Benable ā create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
For Freshwater A-Fish-ionados: Getting Your Aquarium Set Up! š
71
items Everything budding aquarists need to get their tanks set up and running!Ā This list focuses on freshwater fish species that flourish in warm water (75-80F). If you want to keep goldfish and/or Japanese koi instead, you will need a different tank, because these members of the carp family are cool water fish (60-75F).
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
Sections
10
Ā
Aquarium Fish
Ā
Fish Food
Ā
Heaters & Thermometers
Ā
Lights
Ā
Pumps & Filters
Ā
Substrate (Gravel)
Aquarium Fish
Give plenty of thought to the type of fish you want. If you decide to keep several varieties in the same tank, make sure that those tankmates are compatible. Consult your local aquarium for community fish.Ā
As a VERY good idea: don't keep big fish with small fish. Another good idea: don't assume that just because different fish species are the same size, that they will get along well with each other!
Do you want your fish to breed? They'll need nesting decor/privacy. How big will your little fish get and how long can you expect them to live? Silver dollars can live for many decades, and they're the size of a dessert plate when fully grown. Those ...
With a few exceptions (the plecos being one), most of the aquarium fish listed below love to school.
Ā
Corydoras are cute, hardy, and peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish who don't mind you staring at them (they'll stare right back!) They like to scavenge for flakes and pellets that other fish may have missed, and that helps keep the tank clean, too. Ther...
Albino Cory Catfish
Ā
Not to be confused with the boxier-looking and more vividly colored saltwater angelfish, these triangle-shaped cichlids can sport black, striped, or golden colors.
Angelfish
Ā
A peaceful dazzler that reaches up to 4" in length, the Australian (Bosemanii) Rainbowfish is appropriately named for its iridescent prism of colors on its scales and fins, and lively personality. Mine get along swimmingly with each other, as well as...
Australian Rainbowfish
Ā
If you put more than one pleco in a tank, be warned ā¦ you will get a constant influx of babies! Albino variations can result, even if neither parent exhibits the albino mutation. Bristlenose Pleco males can grow up to 6" in length and their bristles ...
Bristlenose Plecostomus
Ā
UPDATED Nov 29, 2025: I have a few clown plecos, and they are experts in the art of hiding in plain sight (they are EXCEPTIONALLY reclusive catfish ā I have gone MONTHS without seeing them!). Also--finally!--a few babies have resulted!Ā
Their mesmerizing patterns make them a gorgeous addition to your aquarium (when they decide to grace you with their rare appearances, of course). Note: all plecos are nocturnal by nature (which is a good thing if you are also a night owl or if it coi...
Their mesmerizing patterns make them a gorgeous addition to your aquarium (when they decide to grace you with their rare appearances, of course). Note: all plecos are nocturnal by nature (which is a good thing if you are also a night owl or if it coi...
Clown Plecostomus
Ā
This species is considerably larger than its neon and cardinal cousins (they can reach lengths of 3-4" upon maturity). Males have a beautiful iridescent orange sheen to their scales, and there should be a ratio of 5-6 females to one male.
Congo Tetra
Ā
These fish leave nothing to the imagination! You can clearly see their internal organs. Many years ago, when I kept them, a pair laid eggs on the plants, which hatched and developed into small fry!
Ghost Catfish
4
Ā
Gouramis steal the show with their inquisitive natures and striking colors. There are over 130 types of gouramis, and they come in a variety of sizes, from large (the peaceful Giant) to medium (Pearl, Moonlight, Gold, Opaline) to dwarf (Dwarf Powder ...
Public Domain image of a dwarf gourami commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=305552
Public Domain image of a dwarf gourami commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=305552
Gourami
Ā
Take it from me ā¦ mollies and platies add bright splashes of colors to your aquarium. Different varieties will interbreed and produce offspring with colors from both parents. Like guppies, these are prolific breeders.
Gold Nugget Mollies
Ā
This is a striking and peaceful fish which likes to swim around the middle of the tank. Other worthy contenders are the Galaxy Rasbora and even tinier (but magnificent) Phoenix Rasbora.
