The return pump is the heart of any sump-based system. it determines flow rate, heat input, noise level, and reliability for everything downstream. I’ve run various return pumps on my 125-gallon reef over the years, and the Sicce Syncra SDC caught my attention because of its DC motor and controller. Here’s my in-depth take on whether it delivers for serious reef setups.
Looking for the very best Aquarium Return Pump available for your tank today? Well, this is the very post you have been looking for as the Sicce Syncra SDC has solved may of the issues that have plagued DC pumps since they were first introduced in the hobby.
As you may have read in my Best Aquarium Return Pump round up article. DC pumps are cursed with multiple issues. The main thing are the failure points and the quality control of the manufacturing. So what happens when we combine one of the most reliable and high quality Italian manufacturers in our industry and DC pump technology? It sounds like a dream combination doesn’t it? It sounds like Sicce may have solved the very issue that has frustrated most us with DC pumps since they were released – reliability!
As a reminder for my viewers, this post will contain affiliate links. An affiliate link means I may earn advertising or referral fees if you make a purchase through my link. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some great partners in the industry and highly recommended working with these links as they happily help hobbyists and content creators support their work. With that disclose away let’s get started! Let’s find out what makes The Sicce Syncra SDC stand out from the crowd!
My Sicce Syncra SDC Review will be fairly structured. I’m going to be reviewing the following for this product:
I’ll start off by giving a quick disclaimer. I’m absolutely unashamedly bias to Sicce pumps. In the 15+ years I have been involved with this hobby, I have been very loyal to them. They have never done me wrong. This DC return pump is an absolute dream. Let’s discuss the crazy amount of features included with this pump:
You may have seen these features in other DC pumps, the main difference here is that Sicce delivers all if this with a FREE controller app that runs on your smartphone. There is no additional accessory to purchase (calling you out EcoTech), The app can actually run multiple Sicce pumps. In fact, it will run any Sicce related product that has wifi enabled. This is an amazing feature that Sicce has added. It’s simply the best in the industry that I have seen from an return pump.
The Syncra SDC is offered in 3 models all built with energy efficiency in mind. The pump meets the needs of advanced recirculating applications and are equipped with integrated intelligence systems.
Craftsmanship
Italian design and manufacturing. That’s the best way to start this section of the review. It’s not a secret in our industry that German and Italian engineering are highly valued. They are known for their quality, effectiveness, and reliability. With the large number of Chinese manufactured DC pumps these days, something that has the original high quality of the Germans and Italians is increasingly rare. It’s one of the biggest things I’ve been with the DC transition as many AC pumps are still made with German and Italian manufacturing and engineering.
The Syncra SDC is no exception. It is 100% designed and produced in Italy. The design if the pump is no frill and functional based. I actually prefer this over the cool looking DC pumps I have seen with blue and red colors. I just want the pump to work for ages. I could care less about the fancy colors of something I only see when I pop open my cabinet.
The biggest proof of craftsmenship by Sicce is their offer of a 5 year warranty. That blows away EVERY competitor on the market at it’s price point. It’s not even close. Ecotech and CoralVue can’t even sniff a 5 year warranty on their pumps. There are only two groups of competitors that will come close to a 5 year warranty. That would be going with an AC return pump or moving up to Abyzz DC pumps that have 10 year warranties. The Abyzz pump however is 3 times the price!
Ease Of Use
The Syncra SDC install is similiar with any DC pump out there that will involve plumbing.I won’t really cover that here since that is a whole separate discussion. However, what I will talk about how easy to use and install their Contrall App is. The video below walks you through the process. I found the install process pretty painless and the fact that you can get notifications on your phone is pretty amazing given this is all included in your purchase of the return pump.
Value for Money
The Sicce Syncra SDC is no doubt an expensive DC return pump. However, let’s talk about the value. It’s priced at the levels of a EcoTech and VarioS. This puts it at the higher end of the market. It is also the only pump that offers a 5 year warranty. If I’m going to invest over $200 on a return pump – I better get a long-term warranty. I’ve heard too many stories of EcoTech pumps failing prematurely.
I’m old school in that I believe a return pump is a purchase and forgot about it for the next 10 years. Sicce is the ONLY DC return pump in this price range that offers this assurance. As such, it’s the only DC pump I recommend for high end builds. It is the one DC pump that truly combines the energy efficiency of DC pumps with the reliability of AC pumps.
Product Support
Given Sicce is headquartered in Italy, they can be sometimes hard to reach. However, in my experience their customer support is responsive, just not in your desired timezone. I do like their registration process and there are plenty of videos online they provide that show how to operate their products. When you register your product, you create a registered customer login where you can login your tickets and get support. It’s a rather easy to use portal.
Price
The biggest con in this product review. They are one of the more expensive DC Pumps on the market. They also have the best reputation for their durability. There prices are more expensive then the Reef Octopus Varios, but on Par with EcoTechs. Given the superior warranty and durability history with Sicce products in general, I feel they are priced competitively. For those at lower budgets, you can’t do wrong with a traditional Sicce AC pump.
Closing Thoughts
The SDC Pumps are available in various sizes. The models are shown below:
Model
Watts
GPH
SDC 6.0
10 – 40 Watts
530 – 1430 GPH
SDC 7.0
20 – 65 Watts
800 – 1900 GPH
SDC 9.0
30 – 90 Watts
800 – 2500 GPH
There is a model for all aquariums. This is the best Aquarium DC Return Pump on the market today without a doubt. Well deserving of my Editor’s Choice badge. You can see the ratings below from me. As I’m open to all reviews, you can leave your own in the comments section and discuss your experience with this return pump. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
A quality CO2 regulator is one of the most important investments in a planted tank. it determines whether your CO2 injection is stable, consistent, and safe for your fish. I’ve tested several regulators over the years and the CO2Art Pro-Elite stands out for specific reasons I’ll break down here. This is my honest review after hands-on use.
Looking for the very best CO2 regulator available for planted tanks today? Well you are in a treat today as I review the CO2 Art Pro-Elite Series CO2 Regulator. I had the pleasure of taking to the CO2Art people about their product and got the full scope on their latest CO2 regulator. If you are a serious aquascaper, or looking to be one, this is the product review for you!
As a reminder for my viewers, this post will contain affiliate links. An affiliate link means I may earn advertising or referral fees if you make a purchase through my link. With that disclose away let’s get started! Let’s find out what makes CO2Art’s regulator stand out from the crowd!
My reviews are fairly structured. I’m going to be reviewing the following for this product:
This is a world class CO2 regulator. It is designed for aquarium safety and precision. The unit can handle systems from nano systems all the way up to 1000 gallons. It is a dual stage regulator. This next gen model now comes with a fully customized solenoid block with a high precision needle value and bubble counter. The System is powered via DC with a power adapter that accepts universal voltage from 100V – 240V. It’s a nice plus from CO2 that they will offer you the plugs for your country and it is a product that is available in both the UK and US.
Having a dual stage regulator is a great idea for planted tanks because it allows you to directly control the consistently of the pressure of the CO2 system. This is a huge advantage compared to single gauge systems that will run into issues with pressure consistency as the CO2 tank empties. The gauges are very easy to read and the brand dial are nice features they have added to this new generation model. The prior generator had plainer looking gauges and the dial looked more standard like what you would see on a CO2 regulator at a bar.
The bubble counter and the needle valve on this regulator are top notch. The needle valve is extremely precise. It doesn’t take a ton of them to bed down. It is fast and accurate from the start!
Craftsmanship
Let’s talk about the craftsmenship of CO2 products and why they are amazing buys. They are top German quality, reliability built regulators. These are not your budget build short-term warranty regulators that you will find on Amazon. CO2Art backs up this top of the line model with a 10 year warranty. The stainless steel finish is great and the power adapter does a good job of getting too hot in your aquarium cabinet. Nothing in this regulator package looks cheap. No corners were cut with this regulator. Amazing work by the CO2Art team.
Ease Of Use (Installation)
Installing the CO2Art Pro Series is fairly simple with the YouTube videos that CO2 Art suppliers on their YouTube channel and with their offer of tech support to their customers. They have no problems getting on on customer support ticket to walk you through the process.
If you are lost on the install – CO2Art offers their instruction manual online here.
Value For the Money
The price for these units are not cheap. This top of the line model is up there with similar top end models. What makes their value stand out though is the warranty and customer support behind the product. There is also a wonderful combo package that CO2Art offers that gets you everything you need. This to me makes this Regulator the best value on the market.
This package comes with the following:
Pro Series CO2Art Regulator
Aluminum Aquarium CO2 bubble Counter
CO2 Art Inline Diffusor
Aquarium CO2 Drop Checker
CO2 Resistant Tubing
All of these comes together at an excellent price price and backed by a 10 year warranty. Want a better discount? Try my discount code ASD10%Off at checkout.
Legendary Customer Support
The biggest differentiating standpoint from CO2Art and every other CO2 regulator seller is their customer support. The customer support is top notch and CO2 offers lifetime technical support for all their customers. The CO2Art team patiently answers all your questions and concerns about install and setup. They will also happily ship this product to multiple countries – US, Canada, UK, Signapore, etc the CO2 will ship internationally. The support team offers you a support portal with online instructions, articles and FAQS. I love their support and they have always been there for me to answer any questions I had.
Price
This is the biggest knock on the Pro-Elite Series CO2 Regulator. It is premium priced and may be too expensive for some. CO2Art does offer a more budget friendly version in the Pro-Series Model. You can also purchase the product off Klarna’s pay later program, which will break up the purchase in 4 installments.
Closing Thoughts
This is the best CO2 Regulator you can buy today. It has it all. The features, the quality, the customer service, and warranty. You can see the ratings below from me. The product gets my editor’s choice rating. Since I’m open to all reviews, you can leave your own reviews below. This provides the community with an unfiltered source of reviews. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
I’m really frustrated and tired of the news about Chloroquine Phosphate. There is so much bad information about Chloroquine Phosphate it has gotten to the point where it’s affecting my business. I’ve been in the marine fish keeping industry for over 20 years. I’ve used this substance on marine fish in quarantine for ages. I’ve been quietly speaking its praises to my fellow hobby club and group members. It’s been my secret weapon for years in battling the most deadly marine fish diseases over the years.
It is a sad day for me today. Today, I had to take down my Choloroquine Phosphate product from my store. I can no longer sell it, and it all started with a generic announcement that became a bad news story. I tried to dispense with the myth that it was a cure for COVID. I was even on the news to talk about it. I was verbally abused by prospective customers through live chat and the phone because I refused to sell the product to them after they openly admitted to me that they were planning to use it for human consumption. I was threatened 3 times by my merchant provider to take off my product from my store or face losing my merchant account and getting my site completely shut down.
