
Test Kits & Thermometers: Bothīecause it’s important to regulate things like pH, salinity, and temperature, it’s important to have the right testing equipment on hand. Not every single fish tank needs an air stone, but these devices help aerate the water, help clean the water a bit, and generally add some visual appeal.Ĭheck out our reviews of the best air pumps here. Since you’re not running out to the Gulf coast to grab some sea water, you need to have the right salt mix for your aquarium. This can be in the form of a live rock, 3D background, or decorations. They come designed for different sizes, so be sure to find the right one for your 10 gallon tank.Ĭheck out our reviews of the best protein skimmers here. If you’re setting up a saltwater tank, you’ll also need a protein skimmer. Or, if you’re like me, you want to keep the cat out. These can help give you a place to affix your lighting and other equipment, especially in small spaces. But whether you’ve got bettas wanting to duke it out or a goldfish in quarantine who’s anxious to be free, you’ll want a hood for your aquarium.īut even if you don’t have jumping fish species, you’ll still want a hood. There are some fish that jump – Firefish and bettas, for example – and some who don’t. There are a few fish and plants out there who don’t need or want substrate – that is, sand or gravel of some kind – but the vast majority of aquariums are better off with some kind.īe sure to read some reviews and choose clean, healthy options that will be easy to clean and keep healthy for your pets.Ĭheck out our reviews of the best planted tank substrate here. Substrate: Most Beautiful bright goldfish in aquarium on table It’s important to choose the right lights, though, based on the types of plants and fish you have in your new aquarium.Īuthor Note: I always recommend LED aquarium kit lighting at this stage, as they provide the lowest heat, broadest spectrum lighting, and usually are programmable and capable of being scheduled for a natural flow of biorhythmic lighting.Ĭheck out our reviews of the best LED lighting systems here. Lights: Bothīoth fish and plants need light to thrive, much like humans and other animals do. If you don’t already have specific fish in mind and do not want to deal with an aquarium heater, please be sure to look into cold water fish and see which ones can live happily without heated water.Ĭheck out our reviews of the best aquarium heaters here. Any tropical fish will need heated water – always verify their needed temperature – and many freshwater non-tropical fish also need warmer water. The type of fish you’re keeping will determine whether or not you need a heater. Heater: Saltwater Yes, Freshwater Possibly

Saltwater and freshwater fish alike will have health issues arise if they live in a tank filled with water that has the wrong pH, chemicals, et cetera.Īuthor Note: Just like we need clean, fresh air to breathe for a long healthy life, your fish needs absolutely pure water for his.Ĭheck out our reviews of the best aquarium filters here.

No matter how great your tap water tastes to you, your fish needs a purified tank – which means filters. The two different types require much of the same equipment, but there are a few differences. There are two primary types of aquariums you can set up with a 10 gallon fish tank – apart from reptiles, land crabs, et cetera – and those are a freshwater tank or a saltwater tank. Important 10 gallon aquariums Equipment to Obtain GloFish Aquarium Kit with Lighting and Filter
