If you’re looking at getting started in freshwater tropical fishkeeping the huge choice of available tanks can be a bit bewildering.
Different shapes, sizes, cubes, cylindrical, rectangular, internal filters, external filters, lighting and heating options… Where do you start!?
For the beginner, we strongly recommend an all-in-one freshwater fish tank starter kit that includes all the equipment you’ll ever need right out of the box.
Let’s take a look at a couple of the best freshwater fish tank starter kits available:-
Table of Contents
Superfish Start 50 Tropical Kit
The Superfish Start 50 Tropical kit has all the equipment you need to get started with tropical freshwater fishkeeping.
It includes all the essential elements with a heater, LED light, and internal filter. In addition, you get bonus items of a fish net and thermometer as well as AquaStart Water Conditioner, Bacto Start Filter Starter, and Hikari Tropical Fish Food.
The water capacity is 45 Litres with dimensions of 44cm x 28cm x 44cm (LxWxH) – including hood.
The hood includes a lift-up flap for feeding and can be fully removed for maintenance.
The Superfish Start Tropical Kit is also available in the following sizes:-
- Start 30 – Capacity: 25 Litres : Dimensions: 36cm x 22cm x 37cm (LxWxH)
- Start 70 – Capacity: 60 Litres : 58cm x 30cm x 45cm
- Start 100 – Capacity: 100 Litres : 68cm x 35cm x 51cm
- Start 150 – Capacity: 146 Litres : 79cm x 40cm x 55cm
Additional Equipment You’ll Need
You’ll only need to add aquarium sand or gravel and water (and the fish!)
You may also wish to add some real or artificial rockwork and plants for your fish to swim in and out of and hide in.
If you’re using tap water, be sure to treat it with a dechlorinating solution to remove any harmful chlorine from the water.
Stocking
Fish
A small tank of this size means you can only keep a relatively small number of smaller fish. We would recommend no more than 10 – 15 small fish in total (of fish that are each 2 – 4 cm long).
Our article Best Freshwater Community Tank Fish will give you some great ideas on the fish to choose from.
Plants
If you are just starting it’s probably best to go with artificial plants but as you progress you may wish to add live plants.
If so, please see our articles on How To Start A Planted Aquarium and the Best Live Aquarium Plants For Beginners for more information.
Find Great Live Aquarium Plants on eBay
Important : Cycle Your Tank Before Adding Fish
Before adding any fish you must first cycle your tank to establish good biological filtration. Failure to do so may result in premature fish death.
Please read our article, How to Cycle a Fish Tank for more information on how to do this.
Marina iGlo 360 Tropical Fish Tank
The Marina iGlo 360 Tropical Fish Tank brings vibrant fluorescent colours to your fish tank for a fun glowing effect.
The tank provides 360° unobstructed viewing and remote control LED blue and white lighting. With quick and easy maintenance via a removable cover for easy filter access.
This kit also includes Galaxy gravel, iGlo artificial plants, and a Fluval heater!
Aquarium Capacity: 10 litres. Size: 25.4 cm L x 25.4 cm W x 28 cm H
Additional Equipment You’ll Need
None. Just the fish!
Fish
A tank of this size means you can only keep a small number of small fish. We would recommend no more than 4 – 6 small fish in total (of fish that are each 2 – 4 cm long).
Neon or Cardinal Tetras will look great in this tank!
(Are you considering starting a saltwater tank? Then please read our article Best Saltwater Fish Tank Starter Kit for guidance.)
Freshwater Fish Tank Starter Kit FAQs
What do you need to start a freshwater tank? – You’ll need a tank, lighting, and a filter, and for tropical fish, you’ll also need a heater.
In addition, you’ll need sand or gravel for the substrate and rocks and plants (real or artificial) for your fish to hide in.
Can you use tap water for a freshwater tank? – Yes, you can but you should first treat it with a dechlorinating solution to remove any chlorine from the water.
Chlorine will kill the good bacteria in your tank that is needed for biological filtration.
Do freshwater fish need a heater? – Not all do but any fish designated as ‘tropical’ will require the water temperature to be around 75-80°F (24-27°C).
To maintain this temperature range, a heater will be required.
What are the best freshwater fish for beginners? – Happily, there are many tropical fish that are suitable for beginners including tetras, guppies, mollies, barbs, and small catfish.
Please refer to our article Best Freshwater Community Tank Fish for some great ideas.
How many fish should you start with in a freshwater tank? – As a general rule, allow 1 cm of adult-size fish for every litre of water.
So for a 50 litre tank, you can add around 15 – 25 fish that are each 2 – 4 cm long.