Today enough is enough, the product is getting de-listed. But I’m not simply going away. I redirected my old product to this page to educate folks on what Choloquine Phosphate REALLYis, why it’s an amazing product FOR FISH, and my story as to why I ultimately ended up pulling it from my store. So sit down, relax, and enjoy my story. It’s going to be a doozy!
What Is It?
Chloroquine Phosphate, is an antiprotozoal drug used by marine and aquarium hobbyists to treat fish suffering from Cryptocaryon (Marine Ich), Marine Velvet, Brooke, and Uroema.
Chloroquine Phosphate is so well regarded in the marine hobby that it was covered by Advanced Aquarist as a wonder drug. It became the drug of choice for many public aquariums including the Georgia Aquarium. It has been widely used by hobbyists in the early days of the marine aquarium hobby and used in the aquaculture industry since the 70s and 80s.
It is typically unavailable to the majority of the reefing community due to it normally being available through a Veterinarian via a prescription. As you can imagine, it can be very difficult to obtain a prescription for this wonderful medication as there are not many fish vets available who know about the medication or would be willing to prescribe it.
How I Got Started With It
I started the reefing hobby in the late 90s and was a member of the local aquarium club in my area at the time. I was introduced to the process of quarantining marine fish after having several issues with Marine Velvet. Chloroquine Phosphate became an amazing medication. The biggest advantage to it versus copper was that it would work with zero ramp up. This was a huge development because Marine Velvet and Brooke work very quickly against a marine fish. Within 24-48 hours, most fish will die from getting overwhelmed from these diseases.
Chloroquine Phosphate was simply amazing. I never lost a battle with Marine Velvet using this medication. Back then, it was easy to obtain this medication without a prescription because there was this amazing product from Aquatronics called Marex. Marex had just enough pure Cholorquine Phosphate to be effective and also was inexpensive. It was also available without a vet’s prescription. It was my go to until Aquatronics went out of business in the early 2000s.
I have been a promoter of this medication for many years, so much that I have a blog post on how to quarantine fish that details how to use the product. You can see my video below.
How I Got Started With Selling
After Aquatonics went out of business, I was frustrated on how I couldn’t get this medication. The vets around me had no clue what I was talking about and I was hearing more and more that vets weren’t prescribing it anymore. You had to go to a vet who either specialized in marine fish or koi ponds to get the medication. There simply weren’t that many vets around who specialized in fish. So where could I get this medication so I could have a chance against the deadly 3 (Marine Velvet, Brooke, Uroema)?
This is when I found out about Fish Pharmacies. They sold medications to public aquariums and aquaculture facilities who needed the medication to cure their livestock. I was amazed that I could get this medication from them, but the amount they sell you in bulk was quite a lot. You would have to purchase a kilogram at a time while most marine fish keepers would maybe need 50-100 grams max in their medication drawers to get what they need.
I had my stash of Cholorquine Phosphate for my incoming fish for my reef tank. I heard so much on the reefing forums of people racking their brains trying to fight off Marine Velvet with Seachem Copper. It was sad to see so many people fail. Copper is tricky to use while Cholorquine was a one-time medication then you just replace with more medication as you change water. Super easy!
As I heard more and more about people losing fish to marine velvet, I started to sell Cholorquine Phosphate on this site. I had a certificate of analysis showing 99.9% purity of the product. I was the only seller on the web that had such a certificate at the time.
As the availability of Cholorquine Phosphate became more scarce, I started to obtain the medication through labs that would sell to universities. Since I had a commercial license, I was able to procure the product. I was rocking and rolling selling to customers who were saving marine fish life everyday with this wonder fish medication. It was really rewarding getting the emails thanking me for selling them the medication.
COVID-19 And “Chloroquine”
COVID-19 has been a mess for everyone. My own business was affected not just with the general downturn of the economy, but the affect on prices on livestock in the marine hobby. Price for fish and corals skyrocketed 2 -3 x times their usual price as imports closed up and supply became restricted. My fish medication product also became part of the news cycle when the President of the US announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the use of hydroxychloroquine against COVID-19.
Unfortunately, the President and most of the media shortened the name of the drug to Chloroquine. In came all the new articles talking about Chloroquine and how it would aid in the fight against COVID-19. Search results exploded for everything Chloroquine. Everyone wanted their hands on it.
It became very easy to confuse the abbreviation Chloroquine with Chloroquine Phosphate. The price of this well loved fish medication exploded overnight. Once an affordable medication, Chloroquine Phosphate was all of a sudden selling for over $400 for only 10 grams. People wanted to use it for human consumption.
At @Storyful, we found an interesting phenomenon: sales of a version of chloroquine phosphate used in fish tanks – yes, fish tanks – have skyrocketed in recent weeks. Jars of the drug not intended for human consumption have gone from $10 to over $400 or higher this month. pic.twitter.com/vAe5dzwUBa
I started getting messaged on my live chat from people asking me if they could use this medication on humans. I told them that it is a fish medication and it is not for human consumption. I got several angry messages in my live chat when I refused to sell them batches of the medication as they openly said they were going to use it on loved ones affected by the virus.
My Interview With NBC News
This was starting to get crazy. I was contacted by a BBC journalist who wanted to talk about the product I sold in my store. They had told me that a man had died ingesting this medication in Arizona. I was horrified and concerned for the public health. I was also cringing when I read the article and it mentioned that the product was a fish tank cleaner (it’s a medication not a fish tank cleaner). They asked me if I was interested in being interviewed on TV about my experience. I was happy to do so. I wanted to dispel the myths about this medication. I spent about 2 hours in meetings with BBC and then my interview was displayed on NBC News.
I felt much better getting the word out. I had chosen to place the medication product as out of stock in my store when I first heard of the FDA announcement. I had a feeling that it would get confused. I was planning to keep it out of stock until this COVID-19 mess was behind us. I wasn’t ready about what was going to happen next…
Shopify Threatens To Shut Down My Store
A couple of weeks passed since my interview with NBC. I was getting ramped up on some new content I was writing and went to check my email. I got a notice from Shopify that my product was removed from my store. The product was marked as high risk due to it being related to the Coronavirus. They sent me a notice stating that there was a risk that I was price gouging and had to provide proof that this wasn’t the case. They wanted to me to provide proof of my historical price of the product and also prove that a major retailer sold the product near the price I sold mine for. I was surprised that my store was threatened to be shut down thinking I was price gouging. I never increased my prices and had positive reviews for my product. I explained myself to Shopify and got everything lifted.
A few days later after my product went offline, it was pulled again for the same reason. I responded to the risk department with all my past communication. I took it further and gave them the interview link to my talk with NBCNews. They apologized and I was listed again. I was told all was good after that.
Shopify Labels My Product As A Pharmaceutical
A few weeks past. My site was getting a curiously high amount of traffic since my interview. Likely due to folks landing on my product page and seeing my product in the search results. Things were looking pretty good for me. I was having a great month despite the lockdown orders and my biggest challenge was supply chain restrictions. I woke up one morning and received another letter from Shopify.
This letter was a bit different. I was having my payments held because Shopify’s risk department had labeled my product a Pharmaceutical. Looking at the terms of service, the fish medication product I sold was being placed under regulated or illegal products or services. This labeled my product as no different than cannabis dispensaries, tobacco sales, age restricted goods or services, weapons, etc. I was floored.
I tried to explain the situation to the risk department. They said my best course of action would be to find another merchant supplier who would be willing to work with my product. This put me in a tough spot. I had my payments withheld during this time and no merchant services provider that was referred to me was answering emails or picking up the phone due to staff reductions related to COVID-19. I was a rock in a hard place.
Since I couldn’t get anyone on the phone and there was risk that this could happen again, I decided to remove my product permanently from my store. I felt bad for my past customers who came to rely on this product to save their sick fish. There wasn’t much else I could do.
What It Isn’t
Now that you know the story and why I won’t relist my product. Let’s talk about what Choloroquine Phosphate isn’t.
It Is Not Fish Tank Cleaner
I have no idea where the news got this information from. It is not used to clean fish tanks. While it does have anti-algae properties, its primary purpose is as a antiprotozoal medication. I said this in my talks with BBC, but for some reason it never showed up in the news article or the interview.
It Is Not A Medication for COVID-19
It was hydroxychloroquine that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They are two completely different drugs. Cholorquine Phosphate is used for humans to treat malaria. The brand name for the drug is called Aralen. Is not the same thing that I sold. My product was the substance in it’s purest form. The drug designed for humans is not pure Choloroquine Phosphate. This is likely why that poor man in Arizona died ingesting it. He had likely overdosed on the drug.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Warns Against Using It
On March 27, 2020, the FDA sent an public health letter to stakeholders warning to not use use Chloroquine Phosphate intended for fish as treatment for COVID-19 in humans. The FDA closed the letter with the following:
People should not take any form of chloroquine unless it has been prescribed by a licensed public health care provider and is obtained through a legitimate source.
You can find the full letter here. Amazingly enough, the letter itself did not receive much news coverage.
What It Is
Let’s talk about what this medication is for fish. It is
Superior to and more gentle on fish than copper
A 10 Gram bottle treats 250 gallons at a 40mg/gallon dosage
Chloroquine Phophate (CP) is the drug of choice for diseases like Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans), Marine Velvet Disease (Amyloodinium), Brooklynella hostilis, & Uronema marinum
One time medication – only replace medication in the event of a water change
Chloroquine Phosphate acts as an algaecide eliminating algae in the quarantine tank.
How to Use It On Fish
Since my product got taken down, I’m going to use the how to use instructions that were on my product page for anyone who attempts to use this on their fish.
For Quarantine (Prophylactic) Treatment – Typical dosage for quarantine is 40mg/Gallon
When dosing Chloroquine Phosphate, treat water with a pre-dissolved solution using a cup of tank water
For Ich – 30 day active treatment
For Velvet – 14 day active treatment
For active infection – up to 60mg/gallon
For Uroema – up to 80mg/gallon
Highly recommended that you use a digital scale to measure your dosage to ensure accuracy
Keep medication in a cool, dark, and dry pace. Chloroquine Phosphate is heat and light sensitive
If a water change is performed, Chloroquine Phosphate will need to be re-dosed for the amount of water changed. You do not need to dose Chloroquine for top off water.
Additional Warnings about Using It On Fish
Here are the additional notes and warnings that were on my product page that I’m displaying for anyone looking into this medication.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PIPEFISH, PUPPERS, LIONFISH, SEAHORSES, WRASSES, ANTHIAS, & BLUE HIPPO TANGS!
