cartridges to gravel vacuums and algae scrapers, it’s all simple and necessary for a low-stress setup.
Aqueon QuietFlow SmartClean Internal Aquarium Filter
I grabbed this for my 10-gallon tank because I wanted something simple and quiet — and honestly, it’s been doing the job. The SmartClean button makes water changes so much easier, especially when I...
Aqueon QuietFlow SmartClean Internal Aquarium Filter, X-Small | Petco
These cartridges are a game-changer for my small aquarium setup. They’re made from sustainable materials and infused with carbon, which helps keep the water clear and fresh. I love that they’re eco-friendly and biodegradable, making me feel good abou...
Aqueon SmartClean EcoRenew Filter Cartridges, X-Small, Pack of 3 | Petco
This gravel vacuum has been a lifesaver for my aquarium maintenance routine. It’s designed for aquariums ranging from 5 to 20 gallons, making it perfect for my setup. The strong suction efficiently removes debris without disturbing the gravel, keepin...
Imagitarium Aquatic Gravel Vacuum, Medium | Petco
This little magnet has been a game-changer for my small acrylic tank. It’s compact and easy to maneuver, making algae removal a breeze without getting my hands wet. The magnet is strong enough to stay connected through the tank walls, and the weighte...
Aqueon Mini Bow Algae Cleaning Magnet, 2.5"L X 4.5"W X 7.5"H, Small | Petco
This scraper has become my go-to tool for keeping my aquarium spotless. The ergonomic handle fits perfectly in my hand, making it comfortable to use during longer cleaning sessions. I appreciate the versatility of having both stainless steel and plas...
Aqueon ProScraper 3.0 Short Handle Aquarium Algae Scraper
These test strips are a lifesaver for keeping my aquarium in check. They’re super easy to use—just dip and read—and they test for pH, nitrite, nitrate, carbonate hardness (KH), and general hardness (GH). I use them weekly to ensure my fish are swimmi...
API 5-IN-1 TEST STRIPS Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Test Strips 25-Count Box | Petco
Decor & Substrate
This is where you can get creative while still keeping your tank safe and comfy for your fish. I stick to smooth decor, beginner-friendly plants, and gravel or sand that won’t hurt delicate fins. It makes the tank look good and feel like home.
This gravel is a game-changer for my aquarium setup. The vibrant colors—pink, green, and blue—truly pop under blue LED lights, creating a mesmerizing underwater scene. It’s not just about aesthetics; the gravel provides a solid base for plants and de...
GloFish Multi-Color Fluorescent Aquarium Gravel, 5 lbs. | Petco
This sand has been a fantastic addition to my aquarium. It’s not only beautiful but also functional. The natural white color brightens up the tank, and the fine grains are perfect for my bottom-dwelling fish. What I love most is that it helps maintai...
CaribSea Aragonite Aquarium Sand, 10 lbs. | Petco
This hideaway is a fantastic addition to my reptile’s habitat. Its marbled design adds a natural and stylish touch to the enclosure. The corner placement is a space-saver, and the stepped design provides both a cozy hiding spot and a platform for bas...
Imagitarium Marbled Corner Step Cave Reptile Hideaway, Medium | Petco
This treasure chest ornament adds a delightful touch to my aquarium. When connected to an air pump, the lid opens and closes, releasing a stream of bubbles that not only aerate the water but also create a captivating visual effect. It’s a charming pi...
Penn Plax Action Aerating Ornament - Treasure Chest
This Krusty Krab ornament brings a delightful touch of Bikini Bottom to my aquarium. It’s a fun and charming piece that adds character to the tank. The ornament is made of durable, non-toxic resin, ensuring it’s safe for my fish. Its compact size fit...
Penn Plax SpongeBob Krusty Krab Aquarium Ornament ...
This adorable ornament brings a touch of Bikini Bottom to my aquarium. It’s compact, measuring approximately 2.5” L x 3” W x 5.6” H, making it perfect for smaller tanks. The swim-through holes provide a fun hideaway for my fish, and the durable, non-...
Penn Plax SpongeBob Squarepants Pineapple House with Swim Holes Aquatic Ornament, Small | Petco
This little plant adds a lovely touch to my aquarium. Its natural-looking design enhances the tank’s beauty and provides a cozy hideaway for my fish, helping to reduce their stress. It’s safe for both freshwater and saltwater environments, and the we...
Imagitarium Pearl Aquarium Plant, Small | Petco
This plant adds a lovely touch to my aquarium. Its natural-looking design enhances the tank’s beauty and provides a cozy hideaway for my fish, helping to reduce their stress. The weighted base keeps it securely in place, and it’s safe for both freshw...
Imagitarium Corkscrew Midground Plastic Aquarium Plant | Petco
Feeding & Health
These are the basics I use to keep my fish well-fed and healthy. I stick to simple food options, a net for clean-up, and a few items for stress or sickness just in case. It’s all easy to use and gentle on your tank community.
These flakes are a staple in my aquarium. Made with fresh Alaskan salmon and whole herring, they’re packed with high-quality proteins and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, promoting vibrant colors and strong immune systems in my fish. I love that they don’...
Omega One Freshwater Flakes, 2.2 oz. | Petco
This net is a staple in my aquarium toolkit. The soft mesh is gentle on my fish, ensuring stress-free transfers during tank cleanings or relocations. Its sturdy handle provides a comfortable grip, making the process smooth and efficient. It’s afforda...
Imagitarium Aquarium Net for Fish, 3" x 10" | Petco
This salt is a staple in my fish care routine. Made from evaporated sea water, it provides essential electrolytes that help my freshwater fish breathe easier and stay vibrant. I use it during water changes or when introducing new fish to reduce stres...
API Aquarium Salt, 33 oz. | Petco
API Melafix is a natural antibacterial treatment designed to address common fish ailments such as fin rot, open wounds, and mouth fungus. Its active ingredient, tea tree oil (melaleuca), is known for promoting tissue regrowth and healing. Many aquari...
API MelaFix for Aquariums, 4 oz. | Petco
Extras
These are little tools that make tank life easier — like
gloves, and buckets for water changes. Not required, but they save time and help keep things clean and low-maintenance.
The Fluval Aquasky LED Strip Light is a versatile aquarium lighting solution that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. Equipped with super bright white LEDs and tri-colored RGB LEDs (red, blue, and green), it allows for a customizable light ...
Fluval Aquasky LED Strip Light, 35 Watts | Petco
These gloves are a game-changer for my aquarium maintenance routine. They keep my hands and arms dry, allowing me to clean and rearrange my tank without worrying about contamination or getting wet. The extra-long design and secure elastic cuffs ensur...
Aquarium Gloves Long Coral Fish Tank Contamination Prevention
This bucket has become an essential part of my aquarium maintenance routine. Its sturdy construction and generous capacity make water changes and tank cleanings so much easier.
Petco Bucket
This glue has become a staple in my aquascaping toolkit. It’s perfect for attaching plants like Anubias and Java Fern to rocks or driftwood.
Imagitarium Aquarium Plant Glue, 2 Pack