Many people think that fish are simple, no-fuss pets. Yes, they don't look for much care and keeping, but setting up a fish tank can be a challenging project compared to many anticipate. The thing is that making the things right is not simple as it looks so before start it is better to learn as much as you can before buying your fits fish to go in it. Going through the range of aquarium products can be confusing, but once you learn the basics everything will become simpler. Here is a complete list of the most important pet fish supplies you would need for your aquarium before you bring home your new freshwater fish friends.

When it comes to an aquarium, the bigger is better but this doesn't mean this is an ideal solution for you. Insted, think about the available space in your home. However, you should probably find a place for a normal, 80-litre tank. Buying a tall, thin tank is not a good idea so make sure you stick with longer but shorter aquarium as they provide more space for fish to swim and there is a bigger surface area for air exchange. Glass tanks are popular choice, but acrylic ones are more lightweight and perfect for homes with kids as they don't break.

Aquariums are beautiful, they take space but they are also heavy so a bookcase will not do the job as this piece of furniture is no sturdy enough to hold anything heavy, except a very small aquarium. If you are handy you can build your own tank stand. There are plenty of plans available that can help you with the process. On the other hand, you can always buy a ready-made product.

Keeping the water clean is important what makes filers and water purifiers essential aquarium products. Clean water will keep your fish healthy so it's worth to buy the best filer and purifier you can afford. When it comes to this aquarium pet supplies, there are plenty of styles available, but filters with a bio-wheel system are usually the most recommended ones. Keep in mind that the unit must be appropriate for the size of the aquarium. On the other hand, purifiers with UV radiation are one of the best options. These units use a low wattage UV radiation that kills all waterborne bacteria, algae and pathogens passing through the filter. Used along with the filter, it will provide your aquarium with continuous clean water.

Often time the lighting comes along with the lid, but in some cases, you may have the option to choose it separately. When it comes to lighting you can choose between halogen, incandescent, mercury vapour, fluorescent, LED and metal halide. Fluorescent light is the most recomended for beginners since is cooler and inexpensive. On the other hand LED lights are becoming extremely popular and available because they use little electricity compared to other bulbs, they don't heat the water and are affordable.

For most of the fish, a temperature around 23-25 degree Celsius is the most comfortable. Unless your home is always in that range of temperature then you should take a heater. Keeping your fish in their most comfortable temperature will make them feel less stressed and healthier. Heaters for fish tanks come as submersible and hang-on-the-tank models. A submersible heater with a numerical setting is a perfect choice. Maybe it will cost you more than you have planned but it's worth the money. When it comes to the size, a rule of thumb is five watts per three litres. However, keep in mind that the room temperature has an impact on the wattage needed.

Other than choosing the right aquarium and type of fish for it, you also need to choose the type of aquarium substrate. One of the most common options is gravel. The type of gravel will have a huge impact on how your fish tank will look like so choose the one that will enhance the visual appeal is important. Generally, a dark, small and smooth gravel is preferable but still keep to your taste. Along with the gravel, you will need a gravel cleaner. This aquarium product is actually a type of vacuum but it doesn't work like the regular vacuum. An aquarium vacuum creates a column of moving water which loosens any debris and dirt trapped in between the gravel. The gravel vacuum should be inside the tank placed as deep as possible while the end tube should go into a bucket where all the dirty water will be collected.

You need nothing more than a medium-sized fishnet but a quality one. Or even better, you can get two as catching the fish with two nets is easier. The handle should be proportionate to the size of your fish tank so you don't need to stick your hande into the water anytime you need to catch a fish. When it comes to food, fish just like humans need a balanced diet. This helps them to support their immune system, ensure proper growth and bring out their natural colouration. Always look for high-quality fish foods as they are higher in protein and fibre. Some of the best ingredients in fish foods are squid, herring, krill, garlic, spirulina and algae.