Not reef safe – Chloroquine Phosphate is meant to be used in a quarantine for prophylactic treatment or in a hospital tank for active infections.
No one ships Chloroquine Phosphate next day If you have an infected fish and you need treatment now I highly recommended going to your LFS and obtaining Copper. Most of the diseases Chloroquine phosphate treats are extremely deadly and can kill a fish overnight
Closing Thoughts
I’m sad to no longer offering this life saving treatment for what I call the deadly 3 marine fish diseases. Hopefully COVID-19 gets past us sooner than later and we can all return to normal. I hope clinical trials go well with the vaccine being developed. Maybe we will see Chloroquine Phosphate offered again as a treatment for marine fish diseases in the future. Right now, the supply chain is on hold due to concerns that people will use it for human consumption. Stay safe. My thoughts are with you all. We will all come out of this stronger. Take care and thank you for reading.
๐ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Saltwater Fish & Reef Guide. your ultimate resource for marine fish, coral care, reef setup, and more.
A dedicated shrimp tank is different from a fish tank in almost every way. No copper-based medications. No aggressive tankmates. No sudden parameter swings.
A shrimp tank is not a fish tank with shrimp in it. Build it for the shrimp or watch them die.
Freshwater Shrimp tanks are getting very popular these days. Shrimp with their small size, active nature, and appealing personality has increased in popularity, especially with nano or smaller tanks. Shrimp tanks have some special considerations though to be successful. They is intimating at first because they is more delicate than fish and require a bit more planning than first.
That is not to say they are difficult to keep. In fact, most shrimp are relatively easy to keep, they just require proper planning. That’s what this article is for – to get you on the right track. In this article, I will discuss everything you need to know to get started right.
Key Takeaways
A sponge filter is the go-to for most shrimp tank keepers
If you are going the planted tank route, you must ensure your substrate and fertilizers do not contain copper as it could kill your shrimp
TDS meters are beneficial to determine if your source water is okay. Consider RO or RODI + mineralizing if your TDS is too high
Tank mates are tricky as many fish will prey on shrimp. If they don’t prey on the adult shrimp, they will likely eat the baby shrimp
Freshwater Shrimp Tank Equipment – Getting The Proper Equipment
Below is a video from our YouTube Channel all about how to setup a freshwater shrimp tank. We go over more details in our blog post below. If you like our content, be sure to subscribe.
The first step is figuring out what we need exactly to get started. Let’s start with the biggest consideration – the tank itself.
Tank Size
Bigger is better and more stable. Although shrimp can technically survive in a very small aquarium, the water is prone to fluctuations in parameters and temperatures. This can lead to premature death of shrimp. Shrimp do not like a lot of parameter fluctuations in their tank. In addition, healthy freshwater shrimp will actively breed, meaning you want a bigger tank to support the offspring.
There is also a drawback with going too big. Too big with how small the shrimp are will make your aquarium look underwhelming. Due to this, I would recommend not going larger than 40 gallons with 20 – 29 gallons being an ideal sweet spot to start. A 2 foot long tank will be the cheapest overall to setup.
If you are looking for a cheap used tank, you will need to do some extra diligence when shopping around. Any used tank that has been treated with copper is going to be a major problem with freshwater shrimp. Copper will leech from the silicon seems in a used aquarium and will kill off new additions to your tank. It is critical that you purchase a used tank that has never been treated with copper to ensure long-term success.
Freshwater Shrimp filtration gets a little more complicated with shrimp as you have to account for shrimp fry then the general small nature of Shrimp. A filter can easily suck up shrimp babies and even adults. It is easy to modify your filters to prevent this though., shrimps tanks go with one of the following:
We do not consider Canister Filters with freshwater shrimp. It’s just overkill for this application. Internal filters could work, but the sponge filter is just a great choice to use if you are going internal. If you are going with a Hang On Back Filter, you can’t go wrong with an Hagen Aquaclear Filter.
Sponge Filter – Cheap, easy, and not dangerous to shrimp out of the box. Many shrimp breeders use these in their tanks because they are so easy to use and they work!
Hang On Back (HOB) Filter – Also known as power filters. These are excellent choices, but you have to modify your intake to prevent any accidents. I would suggest you place a sponge pre-filter on your intake in order to prevent any losses.
Heating
An Aquarium Heater is a controversial subject among shrimp keepers, especially those who keep Neocaridina Shrimp, which can live in cooler water. Ideally, you will want your freshwater shrimp in water temperatures of 70 – 79 degrees Fahrenheit though many breeders will say that a heater is not exactly needed with Neocardina shrimp as long as your area does not get too cold during the winter. For heaters, I would recommend Eheim Jagers.
Substrate
With Aquarium Substrate, we have to consider either going with an inert or active substrate. An inert substrate will not affect our water parameters, but will require more supplementation to maintain plants. An active substrate is more suited for shrimp that need softer water, like Caridina shrimp. You will also have more success with active substrate growing rooted plants as nutrients will be available through the substrate. If you are going with an active substrate, consider going with ADA Aquasoil or Fluval Stratum, which is designed for freshwater shrimp.
If we are looking at shrimp that like KH, like Neocaridina shrimp, you may want to consider an inert substrate. I would recommend CaribSea EcoComplete if you are looking for an inert substrate.
If you go with an active soil, keep in mind that your cycle time will be longer. Active soil will produce a lot of ammonia when new and freshwater shrimp are very sensitive to ammonia spikes. Be patient with your cycle and introduce your shrimp when parameters have stabilized.
If you are going with an active substrate, you can consider carpet plants like Monte Carlo. Duckweed and Rotalas do a very good job at protecting your shrimp from high nitrate spikes as they tend to explode in growth when nutrients are high. Also stay on top of your pruning and leaf clean up to prevent decaying matter build up in your aquarium.
Lighting
Freshwater Shrimp and lighting is pretty simple. You can use any decent Planted Tank LED system and you should be able to house the main plants listed. For the best features, I would recommend the Serene RGB Pro LED light if it’s in your budget.
Ammonia, Nitrite are very important to measure when you get started with your tank. As you tank matures, you will mostly worry about your nitrate levels. PH, GH, and KH need to be regularly tested in order to ensure they stay stable with your desired shrimp.
TDS is a new parameter to test when it comes to shrimp keeping. TDS is a measure of total dissolved solids in water. Too much TDS can affect the health of your shrimp and some shrimp are so sensitive, it is more ideal to use water from an RODI System and then re-materialize the water with a supplement like Shrimp Mineral. Below is a chart that lists out the range of TDS levels for specific types of shrimp:
TDS Meters are readily available online and do a great job at getting accurate readings for you. Make sure when you are testing for TDS, that you test your other parameters as well. Everything affects TDS so just measuring TDA alone is not sufficient! Check out our posts on Aquarium Test Kits for more recommendations on test kits. For KH and HG tests, an API Test Kit should work for most shrimp keepers.
Parameters for Neocaridina are as follows:
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
KH: 1-4
GH: 6-8
TDS – 80-200
Water Temp: 65 – 73 F
Parameters for Caridina shrimp are as follows:
pH: 6.2 – 6.6
KH: 2-6
GH: 4-8
TDS: 80-100
Water Temp: 70 – 73 F
Keep in mind these are general guidelines. Caridina and their bee varieties can have various ideal parameters so you will want to do your research accordingly!
How To Set Up
I’m going to borrow a video from my good friend Aaron from Aaron’s Aquatics. This video shows an example setup and the start up process. Aquascaping for Shrimp Tanks are best using the Iwagumi styleaquascape. This is because the large rocks create mountain that are still smooth for shrimp to venture around on. Cholla wood is also great to use for shrimp. Aaron’s video also has a few other recommendations like Catappa Leaves.
Species – Choosing The Right Ones
So you heard me earlier in this post talk about Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp. I’m going to focus on these two types of shrimp in this post.
Neocaridina shrimp are going to be hardier than Cardina shrimp. They are a hardwater species and like KH, which means them best for an inert substrate. If the Neocardina shrimp, the Cherry Shrimp is the most beginner friendly and has the most variety.
Cherry Shrimp have grades that are easy to follow with Red Cherry being the lowest grade and Painted Fire Red being the highest. Their grades are as follows:
Cherry
Sakura
Fire Red
Painted Fire Red
Each grade is more rare and more expensive than the other. Cherry shrimp will breed and grow quickly.
Other examples include Yellow, Blue Dream, and Green. All come from the Neocardina Davidi species. You can get multiple colors, but be aware that over time they will cross bred and you will have hybrids. A variety only tank is more ideal to keep consistent colors.
Caridina shrimp are a soft water, more delicate species of shrimp. They tend to be imported from other countries making them larger when shipped and more prone to die off for a variety of reasons that I will explain later. Caradia shrimp and bring in some exotic colors and adapt better to active soils like ADA Aquasoil because they prefer softer water and tend to fit better in a professional level planted tank because the plants one will go for will demand softer water. Caradina shrimp are highly sensitive to parameter fluctuations and the reason why shrimp tend to get labeled as hard to keep in our industry. One common Caradina shrimp is an Amano shrimp.
There is another type of shrimp that is available called Sulawesi shrimp. These are exotic shrimp that imported. They have high mortality rates when shipping and are an advanced care shrimp to keep.
Here is a simple chart below on Neocardina and Caradina shrimp varieties:
When purchasing freshwater aquarium shrimp, sourcing becomes a major component in your success. With shrimp, you have two sources, importing shrimp and homebred shrimp.
Importing shrimp is what you will find at your local fish stores. If you haven’t seen my Quarantine post, you may not be familiar with the sourcing cycle of imported livestock in our hobby. It is below for your reference:
Imported livestock in general are going to go through multiple distributions to get to your home. This increases stress and the likelihood for diseases. Imported shrimp will also be larger in size, meaning they will have a harder time adapting to captivity. It is common for imported shrimp to experience die off when shipping (picture reference from the University of Florida).
Homebred shrimp on the other hand are going to be hardier in general. They are used being in captivity and tend to be less prone to diseases. Homebred shrimp can also have issues as well if your breeder is not experienced or they are only a generation or two removed from being imported. In general, it’s going to be better to get your shrimp homebred from a local breeder in your area as they will use the similar source water as you (e.g. – tap water). Check your local aquarium societies and social media groups for sources of homebred shrimp.
For those who do not have a local breeder available, I would highly recommend Buceplant. They sell a variety of Neocardina shrimp that would all be excellent choices for your shrimp tank.
Pests – Dealing With Them
Freshwater aquarium shrimp have pests that we need to deal with. Most will come from freshwater plants we purchase. The main pests are:
Planaria is a type of flatworm that will attack and eat shrimp. You can use a Planaria Trap or a No Planaria medication to eradicate the problem.
