# 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.

## What's on the list

### General

- Aquarium tank — at least 40-60 liters
- Aquarium filter — sized to the tank
- Aquarium heater — with thermostat
- Thermometer
- Aquarium lighting — LED
- Aquarium sand or gravel — rinsed
- Water conditioner — removes chlorine
- Water test kit — for ammonia and nitrite
- Aquarium plants — live or artificial
- Rocks, driftwood and hideouts
- Fish net
- Sturdy tank stand — holds the full tank
- Gravel vacuum — for water changes
- Aquarium-only bucket — never used for cleaning
- Fish — after cycling

### Pets

- Fish food — for 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.

## 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.

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[Start a room with this list](https://ortakliste.app/en/list/beginner-aquarium-setup-list) — 16 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.