Beginner aquarium setup list — the gear for your first tank
Setting up an aquarium starts long before you buy fish: if the tank, filter, heater and water are prepared properly, the fish enter a healthy environment. This list gathers what you need for the first setup, and with a room code you can sort out the shopping with family or relatives who want to give a gift. No sign-up needed.
In short
To start an aquarium you need a tank of at least 40-60 liters, a filter sized to it, a heater with a thermostat, a thermometer, lighting and sand or gravel. A water conditioner that removes chlorine and a test kit for ammonia and nitrite are essential too. Cycling takes a few weeks, so don't add fish straight after setup.
16 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.
What's on the list
General
- Aquarium tankat least 40-60 liters
- Aquarium filtersized to the tank
- Aquarium heaterwith thermostat
- Thermometer
- Aquarium lightingLED
- Aquarium sand or gravelrinsed
- Water conditionerremoves chlorine
- Water test kitfor ammonia and nitrite
- Aquarium plantslive or artificial
- Rocks, driftwood and hideouts
- Fish net
- Sturdy tank standholds the full tank
- Gravel vacuumfor water changes
- Aquarium-only bucketnever used for cleaning
- Fishafter cycling
Pets
- Fish foodfor your species
Tips
Cycling takes a few weeks while helpful bacteria grow in the filter, so don't add fish straight after setting up.
Don't pick a tank that's too small to start with; the general advice is at least 40-60 liters, because water values stay steadier in a bigger volume.
Chlorine in tap water harms fish; always treat water with a conditioner and change it in stages.
Add fish a few at a time over several weeks rather than all at once, and feed only what they finish in a few minutes; extra food fouls the water. Ask the shop which species can live together.
How it works
1. Open your room
Tap the button and the items land in a fresh room. No account, no email, nothing to install.
2. Share the code
Send the room code or the link to the group; everyone's on the same list in seconds.
3. Finish it together
Who's buying what shows up instantly; bought items get ticked, so nobody buys the same thing twice.
Frequently asked questions
When can you add fish after setting up an aquarium?
A process called cycling takes a few weeks while helpful bacteria grow in the filter. Don't add fish until a water test confirms ammonia and nitrite have dropped to zero.
What size should a beginner aquarium be?
The general advice is at least 40-60 liters. Water values stay steadier in a bigger volume, which forgives mistakes, while very small tanks are harder for beginners.
Can you use tap water directly in an aquarium?
No. Chlorine in tap water can harm fish, so the water must always be treated with a conditioner that removes it. It's also safer to change water in stages rather than all at once.
Can I change the list?
Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.
Do I need an account?
No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.
How long is the list kept?
As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.
Can I install it on my phone?
Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.