Have you ever thought about starting an aquarium, but then felt a little overwhelmed by all the choices in the equipment aisle? We get it.
Our approach is simple. We only carry the brands we’d be happy to run on our own tanks at home. This way, you know you’re getting gear that’s been tested and trusted.
You can get started with a complete kit for as little as $80, with more advanced setups ranging up to $400. For those dreaming of a full coral reef, high-end builds can reach $3,000 or more, depending on your choices for lighting and water flow.
Filters: The Heart of Your Aquarium
Your filter is the most important piece of equipment you’ll buy. It keeps the water clean, clear, and safe for your fish. We stock a focused selection of top brands like Fluval, Eheim, and AquaClear in both hang-on-back (HOB) and canister styles.
- For Most Tanks (Under 75 Gallons): It’s tough to find a better value than an AquaClear HOB filter. They have a huge capacity for filter media and are known for being incredibly reliable.
- For Larger Tanks (75+ Gallons): When you move up to a larger tank, or if you just want your system to be whisper-quiet, a canister filter is the way to go. Models from Fluval and Eheim offer massive media capacity and power.
Not sure what size you need? A good rule of thumb is to choose a filter with a flow rate, measured in gallons per hour (GPH), that is at least four to six times the volume of your tank. Our aquarium filter sizing guide has a full walkthrough to help you find the perfect match.
Lighting: Bringing Your Tank to Life
The right light does more than just let you see your fish. It supports plant life, promotes coral growth, and brings out the vibrant colors of your aquarium’s inhabitants.
- For Reef Tanks: We recommend high-performance LEDs from AI (AquaIllumination) and Kessil. The AI Hydra and Prime series are celebrated for their powerful output and smart control via a mobile app. Kessil’s A-series lights are famous for creating a beautiful, natural shimmer effect in the water. For a budget-friendly option, the Current USA Orbit Marine is a fantastic choice.
- For Planted Freshwater Tanks: To grow lush aquatic plants, you need a light with the right spectrum. The Fluval Plant 3.0 is a favorite among planted tank enthusiasts for its programmability. The Current USA Satellite also provides excellent results for a wide range of freshwater plants.
Getting the lighting right is crucial for success. You can learn about the different requirements for freshwater and reef setups in our guide to aquarium lighting basics.
Heaters: Keeping Things Stable
Most tropical and marine fish require a consistent water temperature to thrive. That’s why we only sell adjustable heaters from trusted brands like Fluval, Eheim, and Cobalt. Preset heaters can be unreliable, and we simply don’t carry them.
A good starting point for choosing a heater is to use 3 to 5 watts per gallon of tank volume. A 20-gallon aquarium, for instance, would need a 75 or 100-watt heater. Check out our guide on heater wattage by tank size to make sure you don’t buy something that can’t keep up with your tank.
Pumps: Creating a Healthy Flow
Water movement is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the aquarium.
- Return Pumps: For tanks with a sump, a reliable return pump is non-negotiable. We carry ultra-quiet and dependable models from Sicce and Eheim.
- Powerheads & Wavemakers: In-tank pumps create circulation. Simple powerheads from AquaClear get the job done, while smart wavemakers from Maxspect and AI, like the Nero series, allow you to create customized, reef-like flow patterns that corals love.
Water Care & Salt Mixes
Maintaining pristine water quality is simple with the right products. We stock a full line of water care solutions from Fritz Aquatics and Seachem, two of the most respected names in the hobby. From Seachem Prime to remove chlorine during water changes, to Fritz’s live bacteria for cycling a new tank, we have what you need.
You’ll also find high-quality aquarium salt for freshwater tanks and a variety of marine salt mixes for reef aquariums, along with RO/DI replacement filters.
Let’s Plan Your Perfect Aquarium
Ready to get started? Bring your room dimensions and a budget you’re comfortable with. We’ll help you design a complete setup that works for your space and goals.
If you’re planning a new reef tank, we highly recommend running the numbers through our reef tank cost estimator before you come in. It will give you a realistic idea of the first-year total cost based on the livestock and equipment you’re considering.