Hydra is a small aquatic vertebrae. They will sting and poison your shrimp killing them. They can also be treated with No Planaria medication.
Scuds are especially dangerous for newborn shrimp. It is another hitchhiker from live plants. Manual removal is best for these. The reproduce very fast. Another option is to use Bettas or Killifish as they they will happily eat the scuds. Betta are a wildcard for shrimp tanks. Some people go the nuclear route, remove as many shrimp as they can, drop the Betta in and let it eat all the scuds over time. Once the scuds have been eaten the Betta is removed and the shrimp is reintroduced.
Dragonfly Nymphs are nasty predators. They will kill and eat your shrimp and will hunt non-stop. Manual removal is your best bet. There are other options you can do, but they will harm your shrimp.
The best way to deal with pests is prevention though. Consider dipping your plants in a bleach solution (19 parts water to 1 parts bleach) and rising with Primeconditioned water before introducing them into your aquarium or consider quarantining your live plant additions. See the video below from LifeWithPets on how to do a bleach dip for your live plants:
Compatible Tank Mates
You may not be interested in shrimp only tanks, so this list of fish will help with picking ones that will work with your shrimp. One thing you will need to keep in mind is if you add fish, it is going to be very likely that the shrimp babies will get eaten so don’t expect to breed shrimp with fish. There are very few fish that will not eat a baby shrimp if given a chance. You can increase your chances of success by choosing a larger species of shrimp like an Amano. Here is a limited selection of small fish that may work in a shrimp tank:
You need a mix of natural and prepared food to be successful with shrimp tanks. The main natural food we are looking to have available is biofilm. Biofilm is the structure bacteria build to support themselves and grow on surfaces. Shrimp will eat this in the aquarium. Biofilm can grow on your sponger filter, leave litter, mosses, and rocks. The more surface you have available the better for your shrimp. You can also provide “permanent food” like Cholla Wood.
The next is prepared food. Powered Shrimp Baby Food by GlasGarten is a great choice to sustain shrimp babies. For adult shrimp, commercial shrimp food is available for purchase and will do the trick.
It is also a good idea to use a Feeding Tray when feeding your shrimp. This will prevent excess food getting lost in your substrate and keeping the rest of your aquarium clean from food debris. It’s also a nice way to observe your fish.
Tank Maintenance
Shrimp in general are more prone to parameter changes than fish. Staying on top of maintenance is a big deal with shrimp tanks. Many shrimp tanks are also smaller tanks, which make them more susceptible to parameter changes.
Water Quality
Shrimp are sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and higher levels of nitrate. Weekly water changes are especially important with shrimp tanks. Another factor to consider with shrimp tanks is water top off. When water evaporates, parameters can change. Evaporation just pulls out water, but leaves your trace minerals in. You will want to added pure replacement water. This would be something like RODI water or distilled water to replace your evaporated water. You can use an Auto Top Of System to make things easier.
Shrimp Tank Maintenance Tasks
Additional tasks aside from water changes and top off water would be once a month filter cleaning. Make sure when you clean your filter media that you use your pulled tank water and squeeze the foam or sponges. This will clean out the debris, but will maintain the bacterial colonies in the media. Sponges should last a very long time and shouldn’t need to be replaced. Don’t replace a sponge unless you absolutely have to, and be very careful if you do because of the bacterial colony loss. It’s better to seed a sponge beforehand if you have to replace a sponge.
Another key thing to note about shrimp tank is you need to be very careful when you put your hands in your aquarium. Shrimp are very sensitive to toxins. Detergents, chemicals on plants, flea treatments from pets, flea shampoo, and cleaners are prone a risk for your shrimp. Always make sure you wash your hands before putting your hands in your tank. Reef Safe Soap is your friend and a recommended purchase if you are going to handle a shrimp tank.
Problems – Why They Die
There a number of challenges one can come across with a Shrimp Tank. I’ll try to cover several of them in this post.
Parameter Swings
Shrimp are sensitive to water parameter swings. Having proper tests kits and a TDS meter are you friend. Get in the habit of regularly testing your water on a weekly basis.
Uncycled Tanks
Shrimp are very sensitive to ammonia in the aquarium and with their prolific breeding, they can add on to your bioload overtime. If you are using active substrate like ADA Aquasoil, keep in mind that the substrate will generate ammonia when it is first introduced. You will want to give an active soil like this a good two months before introducing shrimp.
Molting Issues
A common aliment in beginner shrimp tanks. This indicates a lack of iodine in the tank. Most staple food and powered food will serve this function. Fertilizer that is made for shrimp tanks will also include iodine to help support the shrimp’s molting process. Additional items to add if needed would be montmorillonite material powder that you can readily purchase online.
Too Many Males
If you have a shrimp tank with too many males to females, this will present a problem to your population. Males in abundance will overwhelm, stress out, and harass females to the point of death. If you are seeing your females are dropping fast, consider removing a portion of your male population to balance out your numbers. I have provide examples of a female and male shrimp to show you the visual differences. The male is longer while the female has an expanded abdomen section.
Aquarium Heaters
Heater failure is pretty common in our hobby. A failed heater can lead to many shrimp deaths. Heaters will fail on the on position, which will overheat your tank. Consider an Aquarium Heater Controller to prevent a catastrophic event.
Pests
As we mentioned earlier, pests are a major problem in shrimp tanks. Consider using a bleach dip to prevent nuisance pests in your tank.
Toxins
Toxins – especially copper are especially deadly to shrimp. Make sure if you are using fertilizer that your fertilizer is shrimp safe meaning that there isn’t copper in the mix or purchase a fertilizer specially designed for shrimp. Check our our Aquarium Plant Fertilizer post for recommended products.
Poor Source Water
Let’s talk about your source water. In general for freshwater tanks, you is okay using tap water that is treated with a Dechlorinator. If you are going to keep harder to keep shrimp like Caridina shrimp, you will probably need to go with better source water.
Shrimp are very sensitive to copper levels and high nurtients, things that is present in tap water. You will want to look at your city’s water reports to see what is in your water. RODI water is 99% pure H20 for your aquarium and ideal for sensitive species of shrimp. If you use tap water with Caridina shrimp, it’s possible to get quick die off of your shrimp. If you are using RODI water, you will need to remineralize the water when making water changes. You will want to use a remineralizer supplement in order to get the proper elements in your water changes so your shrimp can stay health.
Having baby shrimp dying in large numbers can indicate an inadequate source of biofilm for the babies. Focus on building this up in your tank with more rocks, mosses, leave litter, and consider using powdered food to keep them fed.
Life Span
Shrimp don’t actually live very long. Most shrimp will live 6-12 months in an aquarium, but they breed a lot. This is also why having a single variety of shrimp is a big deal because generations pass quickly and within a couple of years you will have hybrid shrimps in your tank from the new generations.
Closing Thoughts
Freshwater shrimp tanks are loaded with personality and if bigger shrimp are selected, they is manageable for a beginner. Shrimp tanks are a niche in our hobby with challenge levels for everyone and it is really exciting to have an actively breeding tank.
They can really be a lot of fun to keep and with their smaller sizes, your wallet will thank you versus going for a much larger tank :). If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading.
Let me be straight with you: no fish tank truly cleans itself. That’s marketing language. What “self-cleaning” actually means in practice is that certain tank designs minimize manual maintenance through better filtration, bottom-draining systems, or biological setups that handle waste more efficiently than a standard aquarium. After testing dozens of tanks over 25 years, I’ve found some genuinely reduce the time you spend on upkeep. and some are just all-in-one tanks dressed up with clever branding. The ones worth your money share a few traits: solid filtration for their volume, easy water change access, and build quality that holds up. Water changes are still non-negotiable. no tank eliminates them. but the right design can cut your maintenance time significantly. Here are 7 that actually deliver.
Are you wanting to keep a fish tank, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning it? Do you want a low-maintenance aquarium? Perhaps you want to try out aquaponics and grow vegetables with your aquarium? If any 3 questions peak your interest, than purchasing a self cleaning fish tank for you is the answer.
That’s what this post is all about today. Finding self-cleaning tanks that are easy to use and maintain.
What Makes A Good Self Cleaning Fish Tank (My Criteria)
When selecting determining the best self-cleaning fish tank on the market we looked at the following factors:
It is easy to use and setup?
Can you grow vegetables with it?
Is the price reasonable?
It is really low maintenance or is it just a gimmick?
So now the moment you have been waiting for! Below is the list of the best self-cleaning fish tanks on the market today. I put the preferred choices at the top for ease of selection for you. There will be affiliate links below. An affiliate link means I may earn advertising or referral fees if you make a purchase through my link.
With that disclosure out of the way, let’s get into the reviews!
I absolutely love the concept behind the Aquasprouts Garden kit. It is completely nature focused. The goal of the kit is to have the the plants and vegetables grow and take in the nutrients from the inhabitants in the tank. At 10 gallons in capacity, this not only gives you enough space to grow a sizable amount of vegetables, but also house a good amount of fish. In my opinion, this is the best aquarium kit to introduce yourself to aquaponics and is a poster child for a self-cleaning fish tank.
It is based off a custom-molded garden bed that fits over a 10 gallon tank. The kit also comes with a light bar where you can mount a grow light to grow your plants. I love how the bar can be extended to accommodate taller plants. The light bar allows you to place this aquarium where you want. You will not have to worry about getting enough natural light with this kit.
The water pump that comes with the kit pushes water up to the grow bed, which feed up to the clay pebble grow filter media. The dirty water with fish waste provides nutrients to your plants. The grow bed then drains down to your aquarium providing clean water that is aerated from the surface agitation.
The company mission for AquaSprouts is very heart warming. Founded by Jack Ikard, his original goal was to grow organic food in an urban environment. They were established in Austin, Texas. They are a home grown company. Their award winning AquaSprouts kit has been featured in The New Year Times, Good Housekeeping, and Wired.
This is a true self-sustaining aquarium and is low maintenance. This is the best kit on the market. There are many imitators, but this is the original. If you want to get involved in Aquaponic or just have a self cleaning aquarium, this is the aquarium kit to buy.
The only drawback with this kit is the price. It is a well made and created and manufactured in the US. You get what you pay for with this tank kit.
If the price of the Aquasprouts garden steers you away or if you are looking mostly a tank that cleans itself, this is a great alternative. This Tank by Back To Roots is a good blend of Aquaponics and a self-cleaning fish tank.
The aquarium kit comes with everything you need to get started and will go plants year round. Weighing in at 3 gallons, it is large enough to host a small pet fish. It functions like the Aquaspourts is that the fish waste from the aquarium feeds the plants above.
