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For Freshwater A-Fish-ionados: Getting Your Aquarium Set Up! 🐟
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items Everything budding aquarists need to get their tanks set up and running! This list focuses on freshwater fish species that flourish in warm water (75-80 C). 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.
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
9
Aquarium Fish
Fish Food
Heaters & Thermometers
Lights
Pumps & Filters
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. 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.
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
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
A peaceful dazzler that reaches up to 4" in length, the Australian Rainbowfish is appropriately named for its iridescent prism of colors on its scales and fins, and lively personality.
Australian Rainbowfish
If you put more than one pleco in a tank, be warned … you will get a constant influx of babies! Albino variations can result, even if neither parent exhibits the albino mutation. Bristlenose males can grow up to 6" in length and their bristles ("whis...
Bristlenose Plecostomus
I have a few clown plecos and they are experts in the art of hiding in plain sight. So far, no babies have resulted. Their mesmerizing patterns make them a gorgeous addition to your aquarium. Note: all plecos are nocturnal by nature.
Clown Plecostomus
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
These fish leave nothing to the imagination! You can clearly see their internal organs. Many years ago, when I kept these catfish, a pair of them successfully laid eggs on the plants. These eggs actually hatched and developed into small fry!
Ghost Catfish
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Gouramis steal the show with their inquisitive natures and striking colors. They come in a variety of sizes, from large (the peaceful Giant) to medium (Pearl, Moonlight, Gold, Opaline) to dwarf (Dwarf Powder Blue) varieties. They use their pelvic fin...
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
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
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
Like clown plecos, high-fin spotted plecos can command a premium – because they are hard to breed.
Plecos like to clean the aquarium glass, as algae is part of their diet (they can do so, amazingly fast, too – 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 – 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
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
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
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 ...
Very popular with plecos (it's like catnip for these catfish – 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!
Fluval® Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Granules
These flakes are great for colorful fish like gouramis, rainbowfish, and other aquarium fishes with bright colors.
Fluval® Bug Bites Color Enhancing Flakes
Cichlids, angelfish, gourami, and rainbowfish love their microcrustaceans!
Omega™ One Frozen Brine Shrimp Fish Food
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...
Omega™ One Whole Frozen Bloodworms
If there's *one* food that will test the love that plecos have for PlecoWafers, it's ShrimpWafers!
Tetra ShrimpWafers
Zucchini is a big part of these wafers (plecos absolutely adore zukes!) PlecoWafers are also formulated with fiber.
Tetra PRO PlecoWafers Vegetarian Fish Food
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. Be sure to monitor temperatures regularly!
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
This heater delivers precision temperature control, dual temperature sensors, and digitally displays temperatures in real-time (in C/F). Color-coded backlighting ensures easy, at-a-glance alerts (blue for low, green for safe, and red for high tempera...
Fluval E 300 Watt Electronic Heater
This 250W-watt 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
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.
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.
Fluval® AQUASKY LED Aquarium Light
This full-spectrum light is perfect for freshwater aquariums. It features five rows of high-quality LEDs (white, blue, and red) to maximize plant growth and aesthetics. Brightness is adjustable, and you can switch from day to night settings quickly. ...
GLOWRIUM Aquarium Lights
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.
Marineland® LED Aquarium Light Bar
Pumps & Filters
Make sure that your water is well conditioned and oxygenated, 24/7, with circulation pumps, air pumps, and power filters.
A powerful yet energy-wise and whisper-quiet water filtration system that's ideal for larger aquariums between 40-70 US gallons.
Fluval® 307 Performance Aquarium Canister Filter
Enjoy an advanced, multi-stage filtration system with patented wet/dry biological filtration. Available in 5 sizes for tanks up to 75 gallons.
Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter
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.
Tetra® Whisper IQ Power Aquarium Filter
The stylish way to generate bubbles! This kit includes the bubble wand and a 14" air pump for 2-10 gallon tanks, with a contemporary, vertical design to prevent kinks in the airline.
Aqueon LED Bubble Wand & QuietFlow Pump
Enjoy a reliable supply of airflow for tanks up to 100 gallons with this powerful, compact air pump that features a patented dome shape to dampen sound.
Tetra Whisper Easy Use Air Pump for Aquariums
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.
Black gravel with fluorescent accented gravel really stands out under GloFish blue LED lights!
GloFish Aquarium Gravel
These polished decorative fluorite stones are perfect for those aquarists who eschew the traditional look of gravel.
LAIDANLA Aquatic Agate Crushed Stone Crystal Chips
If you want your aquarium to stand out at night, try using this gravel -- and turn off the non-aquarium lights!
Shiny Stone Glow-in-Dark Aquarium Gravel
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 Fin® Premium Aquarium Gravel - Brown & White
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 Fin® Premium Aquarium Gravel - Caribbean Sea Mix
For those aquarists who prefer a colorful base to their aquarium bottoms, this mix is perfect.
Top Fin® Premium Aquarium Gravel - Mardi Gras Mix
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.
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 Fin® Anubias Frazeri Live Plant
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 – it doesn't depend on its roots!) It also provides protective cover for fish who want to get away from the part...
Top Fin® Java Fern Live Plant
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 Fin® Live Java Moss Pad
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 Fin® Telanthera Cardinalis Live Plant
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
Aerate your tank while adding a bit of waterfall whimsy to your tank with this picturesque bubbler.
Top Fin® Mountain Cliff Bubbler Aquarium Ornament
As ruins tourism is popular with tourists, the ruins theme is a perennial favorite with aquarists.
Top Fin® Roman Sanctuary Bubbler
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 Fin® Ship with LED Light & Bubbler Aquarium Ornament
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 Fin® Barnacle Barrel Aquarium Ornament
Add a touch of tropical sealife with this sculpture/bubbler, which features realistic and colorful varieties of anemones and coral in miniature!
Top Fin® Stone & Coral Bubbler
Remember the initiation scene in Finding Nemo? Yeah. You've got it here (minus the actual boiling hot part of lava).
Top Fin® 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.
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 ...
Marineland® High Definition LED Ensemble (75 Gallon)
My second favorite tank. This is a tall tank that currently houses (too many of) the bristlenose plecos!
Top Fin® Bow Front Aquarium Starter Kit (36 Gallon)
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 Fin® Captivate Starter Kit
Supplies & Equipment
Schedule regular maintenance and water changes to extend the life of your plants and fish!
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.
API® Freshwater Aquarium Master Test Kit
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...
Aqueon® Aquarium Power Filter Cartridges
If you're a DIYer and prefer to cut your own filter floss, this dual-density filter media--available in a range of sizes and thicknesses--might just be what you're looking for.
Demiwise Aquarium Filter Floss
It's the kit that you need to check the hardness of your water – because not all fish can live in hard water.
JNW Water Hardness Test Kit
For testing water and performing water changes. Larger aquariums should have bigger buckets!
Tetra Maintenance Bucket
Tank water changes necessitate bigger buckets.
Top Fin® 5-Gallon Bucket
This is the exact model I have, and it's the manual (and best) way to clean aquarium gravel.
Top Fin® Aquarium Gravel Vacuum
If algae is good and stuck to the glass of your aquarium (and the plecos are showing no interest whatsoever – it happens, even though they like to snack on algae), you'll need one of these scrubbers.
Top Fin® Aquarium Scrubber
When you need to catch and relocate fish, a couple of these fish nets is helpful!
Top Fin® Fish Net
My favorite way to clean the aquarium glass is with this scrubber (that is, if the plecos don't clean all the algae first!)
Top Fin® Floating Magnetic Aquarium Cleaner