Setting up your first aquarium is exciting, but walking into an aquatic shop and seeing rows of tanks, filters and heaters can feel overwhelming. The good news is that choosing the right aquarium for beginners comes down to a few simple decisions. Get these right at the start and your fish will be healthier, your water clearer and the whole hobby far more enjoyable.
In this guide, our team at Universal Aquatics in Stoke-on-Trent explains what size tank to choose, the equipment you need, where to put it and how to set it up properly. If you’re thinking of buying a fish tank as a Christmas present, there’s a section on that too.
What size aquarium should a beginner buy?
It sounds surprising, but a bigger tank is usually easier to look after than a small one. The more water an aquarium holds, the more stable it is. Changes in temperature and water quality happen slowly, giving you time to spot and fix a problem before it harms your fish.
As a rough guide:
- Nano tanks (under 40 litres): great for a single betta or a small group of shrimp, but they need careful maintenance because small mistakes have a big effect.
- 60 to 125 litres: the ideal starting point for most beginners. There’s room for a lovely community of tropical fish, and the water stays stable enough to be forgiving.
- 180 litres and above: perfect if you have the space and want larger or more varied fish. Many experienced fishkeepers wish they had started this big.
Whatever size you choose, avoid fish bowls. They’re too small to hold a filter or heater properly and don’t give fish the space or water quality they need.
Tropical or coldwater?
Before you buy a tank, decide what kind of fish you would like to keep, because it affects the equipment you need.
- Tropical fish such as neon tetras, guppies, platies and corydoras need warm water, usually around 24°C to 26°C, so your aquarium will need a heater. Tropical tanks offer the widest choice of colourful, peaceful community fish, which is why most beginners start here.
- Coldwater fish such as fancy goldfish don’t need a heater, but they grow larger and produce more waste than many people expect. Goldfish need a big tank and strong filtration, so don’t be tempted by a small goldfish set up.
Not sure which suits you? Our Tropical Guide and Coldwater Guide explain the differences in more detail.
What equipment do you need?
Many aquariums come as complete set ups, which is the simplest option for a beginner. Check what’s included before you buy. You will need:
- The tank and a cabinet designed to take its full weight.
- A filter to keep the water clean and home the beneficial bacteria that break down fish waste.
- A heater, for tropical fish only.
- Lighting to show off your fish and help live plants grow.
- Gravel or sand for the base of the tank.
- Decor and plants to give fish places to shelter.
- A water conditioner to make tap water safe by removing chlorine.
- A test kit so you can check the water is safe before fish go in.
- Essentials, A thermometer, a net and fish food.
Our Tropical Setup Guide walks through putting all of this together step by step.
Where should you put your aquarium?
Once a tank is filled, it is very difficult to move, so choose the spot carefully.
- Think about weight:. Each litre of water weighs roughly a kilogram, so a 125 litre aquarium with gravel, rocks and a cabinet can weigh well over 150kg. Always use a cabinet made for the tank and place it on a solid, level floor.
- Avoid direct sunlight: A sunny window will heat the water and cause algae to grow quickly.
- Keep it away from radiators, fires and doors: Sudden changes in temperature stress fish.
- Make sure there’s a plug socket nearby for the filter, heater and lights, and leave room behind the tank for cables.
- Leave space above the tank so you can feed your fish and carry out water changes easily.
- Pick somewhere you’ll enjoy it: A living room or kitchen diner is ideal, as long as it isn’t next to a loud TV or speakers.
Buying an aquarium as a Christmas gift
A fish tank makes a brilliant Christmas present, whether it’s a child’s first pet or a relaxing new hobby for an adult. There’s one important rule to remember: the tank comes first and the fish come later.
A brand new aquarium doesn’t yet have the beneficial bacteria needed to break down fish waste. If fish are added straight away, harmful ammonia and nitrite can build up and make them ill. This is often called new tank syndrome.
To avoid it, the aquarium needs to be cycled before any fish go in. Cycling usually takes several weeks, and adding a bacteria starter product can help get things going. During this time you can test the water to see how it’s progressing.
That’s why the best way to give an aquarium for Christmas is:
- Give the tank and equipment on Christmas Day, and enjoy setting it up together.
- Fill it, switch it on and let it cycle over the following weeks.
- Choose the fish together once the water is ready, so the new owner gets to pick their favourites.
When you’re ready to add fish, bring a water sample into our Fenton store and we’ll test it for free, then help you choose fish that suit your tank.
Aquarium brands we recommend
At Universal Aquatics we stock aquariums from trusted brands, so there’s something for every space and style:
- Juwel: one of the best known names in fishkeeping. The Juwel Rio range is a popular choice for a first community tank, while the Lido, Vision and Trigon ranges offer tall, bow fronted and corner designs. Most come with matching cabinets in a choice of finishes.
- Aqua One: the AquaStart range offers compact, easy to set up aquariums, ideal for a bedroom, office or first tropical tank.
- Aquatlantis: stylish aquariums in a range of sizes and colours, including smaller tanks that suit beginners.
- Aquael: modern aquariums such as the Leddy range, with built in LED lighting.
You can browse our full range of aquariums and complete set ups online, or come and see them in store, where you can compare sizes side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best size fish tank for a beginner?
For most beginners, an aquarium between 60 and 125 litres is ideal. It’s large enough to keep the water stable and give you a good choice of fish, but still fits comfortably in most homes.
How long should I wait before adding fish to a new tank?
A new aquarium needs to cycle before fish are added, which usually takes several weeks. Test the water regularly, and only add fish once ammonia and nitrite levels read zero. If you’re not sure, bring a water sample to our store for a free test.
How many fish can I put in my first tank?
It depends on the size of the tank and the type of fish. Always add fish gradually, a few at a time, so the filter bacteria can keep up. Our team can help you plan a community that suits your aquarium.
What are the easiest fish for beginners?
Hardy tropical fish such as platies, mollies, guppies, corydoras and many tetras are great choices for a first tank. Browse our tropical fish to see what’s currently in stock.
Start your aquarium journey with Universal Aquatics
Choosing your first tank is much easier when you can see the options in person. Pop into our shop at Imex Business Park in Fenton, where you can compare aquariums side by side, ask our team about the fish you’d like to keep and pick up everything you need in one trip.
Prefer to shop from home? Browse our aquariums and complete set ups online with UK delivery, or give us a call on 01782 438 004 for advice before you buy.