This tank like the AquaSprouts is also made in the USA. As a certified B Corporation, they have dedicated their mission to have the highest standards of social and environmental impact.There mission is to reconnect family and kids to where food comes and experience the joys of growing food themselves. The makers of the product have a solid social following and the founders have featured on Forbes, NowThis, and even received The Champion of Change Award from President Obama. Below is a video from the founders explaining their product.
This is a great product at a great value. The only downfall is the size. It is isn’t designed for large vegetables, but it is more user friendly and cheaper than the Aquasprouts. It also does not come with a light stand, so you will need to place this near a window or get a clip on light source for it.
The biOrb Aquariums by OASE are a aquariums that are built for simplicity. If you read my Best Canister Filter review blog, you know that I’m a big fan of OASE. Their filtration units are the best of the best and they have the same commitment with this aquarium.
I’m not a fan of fish bowls myself, but this aquarium is the exception. This aquarium is small and simple. It has everything you need to get started – lighting, pump, filtration and solid instructions. At 4 gallons, it is just the right size to house some quality nano tank fish, including Bettas.
The filtration is air driven and works a lot like the old school under gravel filters. The difference is that there are filter cartridges in the bottom of the intake.
What you get here is a filter that is designed like a professionally built commercial pond. The filtration unit pulls in dirty water to the bottom and filters out clean water from the top. It’s a genius design and makes this simple and self cleaning.
The biOrb has the potential to be self cleaning with modification. You can grow low light plants in this kit. In fact, there is a great video by charlieflyte who nailed it. Check out his video of his biOrb.
It is cheaper than the Aquasprouts and Back to Roots kit and is perfect for you if you just want an aquarium. For the quality that you get from OASE, the price cannot be beat. It is well deserving of my budget option badge.
Pros
Big for a fish bowl
Complete filtration
Built for simplicity
Cons
Not true self cleaning
Won’t grow vegetables
4. EcoLife Aquaponics Indoor Garden System – Biggest Aquaponics Kit On The Market
The EcoLife Aquaponics Indoor Garden System is the heavylist on this list. This is an aquaponics kit that supports a 20 gallon aquarium. You can grow plenty of vegetables with this kit and keep a good amount of fish. This is the only tank on self cleaning tank that can support a goldfish due to its size. Others can, but goldfish get large so over time they would outgrow the tank. They also tend to be hard on a tank’s bioload.
This kit includes the LED light fixture to grow vegetables. I really like this. It takes away a lot of the guess work. The LED light is also a natural spectrum versus a glow light spectrum. This compliments your home better versus having that weird red grow led light shining above your aquarium.
This is the most expensive aquarium kit on the list by a long-shot. It’s a bit too expensive for me to put this as my top choice. It is a great choice if it is within your budget.
Looking for something bigger than the biOrb Classic? The biOrb flow is a step up in size and functionality. At 8 gallons in size, it is a a great potential first time aquarium. It is built off the same principals as the Classic with a filter than pulls from the bottom and pushes out to the top.
This aquarium is made of acrylic instead of glass. Acrylic makes this aquarium super durable, lightweight, and clear. The best benefit from acrylic is the clarity. Even a low iron aquarium has less clarity than acrylic. This also explains the price for this aquarium. it’s more expensive then similar sized aquariums.
It won’t grow vegetables like the aquaponic kits, but for a fish keeping focused aquarium, the concept is great. It is a simple to use aquarium.
Pros
Size
Complete filtration
Built for simplicity
Cons
Expensive
Not true self cleaning
Won’t grow vegetables
6. EcoQubeC Aquarium – The Kickstarter Project With Potential
The EcoQubehas a ton of potential. My favorite part of this aquarium is the filtration box located in the back of the aquarium. This houses the intake and 3 stage filtration unit away from the rest of the tank. This give this aquarium one of the cleanest presentations among all the others in the list. The light that comes with it is adequate to grow vegetables.
Now let’s get to what I do not like with this product. The grow area will only hold one plant. This really limits what you can grow and do with it. The tank is only 1 gallon in size, which theoretically is inappropriate for most fish. I’m always a bit annoyed when I see Betta fish advertised in these products knowing that long-term a tank this size is not healthy for them.
Lastly, it’s not readily available. It’s still a kick starter project. Perhaps over time as it improved I can rank it higher on the list. I really love the concept and they are still improving the product. If they can get the product to a 3 or 5 gallon aquarium, then I can see it’s potentially fully realized.
As Seen On TV My Fun Fish Tank is a straight to the point concept — Namely, how to make an aquarium that truly cleans itself. It accomplishes this by sucking out dirty water with gravity when you add new water in. What happen is dirty water gets sucked out as your new water gets added in. This is as easy as it gets for a self-cleaning fish tank.
The price on this product is rock bottom. It’s easily the cheapest self-cleaning fish tank on this list, it is also the smallest. The concept is amazing and I know it sells like hotcakes online.
My biggest gripe is that it’s too small for fish. At only 1/2 a gallon in capacity, I couldn’t recommend this tank to anyone for keeping fish. This makes the list because the price is so attractive and I wanted to keep it on here so I can talk about how it’s too small for fish.
I would probably put a ghost shrimp in here at most. It’s a novelty item and I would expect to upgrade to something more in the future. If it was a 3 gallon tank that removed fish waste like it does on the infomercial, I feel the concept would be amazing and would have the potential to bounce the biOrb out of the top of budget option list.
Pros
Cheap!
Truly self cleaning
Simple to use
Cons
Too small for fish
Cleaning system has issues clogging
More novelty than function
My Recommendation
The best self-cleaning fish tank in my opinion is the Aquasprouts Garden kit. It has the ideal size at 10 gallons, it will grow plenty of vegetables, and the decision is mean to be true self cleaning with nature doing all the work for you.
The Back To Roots garden is the best value on this list. It is cheaper than the Aquasprouts and still big enough to achieve the self-cleaning goal and will grow simple vegetables.
The BiOrb is a great budget option. It nails self cleaning with its bottom up filtration approach and can become fully self cleaning with the right plant setup.
Who Should Buy One?
They should work for practically anyone, but I feel they fit best for the following people:
If you dislike the cleaning an aquarium
If you do not have time to clean or feel like it’s a tedious job
You want to give the tank to a child
The last option is what I feel puts you in the best category to purchase a tank like the ones on the list. If you have a child, they can learn a lot from having an aquarium and if you are growing vegetables from it, it is a great family activity and learning activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are usual questions I get from readers. I’ll do my best to add more as people ask. Let a comment below in the post if you have further questions.
Another Alternative
Another alternative to self cleaning fish tanks is creating a low light planted tank where the plants soak up the nutrients and your fish load is on the lighter end. This is a techique that has been popularized by a few YouTuber influencers.
There is actually a local fish store that has successful run without water changes for years. Cory at Aquarium Co-Op interviewed them on his YouTube channel. Check it out below:
Admittingly, a no water change freshwater tank is something I have little experience. I have achieved a successful reef tank with no water changes overtime. The main hurdle you run into with freshwater systems is the need to fertilization if you are aquascaping. Running no water changes is more of a natural style that conflicts with many aquascapers. Nevertheless, it is achievable and something you can look into if you want a self cleaning fish tank that runs off nature. The video gives you a lot of food for thought :).
Closing Thoughts
Self cleaning fish tanks are a new concept in our hobby. I really like the approaches I’m seeing from manufacturers. Some want to tackle it with aquaponics and others want to build an easy to use system. I feel that big approaches are great and one approach will fit your wants. If you have any questions, please let a comment below. Thanks for reading. Until next time
Aquarium Hobbyist Clubs and Societies: The Complete Directory
Table of Contents
Local aquarium hobbyist clubs and societies are one of the most underrated resources in this hobby, and I say that after 25+ years of keeping fish. The knowledge inside a good local club. from breeders who’ve been at it for decades, to members willing to share cuttings, fry, or equipment at cost. is genuinely hard to find anywhere else. I’ve made some of my best hobby connections through club events and auctions. If you haven’t looked into your local club yet, I strongly encourage it. Below is a comprehensive list of aquarium hobbyist clubs and societies organized by region to help you find one near you.
Aquarium hobbyist clubs and societies can provide incredible learning experiences with the vast number of hobbyist veterans willing to help you out. Many are closer to you can you think. We encourage anyone who keeps freshwater or saltwater aquariums to join an aquarium club. They can provide many learning opportunities, mentorships, and a great way to make new friends. The tank tours alone are worth stopping by!
Since many of these clubs do not market themselves, Aquarium Store Depot has provided a list so that you can find the closest one to you. There are aquarium clubs popping up throughout the States all the time so if you have one that we have not listed, please e-mail us at info@aquariumstoredepot.com or contact us and we will get the list updated:
One underappreciated benefit of joining local clubs is access to a mentorship network. Most experienced hobbyists in these groups are genuinely happy to answer questions, do tank visits, or help troubleshoot a problem. You also get early access to members-only auctions, where locally bred fish, home-grown plants, and coral frags often go for a fraction of what you’d pay online. For beginners especially, this community knowledge base shortens the learning curve dramatically and makes the hobby far more enjoyable from day one.
What to Expect From Aquarium Hobbyist Clubs
Most aquarium hobbyist clubs operate on a simple model: members pay a small annual fee to fund events, speakers, and a shared library of books and equipment. Monthly meetings typically include a program segment (a speaker or demonstration), a Q&A, and an auction where members bring in frags, fry, cuttings, or equipment to sell or trade. This is one of the best ways to get rare or locally bred species that you’d never find at a big box store.
Freshwater aquarium hobbyist clubs tend to focus on planted tanks, cichlids, bettas, native fish, and general community fish. Marine and reef aquarium hobbyist clubs (often called reef clubs or SCMAS) center on coral propagation, SPS and LPS care, equipment reviews, and tank tours. Many clubs now have hybrid memberships that welcome both freshwater and saltwater hobbyists.
Whether you’re new to the hobby or decades in, aquarium hobbyist clubs and societies remain one of the most underrated resources in fishkeeping. Most aquarium hobbyist clubs host monthly meetings, livestock auctions, and equipment swaps where you can find rare species at a fraction of retail prices. Many aquarium hobbyist clubs also maintain active online communities if in-person attendance isn’t possible. If you’ve been considering joining, this grand list of aquarium hobbyist clubs and societies is a great place to start.
Join local aquarium hobbyist clubs to meet fellow fishkeepers.
