Are you interested in aquarium keeping, but don't know where to start? This guide is for you. The first thing you need to take care of is the aquarium. Indeed, as an owner, your first duty will be to provide your fish with a healthy and comfortable habitat. It is essential that you have an aquarium with excellent features to provide them with a nice living space.
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Our selection
"Are you looking for a sturdy and reliable aquarium to get started in aquarium keeping? The Tetra Starter Line is just what you need. It…"
"If you are looking for a nano aquarium to introduce your children to the world of aquarium keeping, this small 7L aquarium from Nobleza is…"
"The RIO 125 is the smallest aquarium in the RIO range. With its compact surface of 81 x 36 cm and its classic rectangular design,…"
"The Fluval Flex Marine Aquarium offers contemporary styling with its distinctive curved front. It also features powerful multi-stage filtration and LED lighting that allows for…"
Are you looking for a sturdy and reliable aquarium to get started in aquarium keeping? The Tetra Starter Line is just what you need. It is the ideal starter kit for beginners.
79,19 £ on AmazonGetting started in aquarium keeping is easy with the Tetra Starter Line LED aquarium. This aquarium is the ideal starter kit: it is easy to use, as it comes with all the useful features and essential technical equipment. The 54 l tank is made of a special 6 mm thick float glass that gives you an undistorted view of your fish. The lid is also very sturdy: made of plastic, equipped with a practical feeding flap, it has a very elegant curved shape. The lighting is provided by an energy efficient 10W LED lamp.
The filter is equipped with the powerful Tetra EasyCrystal (3.5 watts), which comes with 2 spare cartridges and reliably removes all impurities and algae. The Tetra Starter Line is also already equipped with a reliable 50 watt heater - preset to 25 °C. In addition to all this, the aquarium comes with the Tetra AquaSafe water conditioner and TetraMin basic food. And it's the ideal aquarium for freshwater fish (cold water or tropical water). Simply add dense vegetation to your aquarium and the dwarf Cichlids will thrive.
If you are looking for a nano aquarium to introduce your children to the world of aquarium keeping, this small 7L aquarium from Nobleza is perfect for you.
34,39 £ on AmazonThis 7L nano aquarium is very easy to use for children and adults new to aquarium keeping. It is very convenient for shrimps or micro-fish (larger fish may not have good living conditions due to the small size). It is a glass aquarium with curved edges that can offer you an uninterrupted 180° view from inside.
It comes with an economical 3W LED lamp, an efficient filtration system located at the top of the tank and tilts 90° for convenience. It is suitable for a cold or tropical water tank. Please note that for the tropical water configuration, you will need a heating system (not included).
The RIO 125 is the smallest aquarium in the RIO range. With its compact surface of 81 x 36 cm and its classic rectangular design, the RIO 125 will fit perfectly in any decoration project.
231 £ on AmazonThe Rio 125 aquarium is a pure product of German craftsmanship: robust, reliable, with a sleek design that will fit perfectly into any decor. The package includes the tank, MultiLux LED lighting, Bioflow filtration system and AquaHeat heating system. Its safety inner frame ensures a particularly secure positioning and allows you to install your aquarium easily, without the need for special supports.
For optimal filtration, the RIO 125 LED is equipped with the high-performance Bioflow M system. Equipped with five high-performance filter media and a quiet, yet powerful Eccoflow 500 circulation pump, the Bioflow M works on the principle that "The water should stay in the aquarium!" As for the lighting, the Multilux LED lighting technology creates an optimal light spectrum, while saving up to 50% energy compared to what is usually done on the market. Finally, the heating system is provided by the AquaHeat 100 w, it is perfectly integrated into the water circulation of the Bioflow M filtration system, guarantees the right temperature in the RIO 125 LED.
The Fluval Flex Marine Aquarium offers contemporary styling with its distinctive curved front. It also features powerful multi-stage filtration and LED lighting that allows for customization of aquarium settings.
326 £ on AmazonIf you are looking for an aquarium that is as aesthetically pleasing, modern and efficient, the Fluval Flex Marine will satisfy you. With its very modern style thanks to its curved front and its Bluetooth controlled Aquasky LED lighting system. With the Aquasky system, you don't have to worry about your plants having to worry about the day/night light cycle, since the lighting is even programmable for a 24-hour cycle. You can also change the look of your aquarium to your liking with 3 pre-programmed settings (sunny reef, ocean floor glow, color enhancement).
