Aquarium Supplies

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Whether you’re setting up your first aquarium or you’ve been keeping fish for years, choosing the right equipment makes fishkeeping easier and more enjoyable. Browse the categories below to find reliable aquarium supplies, honest buying guides, and product recommendations for freshwater aquariums.

Beginner Picks

These are the core pieces most first tanks need.

• • Tetra 20 Gallon Complete Tropical Fish Tank Kit: tank, light, filter, and heater in one kit

• • AquaClear 20 Power Filter: hang-on-back filter for small tanks

• • Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater, 100W: stable heat for tropical fish

• • API Freshwater Master Test Kit (read my full review): ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH

• • Seachem Prime, 500 ml: water conditioner for tap water and water changes

Aquarium Tanks and Starter Kits

Complete kits can be a convenient choice for first-time fish keepers.

Read our guide → Best Aquarium Starter Kits for Beginners

Aquarium Filters

A good filter helps keep the water clean and supports beneficial bacteria.

Read our guide → Best Aquarium Filters for Beginners

Aquarium Heaters

Most tropical fish need a stable, properly heated aquarium. Pair your heater with a digital aquarium thermometer so you can confirm the actual water temperature.

Read our guide → Aquarium Heaters for Beginners

Aquarium Lighting

Choose lighting based on your fish, plants, and tank size.

Recommended: NICREW ClassicLED Plus Aquarium Light, an affordable LED light that grows easy low-light plants. Put it on an outlet timer for a consistent day and night schedule.

Read our guide → Aquarium Lighting for Beginners

Aquarium Substrate

Compare gravel, sand, and planted-tank substrates.

Recommended: CaribSea Eco-Complete for planted tanks, CaribSea Super Naturals sand for corydoras and other bottom dwellers, or natural aquarium gravel for an easy, low-maintenance tank.

Read our guide → Best Aquarium Substrate for Beginners

Water Test Kits and Conditioners

Testing and treating your water are essential parts of aquarium care.

Read our guides → Best Aquarium Water Test Kits | Aquarium Water Conditioners

Fish Food

Quality food supports healthy growth, color, and digestion.

Recommended: TetraMin Tropical Flakes for most community fish, and Hikari Sinking Wafers for corydoras, plecos, and other bottom feeders.

Read our guide → Best Fish Food for Tropical Fish

Cleaning and Maintenance Tools

Gravel vacuums, algae scrapers, buckets, and brushes make maintenance easier.

Recommended: an aquarium gravel vacuum for small tanks, the Python No Spill Clean and Fill for larger tanks, a magnetic algae scraper for the glass, and a fine mesh fish net. Keep a bucket that is used only for the aquarium.

Read our guides → Aquarium Gravel Vacuums for Beginners | Aquarium Nets for Beginners

Air Pumps and Accessories

Air pumps can power sponge filters, air stones, and decorations.

Recommended: the Tetra Whisper Air Pump with an aquarium sponge filter, plus a check valve if the pump sits below the water level.

Read our guide → Best Aquarium Air Pumps

Decorations and Plant Supplies

Create a safe, attractive aquarium with suitable decorations and plant equipment.

Recommended: Mopani driftwood and aquarium caves for hiding places, with Seachem Flourish and Flourish Tabs to feed live plants.

Read our guides → Aquarium Decorations for Beginners | Aquarium Plant Fertilizer Guide