My First Tank~what to buy...

Planning to start up an aquarium but overwhelmed by the bulk amount of things to buy? Here's a shortlist of the "must-haves" for an aquarium and their prices:

List: 1.) Tank. 2.) Gravel/Substrate 3.) Filter 4.) Aquarium Stand and Light 5.) Wallpaper 6.)Fish 7.) Ornaments 8.) Fish Food 9). Heater 10). Thermometer

1) Tank: This depends on the size of the tank and glass thickness. Some average sizes are given below:
a) 9/18 inch tanks (buy the cover as well please, some fish jump out sometimes)

b) 1.5/2.5 feet tanks (make sure the glass thickness is at least 5mm)

2) Gravel/Substrate: This also depends much on your tank size and a little on your layout plan. However there is one rule you must follow. Keep the gravel or substrate level 2 inches in depth. At minimum at 1.5 inches deep if it hampers the aquascape in your plans.

3) Filter: Every tank must have a filter. It is obligatory which is probably why there are so many types to choose from, whichever suits your needs or taste:

a) Power filters are easier to maintain and provides a good circulation of water throughout the tank. For 9/19 tank "320 F" is required and for the 1.5/2.5 tank up to 1200 F can be used depending on the type of fish you buy (for example: swordtails like a strong flow while angels prefer a slow moving current)

b) Gravel filters are the local filters that require a plastic square to be placed underneath the aquarium stone/substrate surface. A plastic hollow tube is made to come out from any one of the corners and is connected to a pumper with a air tube. The pumper pumps in air creating a concentric circle pattern starting from where the bubbles come out from (over the hollow tube). This "pulls" the dirt and excreta under the surface into the plastic square. To clean it the whole aquarium needs to be reset {you can read page "Cleaning the Aquarium" for help). These are much cheaper, but HIGHLY unrecommended.

c) Hang on back is one of the most popular and best filter for planted tanks as they have a less forceful output but fast and efficient cleaning. They are fairly easy to maintain as they are above and outside the water body and hence the name. They have a pipe sucking the water up from the tank, there is no risk of fish getting sucked into it. Cardinal tetra, neon tetra and similar fish are in no threat.It's also quite nice to have less machines inside the tank, helps add to the the natural outlook of planted tanks. They are a bit expensive comparatively to other filters of similar water filtration rate.

d)Top filter uses basic physics and simple pumping motion to filter water. A pump sucks water from the tank to a chamber above the tank where there is various filter media present (bioballs/ ceramic rings/ activated carbon). The water passes through this chamber and falls back into the tank. The force is dangerous and small fish can get sucked in. Its advisable to use it with larger fish or with a lower filtration rate. The water falling from above looks artistic though.

e)Sponge filters are basically the basic for shrimp tanks. They can be used in any other tank as well but the shrimps get access to the sponge that cleans the water. It's ecological and quite handy but it looks ugly inside a tank. That's the only drawback.

f) Outside filters are just a huge box of filter media in a chronological order. They require an external filter inside the tank to pump water through them, These are awesome filters with high filtration rates and forceful outflow into the tank. Basically recommended for monster tanks or marine tanks. Never use them for tanks with small fish, Bad choice for planted tanks as well. These are easily the most expensive filters as well. 

4) Stand and light: A stand is optional and you can easily keep your tank on the floor if you wish to. The light on the other hand is a necessity and is needed for you fishes' well being and coloration. If you do get an aquarium stand try one that puts the tank at eye level.

5) Wallpaper: Always go for something that goes with your tank setup. Something that compliments how you decorate and adds depth to your aquascape. If you're confused about what to give settle for a dark matt black or royal blue as these are the common accepted colours for any aquarium.

6) Fish: Basics: Fish recommendation


7) Ornaments: Anything is an ornament as long as it't non-toxic or metallic. Try using sunken ships or boats to add detail to your setup. Plastic plants are a favourite as it adds the natural look to the aquarium. DIY ornaments are also quite popular among aquarists. What you need to keep in mind though, is why there absolutely has to be some inside the tank. Fish are easily fatigued.

8) Fish Food: The obligatory thing. Buy mini pellets for regular fish as its the best pellet food size available. If you have taken small mouthed fishes (angel, guppies) then buy a micro-pellet food packet. For larger fish (Koi carps, Arowana, Frontosa) buy large pellet foods. If you want more saturation on your fish colours focus on food with spirulina. Have a change in diet from time to time. Try giving some live food once a month. Tubifex is also a good gift or treat to your wish; these are freeze dried worms. Blood worms are best, but these are expensive as well. Its good for breeders.

9) Heater: Heaters are required if the temperature in your tank drops below 23 degrees celcius. If the temperature drops too low or too high fish have a high possibility of dying out. Some countries that have a room temperature of above 30 degrees and need a chiller to keep the temperature from rising any further. 

10) Thermometer: Use the device to keep track of the temperature. Keep the thermometer towards the surface to get the hottest temperature in your tank as the colder water sinks deeper into the tank..