As for filtration, this aquarium is equipped with a 3-stage system, with mechanical (foam block), chemical (carbon) and biological (Biomax) filtration. Your fish will thus be able to benefit from optimal water quality. It is also equipped with a double multidirectional outlet to customize the water flow. Finally, it is equipped with a very practical door to easily feed the fish.
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The best cheap aquarium in 2021
The best high-end aquarium in 2021
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| TOP OF THE TOP | LOW COST | Excellent choice | ||
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| OUR SELECTION |
TETRA Starter Line
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Nobleza - Glass Aquarium 7 L
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JUWEL RIO 125 L
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FLUVAL Flex Marine 123 L
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Are you looking for a sturdy and reliable aquarium to get started in aquarium keeping? The Tetra Starter Line is just what you need. It is the ideal starter kit for beginners.
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If you are looking for a nano aquarium to introduce your children to the world of aquarium keeping, this small 7L aquarium from Nobleza is perfect for you.
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The RIO 125 is the smallest aquarium in the RIO range. With its compact surface of 81 x 36 cm and its classic rectangular design, the RIO 125 will fit perfectly in any decoration project.
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The Fluval Flex Marine Aquarium offers contemporary styling with its distinctive curved front. It also features powerful multi-stage filtration and LED lighting that allows for customization of aquarium settings.
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Materials
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Glass (4 mm thick)
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Glass
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Brosilicate glass
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Glass (curved)
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Container size
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54 L
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7 L
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125 L
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123 L
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Type of fish
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Small freshwater fish (Dwarf Cichlids)
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Freshwater fish (Crustaceans or micro fish)
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Freshwater fish or saltwater fish
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Sea water fish
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Type of aquarium
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Freshwater aquarium
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Freshwater aquarium
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Freshwater aquarium or saltwater aquarium
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Sea water aquarium
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Lighting
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LED 10 W
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LED 3.5 W
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MultiLux LED (Juwel technology)
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LED Marine 3.0 (Bluetooth control possible)
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Weight
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11.6 kg
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3.25 kg
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24.5 kg
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22.11 kg
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Accessories that come with the container
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Food, heating, lighting, in-tank filtration system, water conditioner
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LED light, filtration system (filter and pump)
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LED light (MultiLux LED), filtration system and 100 W heater
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LED light (LED Marine 3.0), multi-level filtration system (3 filter media included)
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Design
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Before buying the aquarium, you should decide what type of fish you want to keep in the aquarium. Each species of fish needs specific conditions to thrive. The needs of freshwater fish are obviously not the same as those of saltwater fish. In addition, some fish are extremely delicate and need constant care, while others especially need a lot of space to live a healthy life.
Avoid keeping large fish with small ones, as the larger ones tend to eat the smaller ones. Also, don't keep aggressive breeds with the more peaceful fish, as the latter will be frequently attacked. So always check the fish compatibility chart before putting them together.
The size of the aquarium is obviously very important. From this will depend the location you need to choose for it, as well as the accessories. Aquariums are measured in liters of contained water, not in physical measurements. But obviously, the more liters an aquarium can hold, the bigger it is. You can find aquariums as small as 3 liters (which we don't recommend, for the sake of the fish) and as large as 300 liters and more, as well as many sizes in between.
As a general rule, when it comes to aquariums, the larger the better. A larger aquarium has room for more fish, but more importantly, the water is less likely to be overloaded with toxins from fish waste in a larger aquarium. For beginners, most experienced owners recommend a 75-100L aquarium. This is because aquariums under 75 l need to be cleaned more often, as they get dirty more quickly, which can be quite difficult for the uninitiated to manage.
The traditional aquarium is rectangular. This is also the best choice for the health of your fish, as a rectangular aquarium exposes more water surface to the air, which translates into better oxygenation. But if space or personal preference precludes the use of a rectangular aquarium, you can also find aquariums that are taller than they are wide, aquariums that are cube-shaped, dome-shaped, or even round aquariums.
Your aquarium needs a cover to reduce water evaporation, keep your fish from jumping out, and prevent other pets and curious children (or even adults) from fishing in the aquarium. The most basic lids are made of hinged glass and require the use of a separate light fixture. Beginners often prefer hoods, which are lids that incorporate a light fixture to illuminate the tank. Typically, a lighted hood is included with an aquarium kit.
