Every aquarium needs the same core kit: a tank, a filter, a heater, a light, a water conditioner, a bacteria starter, and food. A few extras - air pump, test kit, cleaning tools - make life easier. Here's exactly what you need (and what's optional), with the gear we stock for each.
The essentials
1. The tank
Start with the biggest tank your space and budget allow - larger water volumes are more stable and forgiving for beginners. New to this? See our starter kit guide and beginner setup guide.
2. Filter
A filter is non-negotiable - it keeps water clear and houses the beneficial bacteria that process fish waste. Hang-on-back filters like the Fluval C-Series suit most tanks; larger or heavily stocked tanks want a canister such as the Fluval 207.
3. Heater
Tropical fish need stable warmth (usually 24-27°C). A submersible heater like the Fluval M-Series, sized to your tank, holds temperature steady.
4. Light
Fish need a day/night rhythm and plants need light to grow. An LED like the BluePet N6 Neo+ suits nano tanks; match strength to your plants (see our lighting guide and how many hours of light).
5. Water conditioner
Indian tap water contains chlorine and chloramine that must be neutralised before it touches your fish. A conditioner like Seachem Prime (or budget Sunken Garden Anti Chlorine) makes it safe instantly - see our water conditioner guide.
6. Beneficial bacteria (for cycling)
A new tank must "cycle" before it's safe for fish. A bacteria starter like Seachem Stability or Sunken Garden Good Bacteria speeds that up and helps keep water clear.
7. Food
Match food to your fish. Our feeding guides cover goldfish, betta, cichlids and more.
Useful extras
Substrate (for planted tanks)
Want live plants? A nutrient substrate like ADA Aqua Soil or Power Sand feeds the roots - see our substrate guide.
Air pump
Not always essential - a filter adds oxygen too - but useful for heavily stocked tanks, sponge filters, or warm weather. A Sobo air pump is an inexpensive addition.
Test kit
Test strips like these water test strips let you check ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH - handy while cycling or troubleshooting.
Cleaning tools
A gravel cleaner/siphon such as this 5-in-1 electric cleaner makes water changes quick - see our gravel cleaner guide.
Filter media
Polishing media like Seachem Purigen keeps water crystal clear.
Quick checklist
- Must-have: tank, filter, heater (tropical fish), light, water conditioner, bacteria starter, food.
- Recommended: test kit, gravel cleaner/siphon, fish net.
- Situational: air pump; substrate, CO2 and fertiliser for planted tanks.
Frequently asked questions
What equipment do I need to start an aquarium?
At minimum a tank, filter, heater (for tropical fish), light, water conditioner, a bacteria starter, and appropriate food.
Do I need an air pump for an aquarium?
Not always - a filter oxygenates the water. Air pumps help heavily stocked tanks, sponge filters and warm weather.
Do I need a heater?
Yes for tropical fish; coldwater fish like goldfish can manage without one at stable room temperatures.
Is a test kit necessary?
Not essential but very useful, especially while cycling a new tank or troubleshooting problems.
What is the most important piece of equipment?
The filter - it keeps water clear and houses the bacteria that keep your fish safe.
Do I need a water conditioner in India?
Yes - Indian tap water is chlorinated and often chloraminated, so it must be treated before use.
Everything you need in one place - shop filters, heaters, lights, conditioners, substrate and more at Fish Bazaar, delivered across India. New to the hobby? Start with our beginner setup guide.
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