Why Aquarium Fish Make an Excellent Choice
All pets are adorable and appealing, and choosing which one to bring home is entirely up to you. But if you’ve decided on aquarium fish, you’ll need to understand their care requirements and the necessary equipment. After all, as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wisely wrote in “The Little Prince,” we are responsible for those we’ve tamed.
Watching fish has a calming effect and helps relieve stress, which is why many clinics and large organizations now install aquariums in their spaces. Children are particularly drawn to fish—both hyperactive and calm kids benefit from them. Active children find them soothing and a welcome distraction from excessive running around, while quieter children often form bonds with them and can observe them for hours. Additionally, colorful fish help develop aesthetic taste and nurture an appreciation for beauty.
The Aquarium: Your Fish’s Home
When purchasing any aquarium fish, you need to immediately select a spacious, quality aquarium for them. For beginners, I recommend choosing tanks of at least 50 liters (approximately 13 gallons), as smaller volumes make it harder to maintain stable conditions. Before buying, decide where you’ll place it—avoid locations near pianos, sound systems, televisions, and other noisy household items.
In my experience, rectangular aquariums are the best choice—they’re easier to maintain and provide more comfortable conditions for fish. While round aquariums look striking, they come with specific maintenance challenges. It’s also important to consider aquarium safety when choosing a location, especially if you have children or pets in the home.
Essential Equipment for Aquarium Fish
Filter: The Foundation of Clean Water
A filter is absolutely essential—it removes organic waste produced by fish and aquatic plants. Without quality filtration, maintaining a healthy aquarium environment is impossible. I recommend internal filters for smaller tanks and external canister filters for larger setups. You can learn more about different options in our guide to aquarium water filters.
Air Pump for Aeration
An air compressor continuously saturates the water with sufficient oxygen to support your fish’s life processes. While a filter with aeration may work for small, lightly stocked aquariums, I advise installing a separate air pump for most situations—it’s a more reliable solution.
Heater and Thermometer
A heater is mandatory for tropical aquariums, where water temperature should remain between 18-27°C (64-81°F). Modern aquarium heaters come with built-in thermostats that automatically maintain the set temperature. Always purchase a thermometer as well to monitor water temperature accurately.
Lighting
Special lamps are necessary—your fish’s home needs proper lighting. Correct lighting benefits not only the fish but also aquatic plants, which produce oxygen and create a natural biological environment.
Plants, Substrate, and Decoration
You should also consider plants—staff at the aquarium store can help you choose suitable species. In my experience, live plants significantly improve water quality and create a comfortable environment for fish. They also contribute to the overall aesthetic when planning your aquarium in the interior.
Aquarium decoration matters too, but the key is not to overdo it—create not just external beauty but primarily a comfortable environment for the inhabitants. Choose substrate based on your fish species—some enjoy digging in sand, while others prefer fine gravel.
Food and Feeding Accessories
Each fish species has specific dietary needs. You can clarify what your particular fish eat directly with the seller, and you should purchase appropriate food immediately. Different species like goldfish and swordtails require different types of nutrition. Your swimming pets will eat from a special feeding ring or dish.
In my experience, it’s best to have several food types—dry food for daily feeding and live or frozen food for dietary variety. This ensures your aquarium fish receive balanced nutrition and stay healthy.
Maintenance Tools
You’ll need to change water regularly to keep it clean and prevent harmful bacteria from developing. Essential tools include:
- Net for catching fish when relocating fry, removing sick fish, or during tank cleaning
- Scraper for cleaning algae from glass walls
- Gravel vacuum (siphon) for removing organic debris from the substrate
- Bucket dedicated exclusively to aquarium use
Supporting Your Setup
Don’t forget about proper support for your aquarium. A sturdy aquarium cabinet provides both practical storage for all your equipment and supplies, and ensures your tank sits on a stable, level surface—critical for preventing leaks and structural issues.
These are the fundamental items you need to purchase along with your aquarium fish. I recommend making a checklist and reviewing it before shopping to ensure you don’t forget anything—this will provide a comfortable start for your new pets and save you extra trips to the store. With proper equipment from day one, you’ll create a thriving aquatic environment that brings joy for years to come.
Article updated: 2026-08-14
