Items Need to Setup a Freshwater Tank

When it comes to setting up a freshwater tank you will not need as many things as you would for a saltwater fish tank. You can purchase everything that you will need from your local pet store. The first and most important thing that you will need to purchase would be a fish tank. You will want to purchase an entire set up such as the tank, hood or glass tops and the lighting system. Otherwise, you might not be able to find a lid, tops or your light. If the purchase the three items together, you will have them all right away and you wont need to look for the individual pieces. You will often times get a better deal when you purchase the entire setup. You can also purchase a setup which includes the stand as well.

You will need the tank, top and light as well as the stand. When it comes to purchasing the stand you will want to make sure that it's durable. There will be a lot of weight from the water resting on the stand. You dont want the stand to collapse or break. Then your fish tank will shatter and your fish will probably die. Make sure that you pick out a durable stand.

You will now need to purchase a heater or a chiller. If your tank needs to be at 75 degrees, you won't need either of these items. If your tank needs to be above 75 degrees, you will need a heater. A chiller is used to cool down the water, down to 50 degrees or whatever you set it at. It also works as a heater but it's digital so it will cost you around $200 to purchase a chiller.

You will need to purchase a filter system and a bubbler for your tank. Make sure the filter system will work for your size aquarium. You will need an air pump, air line tubing and an air stone for your bubbler.

You will need to purchase rock or substrate. You will need several of these bags of rock. You can always bring it back or purchase more if you need to. Now you have all of the main parts of your fish tank to get it set up. You will want to make sure that you bring at least $100 with you even if you are purchasing a small fish tank. It's best to purchase the sets to get better deals. Go to several pet stores before you decide to purchase a certain fish tank and set up.