| What exactly do you need to get your freshwater | | | | But you can also choose halogen, incandescent and |
| aquarium setup? Here's a partial list -- this will give | | | | the metal halide light. |
| you the basics, at least a place to start. Start here, | | | | Hood - Most often hoods have the lights built into |
| and then you'll figure out more tools along the way | | | | them. They serve several purposes--to keep the fish |
| that you'll feel are necessary. These are the most | | | | from jumping out of the tank, to help reduce |
| important items to start and setup your aquarium: | | | | evaporation of the water, and to hold the lighting. |
| Aquarium - You might want to start smaller, but a | | | | Lids can be made out of plastic or glass. Each has its |
| 20-gallon tank is a good place to begin. Unless you | | | | own pros and cons. |
| have room for a bigger tank, of course! Remember | | | | Heater - Freshwater fish will need to have a |
| that you don't want to overcrowd your fish, so if | | | | consistent water temperature of anywhere from 75 |
| you can get a bigger tank, you'll have more room for | | | | to 80 degrees. This is where a good heater comes |
| your fish and your plants. | | | | in, to keep the water more or less constant in |
| Stand - A good hefty stand is a necessity. You'll need | | | | temperature. Heaters come as either hang-on or |
| to count on 10 pounds of weight per gallon of tank | | | | submersible styles. Submersible is the best choice and |
| space, so a 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds! And | | | | is less noticeable. |
| an acrylic aquarium will need support from the stand | | | | Thermometer - Stick on thermometers |
| along the entire bottom surface, or it will bow. | | | | Substrate - There are so many choices of substrate |
| Filter - A good filtration system is one of your most | | | | from sand to rocks. A small gravel will be the easiest |
| important pieces of equipment in setting up your | | | | to clean. |
| tank. One of the best is the biowheel, but there are | | | | Vacuum - To vacuum up debris from your substrate. |
| many choices available. Be sure to get the correct | | | | Fish Net - Two nets are a good suggestion, it makes |
| size of filter that's recommended for your aquarium | | | | it easier to catch the fish. |
| size. You'll want to filter through all the water in your | | | | Algae Scraper - A good algae pad or scraper will |
| tank at least four times an hour. | | | | keep the sides of the tank clean. |
| Lighting - There are so many different types of | | | | Siphon Hose/Bucket - For water changes. |
| aquarium bulbs to get these days. Sometimes you | | | | Test Kits - You'll need to check the water pH, |
| don't have a choice if the bulb comes with the lid. But | | | | ammonia, nitrates and more. |
| if you have the option, you might want to start with | | | | Get these items, add your fish, and you're ready to |
| a fluorescent bulb. These are cooler and inexpensive. | | | | have a happy, healthy tank! |