High nitrates are one of the most common problems I see in freshwater tanks. and one of the most misunderstood. Regular water changes are always the foundation, but in heavily stocked or planted tanks, a dedicated nitrate remover can genuinely help bridge the gap between maintenance days. I’ve tested plenty of products and methods over 25 years, and I can tell you which approaches actually move the needle.
https://youtu.be/E0YnjkKaGn8
“Help, my nitrate levels are over 50 PPM!” This is a common email or text I get on my live chat. High nitrate levels can be a major problem for freshwater aquarium keepers. In today’s post, I want to talk about the best nitrate remover for freshwater tanks. Nitrates, for some of us, are the bane of our existence. We obsess over the nitrate level in our fish tanks because our local fish store and fish guides told us that high nitrate levels is bad and stresses out our pet fish.
This is all true, however, instead of stressing out over them let’s talk about how to take proper action in tackling the issue. I want to revisit the nitration cycle and talk about ways to remove and lower nitrates in your aquarium water. I want us to reflect on how we got to this place. Once we know, let’s talk about the best nitrate removers to solve our problem.
Revisiting the Nitration Cycle
Let’s first revisit the nitration cycle. I know some of you reading this already know it, but I also know some of you may not and have become successful by listening to your local fish store on what to buy. Part of having a nitrate problem is because we are out of balance. The nitration cycle has 5 stages:
Nitrogen is introduced with fish food
Ammonia is excreted either by fish waste (fish poop) or decaying material
The above is the natural way of how an aquatic ecosystem would work. The issue most likely with your aquarium water is that you are missing #5. If you lack live plants, nitrate levels can build up. Also, the stock media from your aquarium filters will not address #5. It is not common for filter makers to provide media that will remove nitrates. This is to keep costs down as the media designed to lower nitrates is more expensive and some buyers may not even want it.
Ways To Remove It
So now that we know the cycle, and likely what our deficiency is in the cycle, let’s talk about how to remove nitrates. You can see our video from our YouTube Channel for some visuals.
1. Water changes
This is the most common way. Water changes will reduce nitrates in the aquarium environment and bring in clean water to your fish tank. While this is an all-around fix, too many water changes can be disruptive to our closed systems. They are also labor intensive. We do not want to be a slave to the water change. Our goal is to get down to changing the water tank every other week, or every month.
2. Live Plants
A large live plant population can actually act as an effective nitrate remover for your aquarium. This works great for planted tank setups. However, I do know many people who have had nitrate problems and cannot have planted tanks. This usually happens when you’ve got fish who eat live aquarium plants, aggressive fish that uproot or damage them, or people who do not want to regularly prune live plants and maintain them.
3. Reduce livestock
Sometimes an aquarium has high nitrate levels because the fish tank is overstocked. This is common with people who follow the 1 inch per fish rule. Your biological filtration products are working overtime when your fish tank is overstocked. Other times, you have fish that are hard on your bioload such as gold fish or large aggressive fish.
4. Filters
Nitrate removers are filter media designed to remove nitrate from your aquarium either through chemical or biological means. They either come in disposable media or permanent media. They are not dangerous to the inhabitants in your tank, and will reside in your filter compartments. Some nitrate removers have mixed media, meaning that they handle other things aside from nitrate in your tank water. Some will have carbon while others use resin to remove other impurities in your aquarium water.
A dedicated nitrate removing media is a great way to target the problem immediately, but they need to be replaced regularly. A permanent media will grow anaerobic bacteria in the media. This anaerobic bacteria will consume nitrates in your tank water. If you’ve considered all these ways to reduce nitrates in your aquarium water, and are still at the point where nitrate removers are necessary, then read on for our buying guide.
The Candidates
Below is a list of the best nitrate removers for freshwater aquariums. All products here have been selected through our field experience and all are safe to use in a freshwater tank. Each have their pros and cons, which I will discuss below. There is a product for you on this list.
In a hurry? I recommend Biohomefor a permanent solution and Seachem Purigen for a disposable solution.
Bio-Home, in my opinion, is the best biological filtration media you can purchase, and is the best nitrate remover for freshwater tanks. It has the ability to control ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate on it’s own. Bio-Home got its start from PondGuru, one of the bigger Youtubers on pond care. PondGuru developed this product to resolve high nutrient issues in ponds. It also does an amazing job as a nitrate remover for freshwater tanks. I highly recommend it for anyone with a fish-only or lightly planted tank.
Because it is a biological based filter media, it is permanent in your system and allows for less water changes. You add it in your filter unit and forget about it. The media will house both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and the mini-version will fit in some power filters.
It’s a great biological media, but it has one drawback. It is a very expensive nitrate remover and you will need 2-4 lbs for a mid-sized aquarium. Also, because it is biologically based it will need to establish in your fish tank before it will remove nitrates. Bio-Home offers the following guidelines when trying to figure out how much media you need to purchase.
Environment
Amount of Biohome Required
Avg Community Tropical Tank
1 kg/26 gal (100 lt)
Avg Cold Water Tank
1-1.5 kg/26 gal (100 lt)
Predator Tank
1.5-2 kg/26 gal (100 lt)
Large Cichlid Tank
1.5-2 kg/26 gal (100 lt)
Malawi/Tanganyikan Tank
1.5-2 kg/26 gal (100 lt)
Avg Mixed Fish Pond
1 kg/52 gal (200 lt)
Avg Koi Pond
1 kg/39 gal (150 lt)
If you want a filter media that will free you of being a slave to constant water changes, this is worth every penny.
Pros
Biological based – permanent
less water changes
Small enough to fit in power filters
Cons
Expensive
Needs to establish in your aquarium water in order to get results
2. Seachem Purigen – Instant Removal In A Small Package!
Seachem Purigen is a fast acting nitrate remover that uses resin to remove a number of organic compounds in your aquarium water. It is resin based and its color changes as it depletes. This makes it easy to identify when to replace or recharge the resin. Recharging the resin involves using an unscented bleach solution. The bleach burns off the organics that have been removed from the fish tank.
This type of regeneration is superior to API’s salt solution of regeneration. A salt based regeneration only replaces the removed ionic compounds. It will not destroy the large compounds that were removed. This can be risky over time as the organics can potentially leech back into your aquarium water over time. You do not really run this risk with Seachem Purigen because the price of this nitrate remover is so reasonable that many who use it don’t even bother to recharge it. It is fast acting and has great field results.
Seachem Purigen is easy to find online and at stores. It will also fit in power filters and you do not need that much to get great results for your freshwater aquarium!
If you are looking for a budget friendly nitrate remover, the EA Premium Nitrate Reducer is a great product to look at. Like Acruel’s pad, it works instantly as it is an infused filter pad. I would install this in the second chamber of your canister filter after your mechanical stage. It will work with a power filter, but you may have difficulty getting enough of the product to be effective in smaller filters.
Make sure you rinse it before putting it into your aquarium. It’s dusty and can cloud up water if you don’t rinse it before it goes into your filter. This is a great nitrate remover for those who need fast results and are on a budget.
Acurel’s Nitrate Reducing Pad has been around for years and is well known for quickly taking care of nitrate problems in a freshwater aquarium. It comes in a large 10 x 18 inch pad that you can cut to size. I find this pad works best in a canister filter if the media chambers are large enough to accommodate a pad. I would put this in the chemical media chamber below your carbon media or in-lieu of.
This nitrate remover has amazing field results. It has taken down nitrate levels in a 180 gallon Cichlid tank from 60-80PPM to 20PPM or less. The biggest problem is that it’s difficult to get enough of the product into a power filter as you need to use a sizable amount of it to get the desired results. It is generally hard to find locally, making this best to purchase online. The price is very reasonable, making this a great nitrate remover if you own a canister filter.
Pros
Can be cut to size
Very effective
Works quickly
Cons
Not enough surface area to work with most power filters
Hard to find locally
5. API Nitra-Zorb – Resin Based Carbon Replacement
API Nitra-Zorb is a resin based filter media that works to eliminate ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and harmful chemicals in your aquarium. It is a great all around filter media that replaces carbon in your aquarium. Because it is resin based, it can be recharged. The recharging instructions are simple. You only need aquarium salt and warm tap water to soak the media bag for 2 hours.
This makes it a really attractive media to buy for nitrate removal since you can buy a bag and reuse it, granted you are willing to recharge it regularly.
The biggest problem with using Nitra-Zorb as a nitrate remover, is that it is designed for canister filters. The bag can be too large for most power filters. Another concern is that since the bag can handle a complete nitrogen cycle on its own, it can hurt the natural biological filtration that you have set up in your filter or your aquarium plants. I feel that a nitrate remover product should be a supplement for your cycle in your aquarium, and not a replacement.
Pros
Resin based – replaces carbon
Media can be reused
Cons
Bag is large and is meant for canister filters
Expensive
6. Boxtech Aquarium Media – MarinePure Like Media That Fits In A Canister Filter
In the saltwater aquarium side of the hobby, there is this wonderful product called marinepure that is a ceramic block that acts as a superior biological filtration in sumps. The blocks are massive and have superior surface area. These blocks by BoxTechoffer the same advantages as marinepure, but are designed to be small enough to fit in a canister filter.
The ceramic block will achieve a full nitrogen cycle removing nitrates. Because it is a permanent solution, you won’t have to worry about replacing media overtime. This is a less expensive long-term nitrate remover for freshwater tanks.
Unfortunately, like many products on this list, it can be difficult to fit in most power filters. It’s a 3×3 block so it may fit in larger power filters. It will also need to establish in your tank in order to achieve results.
Pros
Convenient shape – fits in canister filters
Incredible surface area for bacteria
Permanent
Cons
Won’t fit in most power filters
Needs to establish to get results
7. Dr. Tim’s Aquatics All-Natural Aquarium Pearls – Designed By A Marine Biologist
Dr. Tim is well known by keepers of reef aquariums and public aquariums. He has designed unique products that solves issues like cycling a tank. These NP-Active Pearls by Dr. Tim are natural bio-polymers that remove nitrates and phosphates in your aquarium. They work in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums and do a great job.
Because it is a bio-ball based media, it is best run in a media reactor versus a canister filter or power filter. It will still lower the nitrate level in any of them, it’s just more effective in a media reactor.
An algae turf scrubber is well known in the saltwater aquarium hobby for it’s ability to remove nitrates, phosphates, and harmful chemicals in your aquarium. It does this all by growing algae on a mesh sheet. This algae once established will filter all sorts of nutrients out of your aquarium water.
A good turf scrubber will do wonders to getting your levels down, and have had field results bringing nitrates to nearly undetectable levels. This is all done naturally and is a permanent nitrate removing solution. It will also reduce algae in your display tank since the algae growth in your scrubber will compete with it. IceCaphas done an excellent job at making these scrubbers as affordable as possible for hobbyist with a well made solution.