Harlequin Rasbora
Ā
Like clown plecos, high-fin spotted plecos can command a premium ā because they are hard to breed.Ā
Plecos like to clean the aquarium glass, as algae is part of their diet (they can do so, amazingly fast, too ā one pleco of mine cleaned the entire glass surface of a 35-gallon tank by herself overnight!) and they love to eat wood fiber. This is why ...
Plecos like to clean the aquarium glass, as algae is part of their diet (they can do so, amazingly fast, too ā one pleco of mine cleaned the entire glass surface of a 35-gallon tank by herself overnight!) and they love to eat wood fiber. This is why ...
High Fin Spotted Plecostomus
Ā
These small, colorful cichlids are fiercely protective parents. They are prolific breeders, and their offspring will continue that legacy. If you don't want your tank overrun with kribs, separate the males from the females (the latter are smaller, an...
Kribensis
Ā
Some of the easiest and most popular aquarium fish to look after (and most beautifully colored), neon tetras--the poster boys and poster girls of the tetra world--like to school in large numbers. Other types of tetras worth considering are cardinal t...
Neon Tetra
Ā
Pimelodus pictus are a wonderful, low-maintenance, and striking additions to your aquarium, but be warned: like clown plecos, they will make for the first cavern that they see, to spend most of their time in. Mine are NO different! :)Ā
They may be seen in their entirety come feeding time, otherwise expect to see quickly moving tail fins and barbels ā¦ A LOT!
They may be seen in their entirety come feeding time, otherwise expect to see quickly moving tail fins and barbels ā¦ A LOT!
Pictus Catfish
Fish Food
From flakes and pellets and wafers to frozen worms and microcrustaceans, here are the favorite nom-noms of my aquarium fish! Remember not to overload your tank with too much food. Uneaten food goes to waste (and results in your spending more time to ...
Ā
Very popular with plecos (it's like catnip for these catfish ā get it?), but just *trying* to find them in stock in-store or online is next to impossible! They're called bug bites, because insects are the main ingredient!
FluvalĀ® Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Granules
Ā
These flakes are great for colorful fish like gouramis, rainbowfish, and other aquarium fishes with bright colors.
FluvalĀ® Bug Bites Color Enhancing Flakes
Ā
Cichlids, angelfish, gourami, and rainbowfish love their microcrustaceans!
Omegaā¢ One Frozen Brine Shrimp Fish Food
Ā
It's Ex-lax for the aquarium! Both a protein-rich favorite of freshwater and saltwater fish, a cube of frozen bloodworms should be first thawed in a glass of warm water. Using a teaspoon, portion and feed fish bloodworms sparingly (fish will overfeed...
Omegaā¢ One Whole Frozen Bloodworms
Ā
If there's *one* food that will test the love that plecos have for PlecoWafers, it's ShrimpWafers!
Tetra ShrimpWafers
Ā
This is like catnip for these fish (which are part of the catfish family!) PlecoWafers are also formulated with fiber.
Tetra PRO PlecoWafers Vegetarian Fish Food
Ā
Going to be away for a few days? A few of these time-release blocks should do the trick.
Zoo Med Pleco Banquet Block Fish Food
Heaters & Thermometers
Keep your aquarium temperatures at the right levels for your warm water-loving freshwater fish. Tip: always have an extra heater and thermometer on the ready, because they can fail. Be sure to monitor temperatures regularly!
Ā
Don't let their compact design and low price fool you: the extremely legible digital displays and high-precision sensors of these stick-on thermometers deliver an accuracy rating of 0.18Ā°F, a deviation of Ā±1Ā°F, and 5-second refresh rates that capture...
AMIR Wireless Digital Aquarium Thermometer (set of 2)
Ā
This shatterproof, compact and fully submersible heater (which can be mounted vertically or horizontally) offers preset temperature ranges for tanks up to 75 gallons. The LED indicator lights up as red when actively heating.
Aqueon Adjustable Pro Heater
Ā
This 200W heater delivers precision temperature control, dual temperature sensors, and digitally displays temperatures in real-time (in C/F) for tank sizes up to 65 gallons! Color-coded backlighting ensures easy, at-a-glance alerts (blue for low, gre...
Fluval Vuetech E 200 200Watt Electronic Heater
Ā
This 250W submersible heater can be used with aquariums up to 70 gallons. It features overheating protection, superior heat transfer, and ease-of-readability.
