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Freshwater

Freshwater aquariums, filters, lights, heaters, CO2, substrates, fertilisers and live plants.

How to choose?

Advice and care

How to choose freshwater aquarium equipment

Start with the volume, then pick the equipment and livestock that suit that tank.

  • Volume first

    Pick the tank before the equipment: filter and heater are chosen by litres.

    Tropica Lava Rock 8–15 cm
  • Plants or fish

    A planted tank needs nutrient soil, fertiliser and a stronger light than a fish-only tank.

    Aqua Nova Ceramic Black Cylinder Fish House 11.5 × 4.5 cm
  • Time to cycle

    Let the filter run for a couple of weeks and test the water before adding fish.

    Aqua Nova Aquarium Background Tree Roots / Water

Frequently asked questions

Which aquarium suits a beginner?

A medium-sized set with the filter, light and heater already matched. Water values change more slowly in a larger tank than in a very small one.

Does a planted tank need a CO2 system?

Easy plants such as anubias, ferns and mosses grow without CO2. Dense carpets and red plants need CO2 and a stronger light.

Read more

Freshwater aquarium equipment works as one system, so the parts have to match. Filter and heater output are chosen by volume in litres, and the light by the tank's length and how demanding your plants are. If the equipment is too weak for the tank, careful maintenance will not make up for it: the water clouds and the temperature drifts.

The second decision is whether the tank is mainly for plants or for fish. A densely planted aquarium needs a nutrient-rich substrate, regular fertiliser and often added CO2; a fish tank does well with gravel, a good filter and a few undemanding plants.

The most common mistake is stocking too quickly. A new filter has not yet grown the bacteria that break down fish waste, so add fish gradually and check ammonia and nitrite with tests. After that, a weekly partial water change keeps the water clean.

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