Fish Tank Equipment Checklist: Everything You Need to Start an Aquarium

What Are the Essential Equipment: The Non-Negotiables?

Every aquarium requires a tank, filter, heater (for tropical fish), thermometer, lighting, and water conditioner. The tank should be a minimum of 60 litres for beginners; 100-120 litres is ideal. Glass tanks are cheaper and scratch-resistant; acrylic tanks are lighter but scratch more easily. A purpose-built stand is recommended as standard furniture may not support the weight (a 100L tank weighs over 120 kg when filled). For related guidance, see our Fish Tank Setup Guide Uk guide.

The filter is the life-support system. Internal filters suit tanks under 100L and cost 15-35 pounds. External canister filters suit larger tanks and cost 50-200 pounds. Choose a filter rated for at least 1.5 times your tank volume. A heater (15-30 pounds) with adjustable thermostat maintains tropical temperatures at 24-26C. A separate thermometer (3-10 pounds) verifies the heater’s accuracy. LED lighting (20-50 pounds if not included with tank) provides illumination and supports live plants if fitted with appropriate spectrum. For related guidance, see our Freshwater Vs Tropical Fish Uk guide.

Water conditioner (dechlorinator) is non-negotiable for UK fishkeepers. Seachem Prime (8-15 pounds) or API Stress Coat (6-12 pounds) neutralises chlorine and chloramine in tap water. A test kit (25-30 pounds for the API Freshwater Master Kit) is essential for monitoring water quality during cycling and ongoing maintenance. These items must be purchased before any fish. For related guidance, see our Aquarium Maintenance Schedule Uk guide.

What Is the Maintenance Equipment?

A gravel vacuum (siphon) is essential for weekly water changes and substrate cleaning. Models from Python, Fluval, and basic aquarium brands cost 8-20 pounds. Choose one appropriate for your tank size: a small-diameter siphon for nano tanks, a standard size for 60-200L tanks. The wide end pushes into the gravel to remove debris while simultaneously draining water for your water change.

A dedicated bucket (never previously used with cleaning products) is needed for water changes. Label it clearly as aquarium-only to prevent accidental contamination. A 10-15 litre bucket costs 3-8 pounds. For larger tanks, a dedicated 20-litre bucket or a water-change hose system that connects to the tap (like the Python No Spill Clean and Fill) makes water changes much easier.

A fish net (3-5 pounds) is needed for catching fish during emergencies, removing dead fish, or transferring fish between tanks. A fine-mesh net appropriate for your smallest fish prevents injury. An algae scraper or magnetic glass cleaner (5-20 pounds) keeps the inside glass clear. Small tools like tweezers (for planting) and scissors (for trimming plants) are useful but not essential immediately.

What Are the Substrate, Decorations, and Plants?

Substrate covers the tank bottom and provides a surface for beneficial bacteria, a rooting medium for plants, and a natural appearance. Gravel (2-5mm grain size) is the traditional choice, costing 5-15 pounds for enough to cover a 60-100L tank to a depth of 3-5 cm. Sand is preferred for bottom-dwelling fish like corydoras, whose sensitive barbels can be damaged by sharp gravel. Aquarium-safe sand costs 5-12 pounds per 5 kg bag.

Decorations provide hiding places, territory boundaries, and visual interest. Rocks, driftwood, ceramic ornaments, and terracotta pots are all suitable. Avoid anything with sharp edges that could injure fish, anything painted with non-aquarium-safe paint, and any materials that leach chemicals (some rocks alter pH and hardness; test with vinegar before use – fizzing indicates calcium that will raise pH and hardness).

Live plants are highly recommended: they consume nitrate, produce oxygen, provide shelter, and create a natural, attractive environment. Hardy beginner plants include Java fern (tie to wood or rock, do not bury the rhizome), Anubias (same attachment method), Amazon sword (plant in substrate), and floating plants like Amazon frogbit. These species tolerate a wide range of conditions and grow well under standard LED lighting. Budget 15-30 pounds for an initial selection from a UK aquatic shop.

What Is the Optional But Useful Equipment?

An air pump (10-25 pounds) with airstone or sponge filter provides additional oxygenation and surface agitation. Not essential if your filter provides adequate surface movement, but useful in hot weather (warm water holds less oxygen), heavily stocked tanks, or as a backup oxygenation method. Air pumps are noisy; quality brands like Eheim and Tetra are quieter than budget options.

A timer (5-15 pounds for a plug-in timer) automates lighting schedules, ensuring consistent photoperiods for fish and plants. This prevents the algae problems caused by irregular lighting. Smart plugs that can be controlled via phone are convenient and cost 10-20 pounds. A background (aquarium poster or black vinyl) applied to the rear glass reduces reflections, makes colours more vivid, and gives fish a sense of security by eliminating one exposed side.

As your experience grows, you may add: a CO2 system for advanced plant growth (50-200 pounds), an automatic feeder for holidays (15-40 pounds), a UV steriliser for persistent green water (30-80 pounds), or additional test kits for GH, KH, and phosphate. These are enhancements, not necessities. Start with the essentials, learn the basics, and add equipment as your knowledge and ambitions grow.

Where to Buy Equipment in the UK?

Maidenhead Aquatics is the UK’s largest chain of specialist aquatic shops with over 150 stores. They offer the widest selection, most knowledgeable staff, and competitive prices for equipment and livestock. Their staff can help plan a complete setup appropriate for your budget and space. Other specialist aquatic shops exist independently across the UK and are often excellent for specialist equipment and harder-to-find species.

Pets at Home stocks a basic range of aquarium equipment suitable for beginners. Prices are competitive on brands they carry (primarily Fluval, Interpet, and own-brand), but the range is more limited than specialist shops. Their staff training on fishkeeping varies; for complex questions, a specialist shop is preferable. Online retailers like Amazon UK, Aquacadabra, Pro Shrimp, and Swell UK offer competitive prices with home delivery.

Cost-saving strategies: buy complete starter kits rather than individual components (saves 20-40%). Compare prices between in-store and online before purchasing; larger items (tanks, external filters) are often cheaper online but expensive to ship, while smaller items are easily ordered online. Buy test kits and water conditioners in larger sizes for better per-unit value. Wait for seasonal sales (January, Black Friday) for tanks and major equipment.