Marineland Precision Submersible Heater
Ā
This compact and easy-to-read digital thermometer is secured (with a sturdy suction cup) to the outside of the aquarium, while the other suction secures its probe to the inside of the tank for accurate readings.
Shorefins LCD Digital Aquarium Thermometer
Lights
Did you know that watching your fish is a good way to relax? Good lighting not only sets the mood for the aquarium, but it is important for the continued health (and growth) of the fish and plant life.
Ā
Fluval is one of the oldest and most reputable names in aquarium equipment, and, speaking as someone who has kept fish for many years, their LED lights are no exception.
FluvalĀ® AQUASKY LED Aquarium Light
Ā
The Marineland brand has been delivering high-quality, innovative aquariums and accessories like lighting, pumps, and filters for 50+ years. You can't go wrong with their LED lights.
MarinelandĀ® LED Aquarium Light Bar
Ā
This full-spectrum light is perfect for freshwater aquariums. It features three rows of high-quality LEDs (white, red, blue, green, purple, orange, cyan) to maximize plant growth and aesthetics. Brightness is adjustable, and you can switch from day t...
Tawatiler 247 Full Spectrum Aquarium LED Light
Pumps & Filters
Make sure that your water is well conditioned and oxygenated, 24/7, with circulation pumps, air pumps, and power filters.
Ā
The stylish way to generate a bubble curtain with LED lighting! Includes a flexible 21" bubble wand with 12 multi-colored LEDs, air stone, suction cups, and a 2-piece 10-foot power cord. Note: the air pump is not included ā sold separately).
Aqueon LED Bubble Wand
Ā
A powerful yet energy-wise and whisper-quiet water filtration system that's ideal for larger aquariums between 40-70 US gallons.
FluvalĀ® 307 Performance Aquarium Canister Filter
Ā
Enjoy an advanced, multi-stage filtration system with patented wet/dry biological filtration. Available in 3 sizes for tanks up to 70 gallons.
Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter
Ā
Emitting less than 40 dB of sound, this water filtration system is easy to use and durable. For use in tank sizes from 10-60 gallons.
TetraĀ® Whisper IQ Power Aquarium Filter
Ā
Enjoy a reliable supply of airflow for tanks up to 60 gallons with this powerful, compact air pump that features a patented dome shape to dampen sound.
Tetra Whisper Air Pump
Substrate (Gravel)
Good substrate is the foundation (pun intended) of any aquarium. Make sure that new gravel is well washed and rinsed thoroughly by hand until the water runs clear, before you add it to the bottom of your aquarium.
Ā
Black gravel with fluorescent accented gravel really stands out under GloFish blue LED lights!
GloFish Aquarium Gravel
Ā
These polished decorative fluorite stones are perfect for those aquarists who eschew the traditional look of gravel.
Uanit Aquatic Fluorite Crushed Pebbles
Ā
For those aquarists who like their aquarium gravel to mimic real-life conditions (or come as close as possible), look no further than this brown and white variety.
Top FinĀ® Premium Aquarium Gravel - Brown & White
Ā
If you like to add a tropical ocean vibe to your aquarium, then this blue gravel may just be what you're looking for.
Top FinĀ® Premium Aquarium Gravel - Caribbean Sea Mix
Ā
For those aquarists who prefer a colorful base to their aquarium bottoms, this mix is perfect.
Top FinĀ® Premium Aquarium Gravel - Mardi Gras Mix
Supplies & Equipment
Schedule regular maintenance and water changes to extend the life of your plants and fish!
Ā
It's important that the pH and quality of your aquarium water is checked on a regular basis for the health and safety of your fishy denizens.
APIĀ® Freshwater Aquarium Master Test Kit
Ā
Unfortunately, it happens: those beautiful new fishy additions carry that nasty parasite known as ick. If you want to get rid of it quickly (it can and will spread to other members of the tank and decimate their numbers very quickly), this is what yo...
APIĀ® Liquid Super Ick Cure
Ā
If you're a DIYer and prefer to cut your own filter floss, this dual-density filter media--available in a range of sizes--might just be what you're looking for.