Turf scrubbers are complex to install and dial in. They require a separate pump and are best run in a sump. They are expensive and you have to remove the algae every 7-14 days. This can be messy and smelly. If you have a sump and some very high nitrate levels, this could be the best nitrate remover for you.
Seachem Denitrate is a biological media that has the ability to house anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria can survive because of the porous nature of this media. It allows for areas to be depleted of oxygen which is what creates these anaerobic pockets. It functions as both basic biological media and nitrate reducing media since it is a dual purpose media.
This product from SeaChem is basically the same as SeaChem Matrix, which I will discuss next. The main difference between the two nitrate removers is that the media for SeaChem Denitrate is smaller, making it far easier for your power filters to house it. It is one of the few nitrate removing media here that will fit and be functional in a power filter. There is also a big advantage with SeaChem products in general. They are readily available online and in stores.
This 1 liter package will work for a larger size tank up to 50 gallons. It is a permanent solution, and the price is reasonable for its capacity. Because it is a permanent nitrate remover solution, it will need to establish first before any results can be seen. To function correctly, SeaChem recommends that you lower the gallons per hour on your filtration unit down to 50 gallons per hour.
Given its availability, it’s a great choice for your fish tank if you are using a power filter.
Pros
Biological based
Fits in power filters
Permanent solution
Cons
Needs time to establish
10. Seachem Matrix – Superior Biological Media Replacement
Seachem Matrix is the flagship biological media product of SeaChem. It offers superior biological filtration that will house both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria species. It is a permanent nitrate reducer solution that is designed to work in canister filters. It is a larger media version of denitrate. This is done on purpose so the inner core can hold more anaerobic bacteria.
It will take time to establish given its biological nature. It is readily available in stores. This is a great solution if you are starting up a new tank and want to have great biological filter media to start.
Pros
Biological based
Permanent solution
Reasonable price
Cons
Designed for canister filters
Takes time to establish
Our Expert Pick
There are two categories when naming a best nitrate remover. We have permanent and disposable solutions. Permanent solutions take time to establish and will solve your problem over time. Disposable solutions will work immediately and require replacement to keep levels down. We also included a video of our channel that summarizes the products from our blog post. Please subscribe if you like our content!
Best Permanent Product
This honor goes to Bio-HomeUltimate Filter Media. It has proven field results and does not have a gallon per hour limitation like some of the other permanent solutions out there. They are able to do this because the core of the media will hold anaerobic pockets for nitrate removing bacteria to thrive. I have seen bio-home reduce nitrates in pond filters pushing through 1700+ gallons per hour and still have stellar results. It is worth every penny.
Best Disposable Product
This honor goes to Seachem Purigen. The Purigen resin works immediately and is very effective. It changes color so you know when it is time to replace the media. This nitrate remover is so cheap that you don’t have to recharge the product, and you don’t need much of it. This makes it ideal for power filters. It is also readily available online and in most fish stores.
Closing Thoughts
Nitrate reduction can be a tough nut to crack in a non-planted freshwater aquarium. Overstock fish tanks have an even harder time. The great thing is that there are products that are very effective at resolving your issues with your aquarium water. I hope the overview and the product reviews I provided have helped you to make an informed decision. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading my buying guide and see you next time!
Hello again fellow readers. Over the past few years, I have gone through a full dive into the freshwater aquarium hobby. As many of my friends and hobbyists know, I started in the hobby straight into saltwater aquariums and then into reef tanks. A couple of years ago, I posted a big piece of content titled words of wisdom I wish I knew before I started. As I got more into the freshwater side of the hobby, I thought to myself I should do the same with freshwater aquariums.
Today’s post is going to be a long. Each one of these points can be a post on its own. My purpose is to place all these words of wisdom into a single post so you can reference it to anyone starting out in the freshwater aquarium hobby. I got a video below as well you can check out from our YouTube Channel.
Key Takeaways
Education is the number one factor to have success. Research and trust authoritative blogs and experts in the field
Don’t cheap out on your setup, invest in quality equipment
Be careful with your livestock choices
Be patient with your setup and keep calm when things go wrong
Maintain your aquarium and avoid getting multiple fish tanks
Freshwater Aquarium Words Of Wisdom – What I Wish I Knew Before I Started
#1 – Educate Yourself
The freshwater hobby is very broad. I would say it is about 3-4 times more broad than the saltwater aquarium hobby. A saltwater hobbyist goes to corals at the ultimate goal while a freshwater aquarist can have many goals. You can go with a large predator tank, a planted tank, a small betta fish tank, or even a pond. This means that the hobby is always evolving. There are new breakthroughs every day and new subsets of the hobby. Such as in life, dedicate yourself to never stop learning about this hobby if you are passionate about it. Seek blogs like this one, videos, authoritative figures, etc.
#2 – Patience Is Your Virtue
Read the image above and understand what it comes. Freshwater aquariums is all about doing everything you can to set yourself for success then letting go. You have to be patient about the results after you have taking the actions or setup the proper routines. Impatience will wreck you in this hobby.
#3 – Know The Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle is the cornerstone piece of knowledge you must have to succeed in the fish hobby. The nitrogen cycle is a 5 stage process:
Nitrogen is introduced with fish food
Ammonia is excreted either by fish or decaying material
Nitrosomas bacteria convert Ammonia to Nitrite
Nitrobactor bacteria converts Nitrite to Nitrate
Plants use Nitrates and Ammonium as fertilizer
Your aquarium is a closed biosystem. Your biosystem needs to have a balance of enough bacteria to keep levels in check. Knowing your balance will keep you from overstocking and overwhelming your biosystem. You can check out the video below by Girl Talks Fish for a more detailed explanation.
It is important to know that most stock filtration equipment will not offer you a full nitrogen cycle out of the box. There are two ways to resolve this. Either get live plants or invest in the best nitrate removers for freshwater aquariums. I recommend Biohome Ultimate for permanent solution or Purigenas a disposable solution.
#4 – Involve Your Family
Freshwater Aquariums offer a greater opportunity to get your family or loved ones involved in your hobby. The hobby is easier to understand and perform compared to saltwater aquariums and anyone with proper guidance and training can have fun and get involved. Do not isolate yourself in your hobby or passion. Invite your children if you have them or your loved one into your hobby. You can have reliable tank sitters when you are away and not panic when things go wrong and you are not present to fix them. A family that keeps fish together, stays together.
#5 – Watch Out For Multiple Tank Syndrome
Freshwater aquariums are more approachable and far easier to get lost in multiple tank syndrome than with saltwater tanks. For one, it’s way easier to handle water changes and multiple tanks since the you do not need a RODI system for the vast majority of setups. The other thing is that the freshwater hobby is so broad. It’s better to have specialty tanks then to attempt mixed community aquariums not to mention the various aquascaping styles with planted tanks.
Avoid stretching yourself too thin as well as your wallet. Take your time to enjoy your current aquarium and learn from it. When you are ready for the next steps, consider an upgrade and not an additional fish tank.
#6 – Join A Local Club
A local aquarium club or society can be transformation in journey in this hobby. You can meet many people of different backgrounds and experience. One of the biggest benefits to joining a club is the mentorships you can obtain if you are looking for advanced techniques and freshwater fish keeping methods. You can check out a list of local aquarium clubs in our prior blog post.
#7 – Don’t Take LFS Advice at Full Value
There is a higher likelihood that you will get a knowledgeable employee at a local fish store (AKA LFS) when it comes to freshwater aquariums. However, remember that the freshwater hobby is vast. It’s very possible that the employee can be an expert on say Discus Tanks and be completely clueless on how to dry start an Iwagumi aquascape. Always do your research, be prepared, and have a plan before you walk into your local fish store.
#8 – Everyone On A Forum Has An Opinion
There are many great forums online that you can join to learn more about the hobby. Be careful of bad information and people trying to give you an answer to help but may not know the best answer.
When it comes to freshwater aquariums I would look at social proof. Is the person giving you advice have the type of tank that you want? Does this person have proven knowledge in the hobby.
To provide you a good example, there are many blogs on the internet about tank equipment. Some of them are written with bad advice to sell you a product rather than educate you. Others I would have serious doubts if author bio on the bottom is a real person.
This blog and site was founded by me, Mark Valderrama. I have been featured on NBCNews, Slate, Buzzfeed, and Huffington post regarding care about our hobby. I am the peer adviser of two books written about aquariums, Freshwater Aquariums for Dummies 3rd edition and Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies 3rd edition. I have owned both freshwater fish and saltwater aquariums.
There are many influencers in the freshwater space, more so than the reefing hobby. Many are true experts in the field versus entertainers. Take your time to do your due diligence.
#9 – Don’t Overstock
The general rule you hear in the freshwater hobby is the 1 inch of fish per gallon. I cringe when I hear this rule, because it’s way too broad. Some freshwater fish, like goldfish, are big and bulky, and are hard on a bioload. Other fish, like Cichlids, are territorial and need shelter and space. The 1 inch of fish per gallon is okay for schooling fish like Tetras, but it fails on just about everything else. Too many fish can also lead to poor quality water and a cloudy fish tank.
If you want to look up stocking levels, I would highly suggest using AqAdvisor as a tool. It will provide a comprehensive calculation for your stock, and allow you to plan correctly for your aquarium.
#10 – Betta Fish Do Not Belong In A Bowl
You see Betta all the time at local pet stores in bowls. You also probably see a bunch of Betta Fish Tank sets available at the same said stores. I will tell you right now that this is not healthy long-term for a Betta. Bettas are best served in at least a 5 gallon aquarium. Give your pet Betta a better life by giving it an environment that it would enjoy. Check out our Betta Fish Care guide for more info on these wonderful fish.
#11 – Goldfish Do Not Belong In A Bowl
This is another soapbox moment for me. Goldfish get large and need a lot of space to get to their full size. A goldfish bowl is not healthy for them long term. They are also freshwater fish that are very hard on a bioload since they eat so much and produce a ton of waste. Treat your pet goldfish to a proper aquarium setup so they can reach their full size and potential. Check out our Goldfish Tank care guide for more info on these popular fish.
#12 – Leave Large Aggressive Fish For The Vets
You may walk into this hobby wanting to get large aggressive freshwater fish. After all, many like Arowanas, Oscars, Jewel Cichlids, and Jack Dempsey are very beautiful large fish. The problem with these fish are multiple. They get very large and require very large aquariums. This means you have to invest a lot in getting the proper sized tank for them. They are very aggressive and so you have to be very careful who you house with them. Some of these fish are so aggressive that they have no issues with trying to go after your hands when feeding them! Worse yet, some of these fish are large and powerful enough to crack aquariums that are too small for them. The wolf cichlid is notorious for their super aggressive nature as an example.
