What do I need to have?

Walk into a typical fish store and you can be overwhelmed by the number and variety of pieces of equipment available to the aquarist. Not much of that equipment falls into the absolutely-must-have category, but some of it does. Here is my list of items of equipment that are either absolutely necessary or every worthwhile purchases indeed, even if they’re optional; you can see how small a list it really is.

Basic Aquarium Equipment:

• Tank, Stand and Cover
• Substrate and Decorations
• Lighting
• Heater and Thermometer
• Power Filter and Bio Filter
• Water Test Kits (two sets)
• Aquarium Salt
• Water Dechlorinator/Conditioner
• Ich Medication
• Bucket and Siphon Hose
• Algae Scraper
• Net

Misconception: Buying an aquarium “starter kit” is always the best way to go about setting up your first aquarium.

Reality: Aquarium “starter kits” are typically based on too small a tank, and they rarely contain all the equipment you need for a successful aquarium. At the same time, they might include unnecessary items. So although buying a starter kit might have the potential for saving you money, it always doesn’t work out that way.