Aquatic Experts FilterFirst Aquarium Filter Floss (12"x72"x0.75")
Ā
These patented, double-sided filter cartridges (which should be changed every month) feature plenty of activated carbon in the floss material to capture detritus like fish waste and uneaten food, and keep them from re-entering the aquarium water supp...
AqueonĀ® Aquarium Power Filter Cartridges
Ā
For testing water and performing water changes. Larger aquariums should have bigger buckets!
Tetra Maintenance Bucket
Ā
Tank water changes necessitate bigger buckets.
Top FinĀ® 5-Gallon Bucket
Ā
This is the exact model I have, and it's the manual (and best) way to clean aquarium gravel.
Top FinĀ® Aquarium Gravel Vacuum
Ā
It's a tank within a tank! This mesh breeder was very handy when the corys and long-finned plecos decided to lay (and fertilize) a few eggs.
Top FinĀ® Aquarium Mesh Breeder
Ā
If algae is good and stuck to the glass of your aquarium (and the plecos are showing no interest whatsoever ā it happens, even though they like to snack on algae), you'll need one of these scrubbers.
Top FinĀ® Aquarium Scrubber
Ā
When you need to catch and relocate fish, a couple of these fish nets is helpful!
Top FinĀ® Fish Net
Ā
My favorite way to clean the aquarium glass is with this scrubber (that is, if the plecos don't clean all the algae first!)Ā
To my amazement and delight, one--and only one at that time--VERY industrious pleco of mine did just that. Literally overnight, it ate every bit of green algae that was growing on the glass of its aquarium. Why it waited so to clean the glass was bey...
To my amazement and delight, one--and only one at that time--VERY industrious pleco of mine did just that. Literally overnight, it ate every bit of green algae that was growing on the glass of its aquarium. Why it waited so to clean the glass was bey...
Top FinĀ® Floating Magnetic Aquarium Cleaner
2
Tank Decor
Let the aquascaping fun begin! Here are plants that may act as repositories for fish eggs, sculptures that double as hidey-holes for small fish and/or bubblers, and driftwood that does multiple duty as a wood bar and a rest area.
Ā
Relatively new to the aquarium plant scene, this slow-growing, low-maintenance, and versatile hybrid adds personality to your tank! Perfect for beginner aquarists!
Top FinĀ® Anubias Frazeri Live Plant
Ā
Add an exotic look to your aquarium with the hardy and adaptable java fern, which can cling to any textured surface to grow (that's right ā it doesn't depend on its roots!) It also provides protective cover for fish who want to get away from the part...
Top FinĀ® Java Fern Live Plant
Ā
Looking for an aquatic plant that is virtually indestructible? (I have had these growing in buckets outside the house in the dead of winter!) Java moss not only gets nibbled on by your fish, but small fry can seek refuge there, too! It's great for ad...
Top FinĀ® Live Java Moss Pad
Ā
If you want to see a little red, you've come to the right rec! These plants grow vertically up and out of the water (just as they do in the wild), and they not only provide protective cover for young fish, but oxygenation as well.
Top FinĀ® Telanthera Cardinalis Live Plant
Ā
Mopani wood isn't just driftwood; it's a wet bar for plecos, too. They're content to use it as a lounge chair, and nibble on it too (for their daily fiber)!
Zoo Med Mopani Wood
Ā
Some fish, like their human counterparts, like places that give them some privacy (or a place within which they can play hide-and-seek). This colorful sculpture, with its mossy, abandoned wooden barrels, orange coral, and stones, fits the bill.
Top FinĀ® Barnacle Barrel Aquarium Ornament
Ā
Aerate your tank while adding a bit of waterfall whimsy to your tank with this picturesque bubbler.
Top FinĀ® Mountain Cliff Bubbler Aquarium Ornament
Ā
As ruins tourism is popular with tourists, the ruins theme is a perennial favorite with aquarists. I have this particular bubbler in one of my other 75-gallon tanks, and it's a hit with all the watery denizens who live there: the plecos love to hide ...
Top FinĀ® Roman Sanctuary Bubbler
Ā
Ahoy, me mateys! Every fish tank needs a sunken ship (if for no other reason than to to give viewers the impression that they're many, many, many leagues under the sea!)
