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Welcome to our aquarium supplies directory, where we recommend everything you need to create a stunning and healthy underwater world for your fish and aquatic pets. Our selection of aquarium supplies is carefully curated to meet the needs of both beginner and advanced aquarists.
We’ve listed some of our recommendations in our Amazon Storefront as well.
Best Aquarium Products
This is a list of what we believe to be the best aquarium products. However, this isn’t simply a list of the most expensive products on the market. This is a list of what we believe to be the best choice for the vast majority of aquarists, considering quality, value, and practicality.
Table of Contents
Aquarium Setup Basics
- Aquarium Tank: For aesthetics reasons, we like the rimless aquariums. ADA, UNS, or Landen offers rimless tanks of various sizes.
- Aquarium Stand: To get an aquarium stand that properly supports and fits the aquarium tank, it is recommended to purchase it together. (Aquarium Stands from ADA, UNS, Landen)
- Aquarium Leveling Mat: For rimless tanks, aquarium leveling mats are recommended.
- Aquarium Backgrounds: Aquarium backgrounds are optional, it should be installed in the very beginning if you decide to do so.
- Aquarium Filter (ref. guide): Most popular filter types are sponge filter, power filter, and canister filters.
- Sponge Filter (ref. guide): Sponge filters provides great biological filtration. Hikari makes good sponge filters, and they’re available in multiple sizes (Mini, Small, Large, XL).
- Aquarium Filter Pump (ref. guide): Sponge filters generally requires an air pump. Tetra Whisper Air Pump is our recommendation.
- Aquarium Airline Tubing: Sponge filters generally requires airline tubing.
- Power Filter (ref. guide): Power filters are convenient and versatile since it provides biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration. Marineland Penguin is our recommendation.
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: Replacement filter cartridge that fits Marineland Penguin filters are available here.
- Canister Filter: Canister filters are generally is larger in capacity and it provides biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration. Our recommendation is the Fluval FX series.
- Filter Media: The filtration chamber of the canister filter can be customized with various filter media such as bio-media, water polishing pads, carbon, and more.
- Sponge Filter (ref. guide): Sponge filters provides great biological filtration. Hikari makes good sponge filters, and they’re available in multiple sizes (Mini, Small, Large, XL).
- Aquarium Light (ref. guide): The best aquarium light in our opinion is Fluval Plant 3.0. As the name suggest, it’s great for growing aquarium plants as well.
- Aquarium Heater (ref. guide): Regarding heaters, Aqueon Pro Aquarium Heater is our pick due to accuracy and safety reasons.
- Aquarium Thermometer: Even if your heater has a temperature reading, you shouldn’t rely on that alone. It’s important to get a thermometer and install it on the opposite end of where your heater is placed.
Maintenance & Care
- Aquarium Vacuum: Aquarium vacuum by Python allows you to connect to the faucet, making water changes easier. The aquarium vacuum by Hygger has a air suction, which is convenient as well.
- Water Bucket: Nothing special about a bucket, but you should have a dedicated bucket for your aquarium to prevent contamination. You can get a standard bucket, or collapsible bucket to save space.
- Algae Scraper: Aquarium scrapers are very effective at removing algae.
- Aquarium Test Kit: Monitoring water parameters is important. The test kit from API is quite extensive.
- Water Conditioner (ref. guide): Our recommendation for water conditioners is Seachem Prime due to its reliability.
- Aquarium Salt (ref. guide): Aquarium salt is important, even for freshwater fish. Keeping one on hand for prevention and treatment is recommended.
- Fish Net: A fish net is essential for fishkeeping, and PENN-PLAX offers a durable and safe option.
Aquascaping
- Aquarium Plants (ref. guide): Aquarium plants helps bring the aquarium to life. Some of the easiest aquarium plants to grow are java moss, java fern, and hornwort.
- Aquarium Plant Fertilizers: Fertilizers for you aquarium plants promote healthy growth. For aquarium plants that are root feeders, use the root tabs by API. For column feeders, use Seachem Flourish.
- Aquarium CO2 Kit: Not all aquarium plants require CO2, but many will benefit from it. It can help achieve faster, and more robust growth. For aquariums up to 50 gallons, we recommend the Fluval CO2 kit.
- Aquascaping Tools: The best aquascaping tools are from ADA, such as the ADA Pro Scissors. They are ergonomically designed and very sharp. However, for most aquascapers, an aquascape took kit may be a good way to start.
- Aquarium Driftwood (ref. guide): Some driftwood that can be used are Manzanita driftwood, Malaysian driftwood, Mopani driftwood, Cholla wood, and more.
- Aquarium Rocks: Aquarium rocks can be a vital component of the hardscape. Some rocks that can be used are Seiryu stone, Dragon stone, and more.
- Aquarium Substrate (ref. guide): There are many different types of substrates to choose from, but the three main types are soil gravel, sand, and soil.
- Gravel: Gravel lasts a long time, and it is easy to clean. It also allows water to flow through, which avoids harmful gases to build up. Flourite Black is our recommended gravel.
- Sand: Sand is very aesthetic, and helps re-create the natural environment. Sand by Carib Sea is our recommendation.
- Soil: Soil is the best option for growing aquarium plants, especially root feeders. ADA Aqua Soil is our recommendation.
Aquascaping Ideas
Learning
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