Setting up an aquarium is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can take on. Whether you’re a beginner creating your very first tank or an experienced aquarist planning a new setup, having a detailed aquarium checklist is crucial for success. An aquarium is more than just water and fish—it’s a miniature ecosystem that requires the right equipment, planning, and care.

Without proper preparation, common mistakes like poor filtration, inadequate cycling, or wrong stocking choices can quickly lead to problems. A comprehensive checklist ensures you don’t overlook essential items, helps you avoid unnecessary purchases, and sets the foundation for a healthy, thriving tank.

In this article, we’ll cover a complete aquarium setup checklist—from choosing the right tank, equipment, and substrate to livestock selection, maintenance routines, and long-term care. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to successfully plan, set up, and maintain your dream aquarium.

Table of Contents

Why You Need an Aquarium Checklist

Avoid Overbuying: Prevents you from purchasing items you don’t need.
Prevent Mistakes: Ensures you don’t forget essentials like dechlorinator or test kits.
Budget Planning: Helps you calculate costs before committing.
Smooth Setup: Provides a step-by-step process for a stress-free experience.
Healthy Environment: Supports fish welfare by ensuring all critical items are included.

Step 1: Planning Your Aquarium

Before buying anything, you need to plan. A checklist starts with answering some key questions:

What type of aquarium? (Freshwater, saltwater, planted, reef, species-only, or community tank)
Tank size? (10, 20, 55, or 100+ gallons)
Budget?
Fish species? Peaceful community fish, cichlids, or marine species?
Placement? Location in the house with stable temperature and minimal direct sunlight.

👉 Planning ensures that your aquarium checklist matches your goals.

Step 2: Essential Aquarium Equipment Checklist

Every aquarium requires certain core equipment to run smoothly.

1. Aquarium Tank

Choose a size suitable for your space and experience.
Beginner-friendly: 20–55 gallons (larger tanks are easier to maintain).

2. Aquarium Stand

Must support the weight of a filled tank (1 gallon ≈ 8.34 lbs / 3.78 kg).

3. Aquarium Filter

Keeps water clean by removing waste.
Types: Hang-on-back (HOB), canister, sponge, internal, or sump.

4. Heater & Thermometer

Most tropical fish need 75–80°F (24–27°C).
Thermometers help monitor consistency.

5. Lighting System

LED lights recommended for energy efficiency and plant/coral growth.

6. Air Pump & Air Stones

Improve oxygenation and water movement.

7. Substrate

Gravel, sand, or planted substrate depending on the type of aquarium.

8. Water Conditioner (Dechlorinator)

Essential to neutralize chlorine/chloramine in tap water.

9. Water Testing Kit

Measures pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, and KH.

10. Aquarium Lid or Cover

Prevents fish from jumping out.
Reduces evaporation.

11. Aquarium Net

For safely moving fish.

12. Siphon / Gravel Vacuum

Used during water changes to remove debris.

13. Aquarium Maintenance Tools

Algae scrapers, tweezers, and scissors for aquascaping.

14. Bucket or Container (Fish-Only Use)

For water changes and acclimation.

15. Aquarium Background (Optional)

Enhances aesthetics and reduces fish stress.

Step 3: Aquarium Cycling Checklist

Before adding fish, the tank must go through the nitrogen cycle to establish beneficial bacteria.

Ammonia source (fish food or bottled ammonia for fishless cycling).
Water testing kit to monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
Patience—cycling takes 4–6 weeks.
Bacteria starter (optional but speeds up the cycle).

👉 Never skip this step—cycling is the foundation of a healthy aquarium.

Step 4: Aquarium Decoration & Aquascaping Checklist

Decor and aquascaping not only beautify your tank but also provide hiding spots and territory for fish.

Rocks & Driftwood: Create natural shelters and focal points.
Aquarium Plants (Live or Artificial):
- Live plants improve oxygen and absorb waste.
- Artificial plants are low-maintenance.
Aquascaping Tools: Tweezers, scissors, and suction cups.
Background Plants: Amazon Sword, Vallisneria.
Mid-ground Plants: Anubias, Cryptocoryne.
Carpeting Plants: Dwarf Hairgrass, Java Moss.

