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Everything You Need to Build a Freshwater Fish Tank: for Beginners!
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items Are you thinking about getting in to the aquarium hobby? This list is going to show you exactly what you need to get started on building your freshwater aquarium. Each of these products are something we use on a regular basis to maintain our fish tan...
Sections
3
Getting Started
Maintenance
Educational Videos
Getting Started
These are the basic necessities that you will need to setup your fish tank.
I recommend a 20 gallon long aquarium to get you started in the hobby. It has a larger footprint and gives you more options of what kind of fish you can put in the tank.
Imagitarium Long Open-Glass Aquarium Tank, 20 Gallon | Petco
Fluval Stratum is a tried and true substrate suitable for most aquarium setups.
Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum 8.8 lbs
My friend @tnaquascape runs this hardscape business. She sells wood and rock suitable for your aquarium aquascaping needs! All pieces are “what you see is what you get” so you can choose exactly what you like.
Wood & Rocks
Flourish Tabs are fertilizer tabs for your live plants in your aquarium. Installing these give your plants the nutrients that they need to thrive and grow in your new fish tank!
Seachem Flourish Tabs Aquatic Plant 40ct
If you’re looking to install live plants in your new aquarium, Dustin’s Fish tanks has a variety of plants available.
Dustin's Fishtanks - Aquarium Plants for sale - Planted tank made EASY
A dependable light source is an important component of building an aquarium, especially if you want to keep live plants.
SEAOURA Aquarium Plant Light, 7-Row LED, 8 Colors, 20 Brightness
This filter is brand new to the market and is the ultimate solution to filtration needs in an aquarium. This one is rated for 20 gallons, but comes in larger sizes too.
Sicce Aqua Filtra 20 HOB Power Filter 20 Gal
Fish tanks must be kept at a consistent temperature for best results!
hygger 75W Mini Fish Tank Heater 10-15 Gal
We use Prime for every water change and top off that we do on the aquariums. Tap water often contains chloramines which is harmful to fish and invertebrates. Prime conditions the water to eliminate the risk.
Seachem Prime Fresh & Saltwater Conditioner 250ml
We love using Fritz Zyme 7 to kickstart the nitrogen cycle in our aquariums!
FritzZyme 7 Live Nitrifying Bacteria 32oz
Nets are a must have especially for when you are ready to add new fish! You’ll want to drain the fish store water out into the sink and let the fish go into the net before adding them to your new fish tank.
Aquarium Nets
Maintenance
These items will help you in maintaining your fish tank. The right tools make a big difference!
A good siphon is ESSENTIAL for caring for your fish tank!
Tetra Gravel Siphon Water Cleaner for Aquariums
This little thermometer is super helpful in keeping track of the aquarium temperature. It sticks right to the glass and reads the temperature with a touch of the button.
PAIZOO Fish Tank Digital Thermometer LED
Don’t forget to feed your fish!!
Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Fish Food Flakes 0.63oz
These test strips are recommended to us by our local fish store. A master testing kit is also recommended.
9 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips for Salt & Freshwater - 25 Count
A master test kit is a necessity to be sure that the water conditions in your fish tank are suitable for your fish.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit 800-Test
You will need a bucket to tote your water to and from your fish tank!
The Home Depot 5 Gallon Orange Homer Bucket 05GLHD2
Tools like these are helpful for handling and trimming your live plants.
Aquascape Tools
Educational Videos
My friend Jacob @ThompsonAquatics is a fantastic educator! Give him a listen and support his channel.
Beginner Aquarium Series: Episode 1: The Aquarium Cycle