What Equipment Do You Need for a Freshwater Aquarium?

Setting up a freshwater aquarium is much easier when you start with the right equipment.

You do not need to buy every aquarium accessory available, but there are a few essentials that most freshwater setups rely on for stable water quality, suitable temperature and regular maintenance.

If you are setting up your first fish tank, start with our beginner guide to setting up your first aquarium and our guide to cycling a new fish tank.

Freshwater Aquarium Equipment Checklist

For most freshwater aquariums, you will need:

• An aquarium and suitable stand.
• An aquarium filter.
• A heater if required by the fish species.
• A thermometer.
• Aquarium lighting.
• Substrate.
• Water conditioner.
• A water test kit.
• A gravel cleaner or siphon.
• A bucket or dedicated maintenance container.
• Appropriate fish food.

You may also want live plants, aquascaping materials, an air pump, extra filter media, algae-cleaning tools and other equipment depending on the type of aquarium you are building.

1. Aquarium and Stand

The aquarium itself is the starting point, but the stand is just as important.

Once filled, aquariums become extremely heavy. Water alone weighs about one kilogram per litre, before adding the weight of the tank, substrate, rocks, driftwood and equipment.

Choose a stand or cabinet designed to safely support the aquarium when fully loaded.

When choosing the aquarium size, consider:

• The adult size of the fish you want to keep.
• The number of fish you plan to keep.
• The available floor and bench space.
• Whether you want a community, planted, cichlid or specialised setup.
• How easy the tank will be to maintain.

For many beginners, a tank around 60 litres or larger is easier to manage than a very small aquarium because temperature and water-quality changes tend to occur more gradually.

Browse our aquariums and fish tanks if you are still deciding what size will suit your setup.

2. Aquarium Filter

A filter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in most freshwater aquariums.

A suitable aquarium filter helps:

• Move water around the tank.
• Remove suspended debris.
• Provide surface area for beneficial bacteria.
• Support biological filtration.
• Help maintain more stable water quality.

Common filter types include:

• Internal filters.
• Sponge filters.
• Hang-on-back filters.
• External or canister filters.

The best filter depends on the aquarium size, stocking level and type of fish being kept.

Browse our aquarium filtration range for filters and filter media suited to different freshwater setups.

3. Aquarium Heater

A heater is required when the fish you are keeping need water warmer than the surrounding room temperature.

Many tropical freshwater fish require a stable heated aquarium, but not every freshwater species needs the same temperature.

Choose a heater that is suitable for the aquarium volume and check the temperature with a thermometer rather than relying only on the heater setting.

You can browse our aquarium heaters for tropical and freshwater setups.

4. Thermometer

A thermometer is a simple but important piece of equipment.

It allows you to confirm that the aquarium temperature is actually where it should be.

This is particularly useful after:

• Installing a new heater.
• Changing the heater setting.
• Completing a water change.
• Moving the aquarium.
• Experiencing unusually hot or cold weather.

5. Aquarium Lighting

Aquarium lighting helps you view the tank and is especially important if you are keeping live plants.

The amount and intensity of lighting required depends on:

• The aquarium depth.
• The type of plants being kept.
• The amount of natural light entering the room.
• The length of the daily lighting period.

More light is not always better. Excessive lighting can contribute to algae growth if it is not balanced with plant demand, nutrients and maintenance.

6. Substrate

Substrate is the material placed on the bottom of the aquarium.

Common choices include:

• Gravel.
• Sand.
• Planting substrates.
• Specialised substrates designed for particular aquarium styles.

Choose substrate based on the fish and plants you plan to keep.

For example, some bottom-dwelling species may benefit from smoother substrates, while planted aquariums may use substrates designed to support root growth.

7. Water Conditioner

If you are using tap water, a suitable aquarium water conditioner is usually required before that water is added to the aquarium.

Water conditioners are used to neutralise chlorine and, depending on the product and local water supply, chloramine.

Always follow the instructions on the product you are using and dose for the amount of new water being treated.

8. Water Test Kit

A water test kit is one of the most useful tools a beginner can own.

You cannot reliably judge water quality simply by looking at the aquarium.

For a new freshwater setup, the most useful tests include:

• Ammonia.
• Nitrite.
• Nitrate.
• pH.

Depending on the fish and water conditions, tests for hardness and alkalinity may also be useful.

Testing is especially important while the aquarium is cycling and whenever fish behaviour or water quality changes unexpectedly.

9. Gravel Cleaner or Siphon

A gravel cleaner or siphon makes regular water changes much easier.