The final criterion to consider, of course, is location. The best place for an aquarium is one where it can be visible and accessible, but not obtrusive. It should not be in direct sunlight and should be away from doors and windows. Make sure you have such a place before you buy your aquarium. This will save you a lot of hassle.
Beware, the tank and the lid alone do not make the aquarium. You also absolutely need other accessories such as a pump (which pushes the water through the filter), a filter (which cleans the water), lighting (because fish need light), heating (because in the fish's natural environment, the water temperature varies between 24 and 26°), tests to check the parameters (to check the water quality, the oxygen level, etc.).
In fact, the type of fish you choose will depend on the type of aquarium you need to buy, the setup you need to do and the accessories you need to get. Perhaps the most basic distinction in the world of fish is between freshwater and saltwater species. Regardless of the species you choose, you should do thorough research on any fish you intend to adopt. Pay particular attention to the following:
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Once you have the answers to these questions, you can finally turn your attention to the type of aquarium and its size.
Fish, regardless of species or size, are animals like any other: they need care, attention, affection. Like other small animals, they will wither away if not cared for. And contrary to popular belief, they have a good memory and are capable of learning. Before you adopt a fish, make sure you can provide it with good living conditions.
This type of aquarium is best for beginners, as freshwater fish make excellent low-maintenance pets. Tropical freshwater fish and cold freshwater fish are much cheaper to buy than marine species. And they are generally easy to please as far as feeding and nutrition are concerned, making them relatively inexpensive to feed. And there are dozens of tropical and cold water fish that can be included in a peaceful and harmonious community setup.
The initial cost of setting up a water aquarium is much less than a saltwater aquarium, as the setup is much more basic. And since you can keep many species of nano-fish in a very small aquarium, this means that you can still enjoy aquaristics even if space in your home is limited. Plus the maintenance of a freshwater tank is pretty basic, requiring only weekly water changes and monthly filter maintenance.
Saltwater aquariums give you the opportunity to create beautiful waterscapes, made of reefs or themed like a treasure island, etc. And you have a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, corals, anemones and other brightly colored creatures to choose from. However, while beautiful and fascinating to look at, marine fish are generally much more expensive to purchase than freshwater species. They will also be more demanding in terms of food. In addition, they are generally aggressive and it will not be easy to create a harmonious community unless you have a very large aquarium with many hiding places.
Salt water only contains about 80% of the oxygen found in fresh water. This means that you will need a larger aquarium for your fish, as well as a sturdy stand and therefore also the space to accommodate the setup. A marine aquarium generally requires more care: you'll have daily, weekly and monthly tasks to perform to keep the tank in good condition, so you need to be sure you have the time for this level of commitment.
Glass aquariums are the traditional choice and are almost always rectangular. Glass aquariums are generally less expensive than acrylic and do not scratch easily, making them a good choice for beginners. However, glass is heavy and can break if dropped or bumped. A glass aquarium can be placed on a stand with support only on the bottom edges, although it is best if your aquarium is fully supported.
This is the most common choice on the market. In fact, all the products in our selection are glass aquariums.
Acrylic aquariums come in a wide range of shapes, including square, round, and semi-circular. You will pay more to have an acrylic aquarium, and it won't take long before you scratch it, as acrylic is very prone to damage. Acrylic tanks weigh much less than glass tanks, which is an important factor if you are considering a large tank. Acrylic tanks must be fully supported underneath to prevent them from bending or breaking.
This type of aquarium is most common in breeding and they are harder to find for decorative aquariums: unless you have one custom made, you may not find one in the shape and size you are looking for on the market.
Glass or acrylic aquarium, the choice is yours. However, if your main need is for a lightweight aquarium that is easy to move and won't break at the first impact, you should look into acrylic aquariums. Just keep in mind that this type of material turns yellow with time and can become unsightly and there are not many models available on the market. On the other hand, if aesthetics are more important to you, a glass aquarium will be more appropriate. They are certainly more expensive than acrylic aquariums, but there are more models available.
Adopting fish as pets can be a rewarding hobby: designing and maintaining your aquariums is a great creative outlet. Watching your fish swim is both relaxing and fun. Fish are great pets because they require less hands-on care than other animals, but they still need your care.