Step 5: Aquarium Livestock Checklist

Freshwater Fish Options

Guppies, Mollies, Platies
Tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Ember)
Rasboras
Corydoras Catfish
Gouramis
Betta (species-only or female sorority with caution)

Saltwater Fish Options

Clownfish
Gobies
Wrasses
Damsels (with caution)
Tangs (larger tanks only)

Invertebrates

Snails (Nerite, Mystery)
Shrimp (Cherry, Amano)
Crabs (Hermit crabs for marine tanks)

Corals (for Reef Tanks)

Soft corals (Zoanthids, Mushrooms)
LPS corals (Torch, Frogspawn)
SPS corals (Acropora—advanced hobbyists)

Step 6: Aquarium Feeding Checklist

Staple Food: Flakes or pellets for everyday feeding.
Protein Sources: Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia).
Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach.
Bottom-Feeder Food: Algae wafers, sinking pellets.
Feeding Tools: Pipettes or feeding rings.

👉 Feed 1–2 times daily. Only give as much food as fish can eat in 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Aquarium Maintenance Checklist

Routine maintenance ensures a clean and healthy environment.

Weekly:
- Test water parameters.
- 20–30% water change.
- Gravel vacuum.
- Clean algae from glass.
Monthly:
- Rinse filter media in tank water (not tap).
- Prune live plants.
- Check all equipment.
Every 6 Months:
- Replace filter media (as needed).
- Deep clean decorations and rocks.

Step 8: Aquarium Health & Safety Checklist

Quarantine Tank: Prevents disease spread from new fish.
Fish Medications: General cure, ich treatment, antibacterial medication.
Observation: Watch for signs of stress, aggression, or illness.
Hand Washing: Before and after handling aquarium.

Sample Aquarium Checklists by Tank Type

Freshwater Community Tank Checklist

Tank (30–55 gallons)
Heater & filter
Substrate (gravel or sand)
Live plants (Java Fern, Anubias)
Peaceful fish (tetras, guppies, corydoras)

Saltwater FOWLR Tank Checklist

Tank (50+ gallons)
Protein skimmer
Sump or canister filter
Marine salt & hydrometer/refractometer
Marine fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs)

Reef Tank Checklist

Reef-ready aquarium with overflow
High-quality LED reef lights
Protein skimmer & sump
RO/DI unit
Live rock & reef sand
Corals & reef-safe fish

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Checklist for Success)

❌ Overstocking the aquarium
❌ Skipping the cycling process
❌ Mixing incompatible species
❌ Overfeeding fish
❌ Using untreated tap water
❌ Neglecting maintenance

FAQs About Aquarium Checklist

Q1: What is the most important item on an aquarium checklist?
The filter—it maintains water quality and is essential for fish survival.

Q2: How many fish can I add to my new aquarium?
Follow the general rule of 1 inch of fish per gallon, but consider species behavior and bioload.

Q3: Do I really need to cycle my aquarium?
Yes, cycling establishes beneficial bacteria that process toxic ammonia and nitrite.

Q4: What’s the minimum tank size for beginners?
A 20–30 gallon tank is ideal for beginners—big enough for stability but manageable.

Q5: Do I need a heater for a freshwater aquarium?
Yes, unless keeping cold-water fish like goldfish or white cloud minnows.

Q6: Can I skip live plants?
Yes, but live plants improve water quality and provide natural shelter.

Q7: How often should I clean my aquarium?
Weekly partial water changes and monthly filter rinses are recommended.

Q8: Do I need a quarantine tank?
Yes, it helps prevent disease outbreaks in your main aquarium.

Q9: Is an air pump necessary?
Not always, but it improves oxygenation and is useful in heavily stocked tanks.

Q10: What’s the difference between freshwater and saltwater checklists?
Saltwater setups require additional equipment like protein skimmers, hydrometers, and marine salt.