It allows you to remove water while also lifting debris from the substrate.

For many freshwater aquariums, regular partial water changes are one of the most important ongoing maintenance tasks.

10. Dedicated Aquarium Bucket

A simple bucket or container used only for aquarium maintenance can be extremely useful.

Keeping aquarium equipment separate from household cleaning equipment helps avoid accidental contamination with detergents or other chemicals.

11. Fish Food

Choose a food that suits the species you are keeping rather than assuming one food is suitable for every aquarium.

Different fish may feed at the surface, in mid-water or near the bottom, and nutritional requirements can vary by species.

Browse our fish food range for freshwater aquarium species.

Optional Equipment That Can Be Useful

Air Pump and Air Stone

An air pump is not mandatory for every aquarium, but it can be useful where additional surface agitation or aeration is required.

Sponge filters are also commonly powered by air pumps.

Live Aquarium Plants

Live plants can add shelter, visual interest and natural structure to a freshwater aquarium.

Some beginner-friendly plants can grow successfully under relatively simple conditions, while others require stronger lighting, fertilisation or carbon dioxide supplementation.

Browse our live aquarium plants if you are planning a planted setup.

Aquascaping Materials

Rocks, driftwood and other aquascaping materials can help create hiding places, territories and a more natural-looking aquarium.

You can browse our aquascaping supplies for freshwater aquarium layouts.

Extra Filter Media

Some filters allow you to customise the media used inside them.

Depending on the filter, this may include:

• Mechanical filter pads.
• Filter wool.
• Biological media.
• Specialised chemical media where appropriate.

What Equipment Do You Not Need to Buy Straight Away?

Beginners are often presented with a long list of accessories, but not every aquarium needs every product.

You usually do not need to buy specialised equipment until you know your aquarium requires it.

Examples may include:

• CO2 injection systems.
• UV sterilisers.
• Automatic dosing equipment.
• Complex controllers.
• Specialised water-conditioning systems.

These products can be very useful in the right aquarium, but a simple beginner freshwater setup can often be run successfully without them.

What Should I Buy First?

If you are purchasing equipment gradually, start with the items needed to establish and cycle the aquarium:

1. Aquarium and stand.
2. Filter.
3. Heater if required.
4. Thermometer.
5. Substrate.
6. Water conditioner.
7. Water test kit.
8. Lighting if not included with the aquarium.

Fish should come later, once the aquarium is set up and the biological filter is ready.

Do Aquarium Starter Kits Include Everything?

Some aquarium kits include a tank, light, filter and other basic equipment, which can be convenient for beginners.

However, check exactly what is included before buying.

You may still need:

• A heater.
• Thermometer.
• Water conditioner.
• Test kit.
• Substrate.
• Maintenance equipment.

Beginner Freshwater Aquarium Equipment Checklist

• Aquarium.
• Suitable aquarium stand.
• Filter.
• Heater if required.
• Thermometer.
• Lighting.
• Substrate.
• Water conditioner.
• Water test kit.
• Gravel cleaner or siphon.
• Dedicated aquarium bucket.
• Appropriate fish food.

Continue the Beginner Aquarium Series

Next, learn more about choosing the right aquarium size in our upcoming guide: What Size Aquarium Should a Beginner Buy?

You can also read:

• Setting Up Your First Aquarium: A Beginner's Guide
• How to Cycle a Fish Tank Before Adding Fish

At Aquaholics Online, we stock aquariums, aquarium filtration, aquarium heaters, live aquarium plants, fish food and freshwater aquarium equipment for customers across Australia, with our aquarium store at Baringa on the Sunshine Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is essential for a freshwater aquarium?

Most freshwater aquariums need a suitable tank, filter, water conditioner, water test kit and basic maintenance equipment. A heater is also required when the fish species being kept need heated water.

Do I need an air pump in a freshwater aquarium?

Not always. Many filters provide enough water movement and surface agitation on their own. An air pump can still be useful where additional aeration is needed or when running equipment such as a sponge filter.

Do I need a heater for a freshwater fish tank?

It depends on the fish species and room temperature. Many tropical freshwater fish require heated water, while some temperate species may not.

Do I need a water test kit?

Yes, particularly when setting up a new aquarium. Testing ammonia, nitrite and nitrate helps you understand whether the biological filter is functioning properly.

Can I set up an aquarium without live plants?

Yes. Live plants are optional in many freshwater aquariums. They can add natural structure and other benefits, but a properly maintained aquarium does not have to be planted.