Your purified water doesn’t have that sodium your Clownfish needs, so be sure to find the right brand that’s safe and healthy to use for your fish. If you have a marine aquarium, you also need a sea salt mix. They come designed for various sizes, so be sure to thoroughly read reviews to make sure you’re getting the right one.Ĭheck out our reviews of the best protein skimmers here. Protein Skimmer: Saltwaterįor those keeping a marine tank, you’ll want a protein skimmer to reduce waste and keep things clean in there. Some species of fish jump – like Firefish and Killfish, for example – some don’t.Īuthor note: Hoods also provide protection for objects falling into the tank, reduce cleaning issues – no hood equals lint, dust, and more getting in – and keeping predators out, like my cat. However, I really wouldn’t recommend going without.

Sometimes, you’ll find folks say hoods are optional. Top tip: Plus, honestly, a pretty glass gravel just looks stunning in a marine aquarium. The substrate gives your live plants somewhere to grow from, a place for waste to lodge before cleanings, et cetera. Nearly every kind of aquarium needs substrate like gravel or sand. And plants – well, they use photosynthesis which comes from light.Ĭheck out our reviews of the best LED lighting systems here. Just like humans need sunlight to get vitamin D and keep those happy feelings, fish need light as well to remain happy and healthy. And that means the right lighting system. Top tip: But more importantly, your fish and aquatic plants need light to grow and thrive. If you can’t see inside the aquarium, chances are you won’t enjoy it much. Lights: BothĮnjoying your aquarium is the primary reason you’re setting one up. Most popular fish for aquarists are tropical and semi-tropical fish, which means room temperature water that drops below about 68-degrees Fahrenheit can make your fish ill – or worse.Ĭheck out our reviews of the best heaters here. However, nearly every tank will be better off with one.

If you’re keeping cold water fish like goldfish and live in a reasonably warm environment, you may find you don’t need a water heater for your aquarium. Heater: Saltwater Yes, Freshwater Possibly Saltwater and freshwater fish will become unhealthy and can die if they live in straight-up, unfiltered tap water.Īuthor note: Fish – whether freshwater or saltwater, goldfish or exotic tropical – need fresh, clean water to breathe in just as we need smog-less skies.Ĭheck out our reviews of the best filters here. Filter: BothĮven if you have the best tap water in the world, your fish tank needs purified water. There are, however, a few differences you’ll notice below.Įach item is categorized by type of aquarium it’s for, so just look for your marine or freshwater needs. You can set up your 20 gallon aquarium for either freshwater or saltwater use and apart from things like specifics for reptiles and crabs, most of the points are the same. Important Equipment to Get for Your New 20 gallon fish tank setup Works for either freshwater or saltwater.

Aqueon 20 gallon fish tank