Recommended aquarium supplies
NOTE *ScienceGal Aquatics is an affiliate, however, these are still my favorite products!
Favorite Filters
Tetra Internal Power Filter- Whisper Filtration
The Tetra Whisper Filter is one of my favorite and most used hang-on-the-back filters in my fish room. I have used this filter on aquariums from 5-gallon up to 75-gallon. However, I do NOT use the activated carbon inserts. I use this hang on the back filter by setting aside the replacement cartridges and replacing them with a small Fluval sponge (see below). On top, I have a small aquarium bag filled with Fluval BioMax (see below)
*Best part is they are super quiet!
Breeder Sponge Filter - 30
I am new to using sponge filters, and The Seapora Breeder Sponge Filter is fantastic. I use this sponge filter on many tanks ranging from smaller guppy and shrimp aquariums to a 75-gallon aquarium. Great for aquariums that need gentle, low-flow filtration. I use this sponge filter without hesitation with fry, and shrimplets, this easy-to-use filter, adds plenty of biological filtration. I use this with an air pump in my freshwater aquariums. This sponge filter comes in a few different sizes so that you can find the perfect fit for your aquarium. I add two sponge filters for larger aquariums, one in each back corner of the fish tank.
*Best part is sponge filters add tons of biological filtration without losing baby fry or shrimplets!
Favorite BIOLOGICAL MEDIA
FLUVAL BIOMAx
I always have a box of Fluval BioMax in the fish room! I utilize this product by filling a small aquarium bag with this bio-media. Inside the Tetra Whisper Filter (see above), I place Fluval BioMax and Fluval sponge (see below) inside the hang-on the back filter. This bio max bio-media allows plenty of surface area to allow beneficial bacteria to help keep my aquariums balanced and healthy.
The best part is how an aquarium bag of BioMax can be an excellent modification to your hang-on-filter and adds plenty of surface area for beneficial bacteria.
Fluval foam filter blocks
The Fluval Filter Block is a product I use in every Tetra Whisper Filter (see above) in the fish room. I highly recommend this product. I often use this by cutting it into smaller pieces, placing the Fluval Sponge into the Tetra Whisper Filter lightly filling the unoccupied space where the replaceable carbon inserts should go. The small aquarium bag full of Fluval Biomax bio-media (see above) goes on top of the smaller cut sponge pieces inside the Tetra Whiper Filter. Modifying the fish room filters with these two products has many benefits for filtration. Together, these products will have plenty of surface area for Nitrifying Bacteria to grow, which will help keep your aquarium balanced and healthy.
*Bonus: These sponges in small rectangular bits work great for spot cleaning algae inside your fish tank.
Favorite Heater
Eheim Thermocontrol E Heaters
I have tried many different aquarium heaters over the years. Other brands work okay, but Eheim Thermocontrol Heaters is my absolute favorite. This aquarium heater is available in several watts sizes for the perfect fit for your needs. This heater's best feature is the adjustable heat settings. Able to dial to the ideal temperature. this heater takes the guessing game out. A durable and high-quality product that works perfect for the first fish tank or an expert highly sensitive aquarium, this aquarium heater works great for any size aquarium.
*The best part is the manual setting; if you encounter Ick, you can raise the temperature to at least 82 degrees Fahrenheit to help. Ensuring you achieve a high enough water temperature that is hard without this manual Thermocontrol.
Favorite Water Conditioner
PRIME WATER CONDITIONER
Water conditioners are essential to a fish keeper, and it is vital to remove chlorine from the water when water changing aquariums. Prime has been the only water conditioner I have used in years and the only one I plan to use. It helps remove chlorine, and chloramine which helps convert ammonia to a less toxic form and helps detoxify heavy metals in tap water. One of the best parts is how long a bottle can last—a must-have for water changes! I recommend reading and dosing by the manufacturer's directions.
*The best part is how long a bottle will last. A little bit will go a long way!
Favorite Fish Food
Xtreme Aquatic Food-Krill FLAKES
One of the most important aspects of keeping fish is making sure the aquarium fish have a well-balanced diet and making sure you are feeding high qualities foods. Krill Flakes will always be on the list of my favorite foods. Krill Flakes, available in small and large sizes, is a staple for all the aquariums in my fish room and should be in yours too. Every flake has high-quality ingredients that fish always eat up. Xtreme Krill Flakes have the highest quality marine and vegetable protein ingredients that promote healthy growth, a healthy immune system, and active breeding.
*Bonus: fish are highly attracted to red, Krill flaking being red, which helps fish be attracted to this food, for incredibly picky eaters.
Hikari Food Sticks
Perfect for Monster Fish
Hikari food sticks are a staple for my Silver Arowana, and this food barely hits the water before being eaten. I have fed this food since my monster fish was young and continue to provide it today; 2 feet long and still growing. My larger pond fish, koi, and goldfish love Hikari Food Sticks. Food Sticks™ are a complete, scientifically formulated nutrient mix developed for top-feeding carnivorous fish used to live food.
Xtreme aquatics Foods-Shrimpee
Absolutely perfect for Neocaridina Shrimp
Shrimpee is formulated for low-tech tanks like my shrimp tanks to super-intensive systems. Higher levels of vitamins, balanced mineral packs, scientifically selected proteins, and special additives help the shrimp perform better and stay strong and healthy in higher stock densities. I have been keeping Neocaridina shrimp for years and have recently started feeding Xtreme Aquatics food to the shrimp tanks, and the shrimp love it.
Favorite Outside the Aquarium
Glass Cleaner
I had no idea how important it was to use safe aquarium products inside and outside the aquarium. MOST HOUSEHOLD GLASS CLEANERS, if sprayed and gets into the aquarium, these products CONTAIN AMMONIA OR OTHER HARSH CHEMICALS THAT ARE TOXIC TO FISH, REPTILES, AND INVERTEBRATES. FRITZ GLASS & ACRYLIC CLEANER IS AMMONIA-FREE AND SAFE TO USE ON EXTERIOR SURFACES AROUND AN AQUARIUM OR TERRARIUM. Fritz glass & acrylic glass cleaner is fantastic when cleaning FINGERPRINTS AND WATER SPOTS off the glass. ALSO GREAT FOR ELECTRONICS. I USED WINDEX FOR YEARS ON MY FISH TANK, AND DO NOT MAKE MY MISTAKE; DON’T LOSE YOUR FISH, CLEAN YOUR AQUARIUM GLASS WITH THIS MUST-HAVE PRODUCT.
*Best part is it’s nontoxic to your aquarium