When setting up your aquarium, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the vast array of accessories that are available. Start small, get a few necessities like a biological filter, an air pump, some gravel and a few live plants. Then gradually add to your collection as your interests and needs dictate.
Aquarium or Fish Tank accessories can be divided into two types – essential and nonessential.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
. . .and a few things that you don't really need, but
should have anyway.
Filters
There are three types of filters - biological, mechanical, and chemical. All tanks should have at least a biological filter. A mechanical filter, while not essential, is a worthwhile investment for the long-term health of your tank. You can skip the chemical filter.
Biological filters are essential because they help remove ammonia (a by-product of fish waste) from the water. Ammonia is toxic to fish.
Mechanical filters are useful because they strain out solid, particulate matters such as plant leaves and uneaten food.
Chemical filters are useful if you have to remove medication from the tank, but the same thing can be done by changing the water.
Air Pumps
Not required, but a definite 'should have'. Air pumps simply pump air into the tank, insuring that the water is fully oxygenated. They not only aerate the water, but they can be used to force water through a filter, or to operate bubble accessories like bubble rocks or the quintessential deep sea diver (it is the air pump that makes the bubbles emerge from his head.)
Heaters
Heaters are required for tropical fish.
Submersible Heaters – can be completely submerged under water.
Traditional Heaters – only the heating coils are submerged. Controls are above water.
You'll also want a thermometer to make sure that the water is at the correct temperature.
Gravel or substrate material
Substrate material provides rooting material for aquatic plants, and is the place where some fish lay their eggs. Gravel acts as the filter media in under gravel filtration systems and is decorative. The average total depth of substrate material in most tanks is 1-4 inches, with 3 inches being average.
The top layer should be coarse sand (1-2mm in size) or gravel (2-3 mm in size). Gravel can be of any color, but darker colors will highlight you fish better than lighter colors.
Peat moss (which acts as a water softener), laterite (an iron rich clay), or soil can be layered under the gravel layer. Do not use coral, seashells or limestone, as these materials will raise the pH of your water.
Lights
In a fish only tank, lights are not a necessity.
If you have live plants in your tank, lights are a necessity. Plants need 10-12 hours of light a day. Any broad-spectrum light will work.
Hood
Not truly necessary, but a hood or top cover will keep your fish from jumping out, and anything from falling in. The hood should not be tight fitting; you need to leave enough space for air to filter into the tank.
You can also purchase hood and light combination units.
NONESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES:
. . . but you'll probably want these anyway.
Test kits to check on your water's chemistry.
Hydrometer – to measure specific gravity in salt-water aquariums.
Scratch removal kits for acrylic tanks.
Cleaning magnets or scrapers for removing algae from the sides of the tank.
Lots of sponges for cleaning tanks. Never use a sponge that has been used to clean something else. Soaps and detergents will kill the fish, and no matter how well you rinse out a sponge, there will always be enough residues to harm the fish.
Nets of various sizes. Fish should never be picked up by hand.
Siphon – to remove water from the tank.
Gravel cleaning attachment.
Decorations – any thing you desire, just make sure that they are made from inert materials such as plastic, glass, or ceramic.
A digital thermometer with an alarm that sounds if the water gets too hot or cold.
A surge protector.
A timer to turn your aquarium lights on and off.
In addition, one of the most overlooked accessories that you can have for your fish tank is insurance, both for the tank itself and your home. Once you have your fish tank fully stocked and accessorized, you'll have a lot of money invested. Check with your insurance agent and see if you can insure your aquarium. Additionally, check to make sure that your home or apartment insurance will cover damage caused by your aquarium.
