This is a comprehensive guide to all the equipment you will need. It will also include our product recommendations for beginning fish keepers!
In order of most to least important:
Filter:
The filter is the heart of the aquarium and will provide clean and healthy water for your fish. You want to look for a filter that is both easy to maintain and affordable, while also being capable of breaking down all the waste created from your fish! Filters rely on Biological Media to provide surface area for bacteria to live which will ultimately keep your fish alive! Mechanical filtration will simply help remove larger particles from the water to keep your fish tank water looking crystal clear!
Tap-Water Safe:
When fish keeping we need to remove anti-bacterial chemicals and other non-fish-safe compounds from our tap water. This is done through the use of a chemical which will be described along the lines of a ‘tap-safe’, or ‘tap water conditioner’. This will need to be used when the aquarium is set up initially and, going forward, any time water from the tap is added into the aquarium.
Beneficial Bacteria Supplement:
Use of a liquid bacterial supplement is also fundamental when beginning an aquarium, and going forward to sustain a healthy filter system! These are liquids that contain dormant bacteria strains that are essential to breaking down the waste your fish make, as mentioned earlier! Adding these bacteria when the aquarium is first set up, followed by waiting a period of 7-14 days, cannot be skipped and will ensure your fish a safe and healthy home!
Aquarium Substrate:
This is partially down to personal preference, but making sure there is some description of substrate, whether that be gravel or sand, is essential to maintaining a healthy aquarium ecosystem. Although not as great as the filter, this will provide a great amount of surface area for healthy bacteria to live! This combination of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria will help maintain clean and healthy water by breaking down the waste your fish will create!
Aquarium Heater:
If you are wanting to keep Tropical Fish species - generally this will allow you to keep a greater variety of species and is what we definitely recommend, you will need a Thermostat-Controlled Aquarium Heater. This will make sure, regardless of outside temperature, that your aquarium is properly heated to the temperature the fish need! As it is thermostat controlled, you do not ever need to worry about turning the heater off - unless changing water, which is explained in our article: All About Keeping Tropical Fish
Traditionally the rule is choosing a heater that follows the rule of 1W per Litre but we recommend you always follow the manufacturers recommendation.
Thermometer:
This is essential to ensure the heater thermostat is working properly! Sometimes they can fall out of calibration and this will ensure you are aware of the temperature within the tank!
Lighting:
Although not fundamental to keeping fish, a good light will allow your fish to show their true beauty and also give you the opportunity to give live plants a try! The aquarium light should be set on a timer and be on no longer than 8-10 hours a day to avoid growing unnecessary algae!
What Next?
Now you are familiar with all the equipment you need you can follow our next article which includes a step-by-step guide on how to set-up your new aquarium!
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