What do I need to start a tank, freshwater aquarium

Must haves for starting a new tropical tank

♥ Tank itself ---- the bigger the better

♥ Lid with lights already installed

♥ an aquarium stand ---appropriate to the tank size (a TV stand or similar things usually don't support the weight)

♥ heater ---- since it's for tropical fish (but get the one that is adjustable and submersible, because the preset ones don't really work)

♥ Filter ---- appropriate to tank size
There are many types to choose from, a few popular types include: the HOB (Power Filter), the Canister Filter, & the Sponge Filters (this is not a complete list of types).

♥ Thermometer ----to check the temperature

♥ Water conditioner ----to make the water safe for your fish

♥ Gravel siphon ---- to do partial water changes -----recommended partial water change of 25% weekly

♥ Carbon ---needs to be replaced every 4-6 weeks (not the complete cartridges but just the carbon itself)

♥ Gravel or marble or sand---- for the bottom

♥ A 5 gallon bucket for water change

♥ a net for your fish when you need to take them out

♥ A bacteria starter -----or water or gravel or squeezed out media from a filter, from an already established tank or pure ammonia

♥ A Fish less Cycling Kit which includes an Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate test kit------ the liquid ones are recommended because they are more accurate

♥ LOTS OF PATIENCE
Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle, fishless cycling

♥ And of course Fish food when you buy your fish

♥ a basic Aquarium book is also always helpful


Recommended additional items are :

♥ Bubblers for additional oxygen including an air pump to operate your bubbler

♥ some decorations for your tank to make it look nice

♥ a magnet for the glass

♥ a timer for the lights ----- you're suppose to keep them on for 10-12 hours during the day and turn them off for 12-14 hours at night

♥ aquarium salt (which you can use twice a month or even weekly without harming your fish of 1 tablespoon per 10 gallon, and it also keeps some diseases at bay)

♥ live plants

♥ Co2 setup or plant fertilizer for your plants



This should help you to start into a wonderful hobby
Eve

For further resources, please see this article:
FRESHWATER BASICS, CARE, SETUP