Top FinĀ® Ship with LED Light & Bubbler Aquarium Ornament
Ā
Add a touch of tropical sealife with this sculpture/bubbler, which features realistic and colorful varieties of anemones and coral in miniature!
Top FinĀ® Stone & Coral Bubbler
Ā
Remember the initiation scene in Finding Nemo? Yeah. You've got it here (minus the actual boiling hot part of lava).
Top FinĀ® Volcano Bubbler Aquarium Ornament
Tanks, Hoods, & Cabinets
The size (gallons) of the tank you get is determined by the fish species, their numbers, and how big they'll get. The shape and aesthetics (bow, flat, hexagonal, globe) is up to you.
Ā
The biggest tank that I currently have (it took 2 big strong guys to bring it into the house). 75 gallons sounds like a lot of tank, but once you start filling it in with gravel, plants, driftwood, and sculpture, things may be a lot less (ha!) empty ...
MarinelandĀ® High Definition LED Ensemble (75 Gallon)
Ā
My second favorite tank. This is a tall tank that currently houses (too many of) the bristlenose plecos!
Top FinĀ® Bow Front Aquarium Starter Kit (36 Gallon)
Ā
My third tank, which sits in a corner of the room (although you could make it the centerpiece of yours). The hexagonal shape is a space-saving design that is great for giving you a 360-degree view of your fishy pets and their environs at a glance.
Top FinĀ® Captivate Starter Kit
Aquarium (Pet) Stores
Here are some of the best walk-in aquarium/pet stores to visit for their knowledgeable staff and extensive range of fish and aquarium supplies!
Ā
This family-run business has been serving Vancouver aquarists for their nano fish, plants, and hardscape needs.
April's Aquarium (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Ā
Big Al's used to exist on the Pacific Northwest, but not anymore (our loss out here!) Fortunately, for Eastern Canadians, the Hamilton one is a popular draw with freshwater and saltwater aquarists.
Big Al's Pet Supercentres (Hamilton, ON, Canada)
Ā
A favorite place of mine to visit for its sheer diversity of freshwater and saltwater fish (plenty of monster fish, and live piranha feeding sessions), plus aquatic, coral, and plant life, fish food and tanks, and the helpful staff!Ā
Fish Addicts is a family-run operation that has 700 tanks and 9,000 square feet of retail space. Founder and owner Eric Baggs isĀ also a taxidermist ā you'll see plenty of examples of his amazing handiwork on display!
Facebook followers: 5.8K
facebook.com/fishaddicts
Instagram
instagram.com/fishaddictslangley
Youtube subscribers: 1.18K | Youtube videos: 25 youtube.com/@FishAddicts
Fish Addicts is a family-run operation that has 700 tanks and 9,000 square feet of retail space. Founder and owner Eric Baggs isĀ also a taxidermist ā you'll see plenty of examples of his amazing handiwork on display!
Facebook followers: 5.8K
facebook.com/fishaddicts
instagram.com/fishaddictslangley
Youtube subscribers: 1.18K | Youtube videos: 25 youtube.com/@FishAddicts
Fish Addicts (Langley, BC, Canada)
Ā
I've visited J&L Aquatics many a time for their premium saltwater and freshwater aquarium supplies, especially on Boxing Day. Staff are knowledgeable, professional, and friendly!
J&L Aquatics (Burnaby, BC, Canada)
Ā
Paul's Aquarium has been serving the needs of Metro Vancouver aquarists since 1975.
Paul's Aquarium (Surrey, BC, Canada)
Ā
With 4.9K Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.6 stars out of 5, the iFISH Store has been the go-to place for freshwater and pond fish for more than two decades.
Instagram followers: 426
https://www.instagram.com/ifishstore/
Instagram followers: 426
https://www.instagram.com/ifishstore/
The iFISH Store (NY, New York, U.S.)
Ā
If you live in the Dallas Fort Worth area, you're in luck ā PetFish offers a huge selection of freshwater, saltwater and rare and exotic fish for beginner to advanced aquarists, backed by a Healthy Fish Guarantee and Live Arrival Assurance.
Facebook followers: 2.8KĀ
facebook.com/PetFishInc
Facebook followers: 2.8KĀ
facebook.com/PetFishInc
Your Pet Fish (Carrollton, Texas, U.S.)