Collection: Aquarium

An aquarium is a complete little ecosystem, and setting one up right keeps fish healthy. Beyond the tank you need a fish tank filter, lighting, and for tropical fish a heater, plus substrate and decor. The right size suits your fish and your space, with bigger tanks being more stable and forgiving for beginners. A fish tank kit or aquarium filter bundle brings the essentials together. Think about the fish you want, the space you have, and whether a starter kit or separate components suits you.

What do you need to set up an aquarium?

A working aquarium needs several parts:

• Tank: sized to your fish, with a lid to reduce evaporation and stop jumpers.
• Aquarium filter: keeps the water clean and healthy, essential for fish life.
• Heater: for tropical fish that need warm, stable water.
• Lighting: for viewing and for live plants.
• Substrate and decor: gravel or sand, plus plants and hiding spots.

What size aquarium suits a beginner?

Counterintuitively, a bigger tank is easier for a beginner than a tiny one. A larger volume of water dilutes waste and stays more stable in temperature and water chemistry, so small mistakes have less impact, while a tiny tank swings quickly and is less forgiving. A tank of a reasonable size gives fish room and keeps conditions steady. Match the size to the fish's adult size and number, since fish need space and overcrowding fouls the water. For a first tank, a moderate to larger size is more forgiving and healthier than a tiny bowl or nano tank.

Why does an aquarium need a filter and cycling?

A filter and a process called cycling keep fish alive, and skipping them is the main beginner mistake. Fish produce waste that turns into ammonia, which is toxic; a filter houses beneficial bacteria that convert ammonia into less harmful compounds. This bacteria colony takes a few weeks to establish — the "cycling" process — which is why you set up and run a tank before adding fish, or add fish very gradually. The filter must run constantly. Understanding that a tank needs a working filter and time to cycle before it's safe for fish is the key to success. Test the water while cycling.

Common questions

What size aquarium is best for beginners?
A moderate to larger tank, counterintuitively — more water stays stable and forgives mistakes, while a tiny bowl swings quickly in temperature and chemistry. Match the size to your fish's adult size and number.

Why does a fish tank need cycling?
Cycling establishes beneficial bacteria that convert toxic fish waste into safer compounds. It takes a few weeks, so set up and run the tank before adding fish, or add them very gradually.

Do all aquariums need a filter?
Yes — a filter houses the bacteria that keep the water safe and removes debris. It must run constantly. A tank without filtration quickly becomes toxic to fish.

Do I need a heater for my fish?
Tropical fish need a heater for warm, stable water; coldwater fish like goldfish don't. Check the needs of the specific fish you want, since it determines the equipment.

Can I pay for an aquarium with Afterpay?
Yes. You can split it with Afterpay, Zip, Klarna or PayPal Pay in 4. Our aquariums start from $20, which is four fortnightly payments of $5.

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A $20 aquarium splits into four fortnightly payments of $5.0 with Afterpay, and Zip, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 do the same. Every order ships from our Australian warehouse, dispatched within 1–2 business days, with a 12-month warranty and 30 days to return it. We're a family-run Australian store, going since 2016, rated 4.66 out of 5 across 5,363 reviews.