Beginner Equipment Guide
What equipment do you actually need? This guide explains common setups and which equipment categories matter for each. Start with the basics and add complexity only when you understand why.
Before you buy equipment
Equipment choices should follow from your goals, not the other way around. Before shopping, decide what kind of tank you want to keep and what livestock interests you. Then match equipment to those needs.
Most beginners are best served by simple, reliable equipment rather than feature-rich options. A mid-range filter that runs for years is more valuable than a high-end unit you do not fully use. As you gain experience, you will understand which upgrades actually matter for your situation.
The essential questions
- What will you keep? Fish only, fish and plants, or a reef system?
- How big is your tank? Equipment must be sized appropriately.
- What is your maintenance tolerance? Some setups need more attention.
- Where will the tank be? Space, access, and visibility matter.
Universal requirements
Every tank needs these functional areas covered:
- Filtration - biological and mechanical
- Temperature control - if keeping tropical species
- Lighting - at minimum for viewing
Additional equipment (aeration, controllers, dosing) depends on what you are keeping and your goals.
Equipment sizing principles
- Filters: Aim for 4-6x tank volume turnover per hour. A 20-gallon tank needs a filter rated for 80-120 GPH.
- Heaters: 3-5 watts per gallon. A 20-gallon tank needs 60-100 watts.
- Lighting: For fish-only, basic coverage is fine. For plants, PAR output at substrate level matters.
- When in doubt: Size up. Excess capacity rarely causes problems; inadequate capacity often does.
Common beginner mistakes
- Buying equipment before deciding what to keep (equipment should match goals)
- Undersizing filters for the stated tank size instead of actual bioload
- Buying high-end planted tank lights for fish-only setups (promotes algae)
- Skipping a timer (inconsistent light causes stress and algae)
- Buying everything at once (better to start simple and add as needed)
Equipment buying sequence
For a typical beginner freshwater setup, prioritize equipment in this order:
- Priority 1
Filter
The foundation. Get this right first - you need biological filtration to cycle the tank.
- Priority 2
Heater
Essential for tropical fish. A basic adjustable heater works fine for most setups.
- Priority 3
Light + Timer
Basic LED for viewing, or planted-capable if growing plants. Always use a timer.
- Priority 4
Test Kit
Essential for cycling and ongoing monitoring. Liquid kits are more accurate than strips.
Learn about each equipment category
Once you know what setup you want, explore each category to understand your options.
Filtration & Water Care
Filtration and water care equipment is essential for maintaining a healthy and thriving aquarium environment. This category includes a variety of filters, water treatments, and guides that help aquarium keepers manage waste, regulate water chemistry, and ensure clean, clear water for their aquatic inhabitants. Proper filtration helps eliminate harmful toxins and debris, while effective water care products address issues such as pH balance, hardness, and clarity. You'll find detailed product reviews and helpful guides to navigate the best options for your specific tank setup, making it easier than ever to create a stable ecosystem for your fish and plants.
Heating, Cooling & Lighting
Heating, cooling, and lighting equipment are essential components for maintaining a thriving aquarium environment. Proper temperature regulation and adequate lighting play crucial roles in the health and well-being of aquatic life, as they affect everything from fish metabolism to plant growth. Within this category, you'll find comprehensive guides and reviews for heaters, chillers, and various lighting solutions, each designed to solve specific challenges in aquarium maintenance. Understanding and utilizing the right equipment can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your tank while ensuring all inhabitants flourish in a balanced ecosystem.
Start with simple, reliable equipment
A successful aquarium depends more on understanding and consistency than on expensive equipment. Start with reliable basics, learn how they work, and upgrade deliberately when you understand what you need.
- Match equipment to goals: Do not buy reef equipment for a freshwater community tank.
- Prioritize reliability: A filter that runs for years beats one with features you will not use.
- Add complexity gradually: As you learn, you will know what upgrades actually help.