Recommended aquarium supplies
Favorite Filters
Tetra Internal Power Filter- Whisper Filtration
The Tetra Whisper Filter is one of my favorite and most frequently used hang-on-the-back filters in my fish room. I've used this filter on aquariums ranging from 5 gallons to 75 gallons. However, I do NOT use the activated carbon inserts. Instead, I replace the standard cartridges with a small Fluval sponge. On top of the sponge, I place a small aquarium bag filled with Fluval BioMax. The best part is that these filters are incredibly quiet!
Breeder Sponge Filter - 30
Sponge filters are fantastic. I use them in various tanks, from small guppy and shrimp aquariums to a 75-gallon setup, depending on the size of the sponge filter. It provides gentle, low-flow filtration, making it safe for fry and shrimplets. I pair it with an air pump in my freshwater aquariums, and it comes in different sizes to fit your needs. For larger tanks, I recommend using two—one in each back corner. The best part is that these filters offer great biological filtration without harming baby fish or shrimp!
Favorite BIOLOGICAL MEDIA
FLUVAL BIOMAx
I always keep a box of Fluval BioMax in my fish room. I use this product by filling a small aquarium bag with the bio-media. Inside my Tetra Whisper Filter, I place both the Fluval BioMax and a Fluval sponge in the hang-on-back filter. This BioMax bio-media provides a large surface area for beneficial bacteria, helping maintain a balanced, healthy environment in my aquariums. The best part is that an aquarium bag filled with BioMax is an excellent modification for your hang-on filter, significantly increasing the surface area available for beneficial bacteria.
Fluval foam filter blocks
I use the Fluval Filter Block in every Tetra Whisper Filter in my fish room, and I highly recommend it. I often cut the Fluval Sponge into smaller pieces and place them in the Tetra Whisper Filter, lightly filling the space where the replaceable carbon inserts usually go. On top of the smaller sponge pieces, I add a small aquarium bag filled with Fluval Biomax bio-media. Modifying the filters in my fish room with these two products offers numerous benefits for filtration. Together, they provide ample surface area for nitrifying bacteria to grow, helping keep your aquarium balanced and healthy. *Bonus: The small rectangular pieces of sponge are also great for spot cleaning algae inside your fish tank.*
Favorite Heater
Eheim Thermocontrol E Heaters
Over the years, I have tried many different aquarium heaters, and while other brands work reasonably well, the Eheim Thermocontrol Heater is my absolute favorite. This heater comes in various wattage sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your needs. One of its best features is the adjustable heat settings, which let you dial in the ideal temperature and take the guesswork out of maintaining your aquarium. It is a durable, high-quality product suitable for both beginner tanks and expert aquariums that require precise temperature control. This heater works great for any size aquarium. The most beneficial aspect is the manual setting; if you encounter issues like ich, you can raise the temperature to at least 82 degrees Fahrenheit to aid in treatment. The Thermocontrol manual feature ensures you can achieve a sufficiently high water temperature when needed
Favorite Water Conditioner
PRIME WATER CONDITIONER
Water conditioners are essential for fish keepers, as they are crucial for removing chlorine from the water during aquarium water changes. I have been using Prime as my sole water conditioner for years, and it's the only one I plan to continue using. It effectively removes chlorine and chloramine, converts ammonia into a less toxic form, and detoxifies heavy metals found in tap water. One of Prime's best features is how long a single bottle lasts—it's truly a must-have for water changes! I highly recommend following the manufacturer's dosing instructions for the best results. Remember, a little goes 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.
