Where to start
Best aquarium filter: 7 top picks for every tank size
Hang-on-back, canister, sponge and internal filters compared by tank size and stock.
Gear reviewsBest aquarium heater: 6 reliable fish tank heaters compared
Adjustable heaters for tropical tanks, with wattage-per-gallon sizing and safety tips.
Gear reviewsBest water conditioner for aquariums: 6 dechlorinators compared
Dechlorinators that handle chloramine, and which ones also detoxify ammonia.
Gear reviewsBest aquarium test kit: liquid kits, strips and monitors compared
Liquid kits and strips for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH: what is accurate enough.
Gear reviewsBest aquarium light: 6 LED fixtures for fish and planted tanks
LED lights for fish-only and planted tanks, from low light to high-tech carpets.
Gear reviewsBest 10 gallon aquarium kits: 5 starter tanks compared
Complete tanks and kits for a first community, betta or shrimp setup.
01
What our aquarium equipment reviews cover
Every guide in this section answers one buying question: which product fits which tank. We group gear into five families, because that is how a tank actually works.
Filtration keeps the water biologically safe: start with the best aquarium filter overview, then go deeper with canister, hang-on-back or sponge filters. Heating and monitoring keeps tropical fish stable: a reliable aquarium heater and a separate thermometer. Water treatment and testing covers conditioners and test kits. Lighting and planted gear covers LEDs, substrate and CO2. Tanks compares complete aquariums by size.
02
How we choose the products
These are editorial buyer’s guides, not lab tests. Products are selected on manufacturer specifications, availability in US stores and on Amazon, the cost of running them over time, and how consistently experienced keepers recommend them. We do not invent star ratings or test results, and we say plainly when a cheaper product is good enough. Read the details in our editorial policy.
Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them, the site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes which product we recommend, as explained in the affiliate disclosure.
03
Where to start: the essential kit for a new tank
Buy in this order, because each choice depends on the previous one. Choose the tank first, then size everything else to its volume. If you have never set up an aquarium, read the beginner aquarium guide before spending anything.
- Tank: a 10 or 20 gallon is more stable than a tiny bowl and still easy to place.
- Filter: rated for a slightly larger tank than yours.
- Heater: roughly 3 to 5 watts per gallon for tropical fish, with an adjustable thermostat.
- Water conditioner: one that removes chloramine.
- Test kit: a liquid kit to follow the nitrogen cycle.
- Light: basic LED for fish-only tanks, stronger for plants.
04
Gear by tank type
A betta fish tank needs gentle flow, so pair a sponge filter with a small adjustable heater. A goldfish tank needs heavy filtration and frequent water changes, so prioritize filter capacity and a good gravel vacuum. A planted tank depends on light, substrate and sometimes CO2: see our guides to the best aquarium substrate and lighting. Shrimp tanks need stable water above all, which makes a test kit and a conditioner that binds heavy metals worth the money.
Spend on the filter and heater first. A cheap light can be swapped later, but an undersized filter or an unreliable heater puts every fish in the tank at risk.
Every guide in this section
- 01Best aquarium filter: 7 top picks for every tank size
- 02Best canister filter for freshwater aquariums: 6 top picks compared
- 03Best hang on back filter: 6 HOB filters compared for 10–75 gallon tanks
- 04Best sponge filter for aquariums: 6 picks for shrimp, bettas and fry
- 05Best aquarium heater: 6 reliable fish tank heaters compared
- 06Best aquarium light: 6 LED fixtures for fish and planted tanks
- 07Best aquarium substrate: aquasoil, gravel and sand compared
- 08Best water conditioner for aquariums: 6 dechlorinators compared
- 09Best aquarium air pump: quiet picks for every tank size
- 10Best aquarium test kit: liquid kits, strips and monitors compared
- 11Best aquarium thermometer: glass, digital and smart options compared
- 12Best aquarium CO2 system: regulators, kits and diffusers compared
- 13Best protein skimmer for a freshwater tank? What actually works instead
- 14Best gravel vacuum for aquariums: 6 siphons and water changers compared
- 15Best 10 gallon aquarium kits: 5 starter tanks compared
- 16Best 20 gallon aquarium: kits and bare tanks compared
- 17Best 55 gallon aquarium: kits, bare tanks and upgrades compared
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fish tank for beginners?
A 10 or 20 gallon glass tank is the best starting point for most beginners. It holds enough water to keep temperature and water quality stable, fits on a sturdy dresser or stand, and supports a small community of nano fish or a betta. Avoid bowls and tanks under 5 gallons, which swing quickly and are harder to keep healthy.
What equipment do I need for a freshwater aquarium?
You need a tank, a filter, a heater for tropical species, a water conditioner, a test kit, a light and a gravel vacuum or siphon for water changes. A thermometer, a lid and a net are inexpensive extras worth having. Plants, substrate and decor depend on the style of tank you want.
Are your aquarium equipment reviews based on lab tests?
No. Our guides are editorial comparisons based on manufacturer specifications, long-standing hobby consensus and what each product is designed to do. We do not publish invented ratings or test scores. When a product has a known weakness, such as noise, fragile parts or ongoing cartridge costs, we say so.
How much should I spend on aquarium equipment?
Budget most of your money for the filter and heater, which protect the fish every day. Mid-range, well-known brands are usually the best value. Conditioners and test kits are inexpensive but essential. Lights, decor and premium tanks are where you can save at first and upgrade later.
Written and reviewed by the handsoffmyhobby editorial team according to our editorial policy.