Before ordering your aquarium online, take the time to check the reputation of the carrier, but also the brand's after sales service, the store's return policy, etc. This is to avoid unpleasant surprises: broken tank, cracked frame, chipped plastic, missing accessories, etc.
In our opinion, the best brands of aquariums in 2022 are :
Juwel is a company with 50 years of experience in aquarium manufacturing. It is well known in the industry for the excellent technology it uses in the design of its products. In particular, it is known for its excellent LED lighting standard: the powerful MultiLux LED, which provides energy savings of up to 50% compared to ordinary T5 lighting strips.
Tetra is a brand that has been in the aquarium business for 70 years. Its mission is to make home aquarium keeping easier and more accessible, even for beginners. And to do this, it never stops innovating its design technology.
Fluval is a brand that became best known for its three-stage filtration system with a synchronous motor. First introduced in 1975, this technology was a revolution in the aquarium world. Today, the brand is still at the forefront of technology, still managing to set industry standards for quality, style and functionality.
Ferplast is an Italian company founded in 1966. It is a family-owned company that has built an excellent reputation on the international market thanks to the very high quality of its products.
Zolux is a French brand created in 1933 and specializes in the well being production and distribution of products for the well-being of pets. From birds, to dogs and cats, without forgetting fish. Zolux is today a key player in the pet industry.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Condition the water
Treat the water with a dechlorinating water conditioner before adding it to your aquarium. Tap water contains chlorine which is harmful to fish. You must therefore treat it beforehand to make it suitable for fish. In addition, remember to change the water regularly to create a favorable atmosphere for your fish to thrive. Finally, don't hesitate to test the water regularly to ensure that your aquarium is not accumulating harmful levels of ammonia, nitrite or nitrate. If necessary, change up to 25% of the water to restore balance.
Clean the filter regularly
The filter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in an aquarium, as it removes all impurities and toxins from the tank. It is essential that the filter be maintained regularly so that it can perform at its best. Use fresh water to clean it, don't use any chemicals, as this will kill the beneficial bacteria that help keep the aquarium environment as healthy as possible healthy for the fish.
Don't overfeed your fish
The more you feed them, the faster they may foul the aquarium with their feces, creating an unhealthy aquatic environment. Not only that, but overfeeding them can lead to serious illness and even death. Establish a proper routine and feed them accordingly. Feeding fish two or three times a day in optimal amounts will help them grow better and keep them healthy.
Monitor the water temperature daily
Count your fish daily and observe them for at least a few minutes to make sure they look healthy. Here are some signs that might alert you to poor fish health: it has abnormal spots or streaks on the body or fins of the fish. It floats near the surface, or swims erratically. It has fins firmly pressed against the body or if it is lying on the bottom of the aquarium.
Check your aquarium thermometer daily and adjust the heating if necessary. Since fish live in a natural environment where the temperature varies very little, it is important to keep the temperature of their aquarium stable for their well-being.
This will depend on two factors: the type of fish you want to keep and the size of your aquarium. It is essential to first determine what kind of fish and how many fish you want to put in your aquarium before choosing the size. As a guide, know that a small goldfish needs about 50 l of water to have good living conditions.
Ideally, your aquarium should be located where you and your family can enjoy it the most, but there are a few other considerations as well. For example, it should be placed near an electrical outlet, as you will need to plug in the filter, light, and heater. Fish need a regular cycle of light and dark, so your aquarium should be reasonably close to a window. However, it should also not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this will promote algae growth and can overheat the water, which can be detrimental to the health of your fish.
While saltwater fish are generally more colorful, unique and beautiful, these delicate and expensive beauties are often best left to experienced aquarium enthusiasts. The acquisition, setup and maintenance of a saltwater aquarium is considerably more complex than for a freshwater aquarium. In addition, saltwater fish will need a very large aquarium to thrive and be healthy, which can be a problem if you only have a small space.
In addition to the accessories needed to keep your aquarium running smoothly, think about the decorations inside the tank as well: artificial or real plants, rocks, whimsical decorations such as pretty shipwrecks or treasure chests, and whatever else you like, add character to the tank. But most importantly, provide a place for your fish to hide when they are stressed or feel unsafe. You'll also need adequate food for your fish, as well as a net to easily catch them when it's time to clean the tank.
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