Large fish also require a ton of food. Due to their aggression, they are known for getting wounds from fighting or just thrashing about in your tank. These wounds can lead to infections. Keep large aggressive fish for the experts or those with the budgets you can handle them.
#13 – Filtration Matters
It can be really tempting to just buy a cheap filter to get you started on your freshwater aquarium. The hobby makes it very easy to get into with entry level filters or cheap filters made in China. The problem is not all filters are created the same and as your tank matures, you need better filtration. I would recommend at minimum an Aquarium Power Filter for most freshwater aquarium setups and a Canister Filter for planted tanks. Save the sponge filters for specialized tanks like Freshwater Shrimp Tanks or fry raising. There are very good brand names in the freshwater hobby make quality equipment like Hagen and Eheim. Their equipment is built to last for many years.
#14 – Start Bigger Than Necessary
If you are starting out in the hobby, the best advice is to buy the biggest tank for your setup that you can afford. The bigger the tank, the more stability you would have. If you are going for a smaller aquarium like a 5 gallon or 10 gallon aquarium, I would suggest going with an all in one aquarium so you have everything setup and ready to go for you. The main issue with smaller tanks is it is hard to grow with them and often times you outgrow the tank quickly or get overzealous and overpopulate the tank.
Keeping a successful aquarium means you are in tune with your tank and its water quality parameters. You want to get in the habit of regularly testing your water so you can spot changes in your biosystem before its too late. Not all test kits are created equal. See our post on the Best Freshwater Aquarium Test Kits for our picks. Don’t have time to read that post? No problem, I would recommend the API Freshwater Master Test Kit for most freshwater setups.
If you have an aquarium substrate, a gravel vacuum is a critical tool. A quality gravel vacuum can pull out all sorts of junk out of your substrate. There are lots of waste that accumulates in your gravel bed and without vacuuming you run of having waste decay and cause nutrient spikes down the road. The best gravel vacuum in my experience is the Python gravelvacuum. It connects directly to your sink and is very convenient to use.
#17 – Set A Maintenance Schedule
Setting a maintenance schedule and sticking to it is a long-term habit in our hobby. There are a lot of things to consider when keeping a fish tank, so it’s best to write things down as set reminders for yourself in order to keep up with your tank. Here are suggestions I would have of maintenance tasks to keep track of:
Daily
Dose fertilizer
Check bubble counter and drop checker color
Check water level – top off if needed
Observe your fish for any obvious signs of disease or stress
Weekly
Water change 15-20%
Check all your equipment to ensure working order
Clean glass, hardscape, and plant leaves
Trim your live plants if you have them
Check CO2 canister – refill as needed
Test your water
Monthly
Clean out your filters – wash down after cleaning with aquarium water
Clean pipes and strainers
Some setups are easier to maintain then others. You can always look into a self cleaning fish tank, if you want something less maintenance heavy. Most will be powered by natural filtration.
#18 – Have Backup Equipment
The harsh reality of our aquarium equipment is that they are subjected to being in hard conditions being underwater with our livestock. Eventually, equipment does break and they can be expensive to replace. The unfortunate fact is our equipment tends to go down at the worst times. The best way to prevent a disaster is to have a back up plan. Having back up equipment is the best step we can make. Here is backup equipment we want to have in for our freshwater aquarium.
Fish Tank Power outages are one of the most common cause of tank crashes in our hobby. It is a really helpless feeling when the power is out and you watch all your livestock slowly die because you have no backup plan. Don’t let this be you! Be proactive and develop a plan of action when it happens (because it will!).
As we have learned in our Best CO2 System for Planted Aquarium post, the golden ticket to fast grow in plants is CO2. 50% of your plants dry mass is carbon. A live plant will use 10 times more carbon than any other macro or micro nutrient. Knowing these fact, many hobbyists are still intimated by CO2. Sometimes it’s the cost to setup and other times it’s being intimated by the complexity.
CO2 systems are much easier to setup and dial than you think. One you have one setup and running, it’s mostly just reading your drop checker and adjusting your inject levels to stay within level. Many hobbyists I talked to post install usually tell me they wish they did it earlier. Take the plunge and get some killer growth in your plants!
#21 – No CO2? Go Low Tech!
Is a CO2 setup out of your budget? If so, pivoting to a low tech planted tank is a great alternative. A low tech tank is a freshwater aquarium with live plants that do not use CO2 injection. Building a thriving low tech tank requires proper selection of live plants. You want to work with plants that do well under low light, will generally feed in the water column, and are hardy. Check out our best low light aquarium plants and best beginner aquarium plants post for a full list of plants that are ideal for low tech. For those who don’t have the time to read, my go to for low tech are Java Fern and Anubias.
We learned in our Best Aquarium Plant Fertilizers post that fertilization is one of the 3 cornerstones of planted tank success. Unfortunately, we also learned that fertilizers are not all created equal. The most popular fertilizers sold in planted tanks are usually designed for low tech planted tanks. Those with full planted tanks or high need better fertilizers. In addition, many fertilizers do not have guaranteed analysis info and hide behind their brand names. We swear by APT Complete for our fertilization needs.
#23 – Red Plants Are Harder To Grow Than Green Plants
Red plants are typically harder to care for than green plants. This is due to their stronger light requirements, more specific spectrum requirements, and nitrate needs.
They generally should be avoided by beginners. If you want to try out a red plants, consider an easier to care for species like Cyptocoryne ‘flamingo’ or Red Amazon Swords.
We learned in our Best LED Lights for Planted Tanks post that lighting is one of the 3 cornerstones of planted tank success. Lighting is broken down into three elements that we need to know are adequate in the lighting fixture we purchase:
Spectrum
PAR
Spread
We learned that there is an ideal plant spectrum and that different plants have different PAR requirements. Shading can also be problematic with taller plants so spread is a major factor in our decision for our fixture.
The Serene Pro RGB LED we feel is the best comprehensive planted tank light in the industry. It excels in all 3 elements and will work with most planted tank setups.
#25 – Dip Your Plants
Dipping your plants should be something all planted aquarium owners should do before introducing plants in their aquarium. Plants can introduce pests and disease such as snails and parasites like ich and planaria. By using this method by Lifewithpets above, you can eliminate pest hitchikers from your plants. For parasites, you can consider a quarantine period for your plants in a separate tank. You can do even better by select lab grown plants, which tend to be pest and disease free for extra safety.
Proper Aquascaping tools are amazing when it comes to maintaining your planted tank. Curve scissors make it easy to cut down ground cover and smaller plants while prune shares will cut your taller plants. The tweezers are great for moving plants around and handling new arrivals. The substrate spatula is excellent for keeping your substrate tidy and even. I can’t imagine handling a planted tank without one. It’s a must purchase in my mind if you are serious about keeping a planted tank.
In our best aquarium substrate for planted tank post, we talked about active vs inactive substrates. Active substrates are ones that alter our water chemistry and break down over time. As this substrate breaks down, they fertilize our aquarium plants. This means active substrate amazing for rooted plants and ground cover. They are also preferred for dry starts as you can grow some plants in the substrate before you flood your tank. This results in healthy plant growth from the start, a short/nearly instant cycle, and less algae problems.
In contrast, an inactive substrate will not alter your water chemistry. It will not breakdown. However, some inactive substrates are designed to absorb nutrients and still work well for rooted plants. If you are going with a traditional gravel bed, you may want to consider column feeding live plants since it will be more difficult to support root plants in gravel.
#28 – Driftwood Can Leach Tannins
In our Best Driftwood for Aquariumspost, we talked about tannins and how to prevent your aquarium for getting that unappealing tea color. The best two ways to prevent this are:
Select a driftwood with a low tannin count
Prep your driftwood properly
We learned from our post that Manzanita, Spider wood, and Tiger wood have a low amount of tannins and are the preferred driftwood types to work with.
Prepping your driftwood will also save you a world of headache getting that tea color out. Boil your driftwood until the tea color is gone and use carbon media to get rid of any discoloration that comes from the leftover tannins.
In our best rocks for freshwater aquarium post, we learned that not all rocks are safe for aquariums. Some rocks can alter our water chemistry. Some like limestone will raise the pH and hardness, which is great for an African Cichlid Tank, but bad for the majority of tropical freshwater fish. Other rocks, like the ones you can pick up at your local river could contain harmful chemicals or bacteria that can wipe our your tank.The preferred rock for freshwater aquarium is granite and there are many types of available in our hobby. I would recommend Seiryu Rock for most aquarium projects.
#30 – Learn To Aquascape
Learning the types of freshwater aquascape styles and how to design them will take your tanks to the next level. If you want to have stunning award winning looking tanks, it all starts with learning how to aquascape. Start by learning the various type of styles and design concepts like the rule of two thirds and tension vs harmony. What makes aquascaping amazing in this hobby is it is all derived from art, photo techniques, and garden scape designs. It is a true art form that is very rewarding when you create a major work of art. You can get started by learning about a few of the aquascape styles below
That was a long post wasn’t it :). Well, I hope you enjoyed reading and took away some words of wisdom. As always, please share and subscribe to our newsletter. If you have any tips you would like to share, please leave us a comment below. Thanks for reading and see you next time!
๐ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide. your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.
Driftwood is one of my favorite elements in any aquarium setup. it adds natural structure, gives fish and shrimp places to explore, and anchors plants like Java fern and Anubias beautifully. I’ve used many types over the years in both freshwater and reef setups, from Manzanita branches in planted tanks to spider wood for a more dramatic look. The key things most people don’t consider upfront are tannin leaching, how long different woods take to waterlog, and which types are safest for sensitive fish and shrimp. This guide covers the best driftwood options with all of that in mind.
With over 25 years of experience in the aquarium hobby, Iโve assisted countless clients, hobbyists, and readers like you in overcoming their aquascaping setup dilemmas. Iโve personally used these wood pieces in real world scenarios to determine the best aquarium driftwood in the hobby.
There are so many quality driftwood to pick here it’s really hard to pick a winner. Let’s separate these into separate categories, as there is a piece for everyone’s needs here.
Manzanita driftwood is friendliest driftwood to work with in the industry. This wood from Buceplant has it all. It is well priced, looks amazing, and the support team at BucePlant are the best in the business. You can’t go wrong with them. They sell small and medium sizes. These are valued priced pieces that offer all the advantages of Manzanita.
Like many Manzanita sellers, availability is limited. I would suggest jumping on a purchase if pieces are in stock.
More aquascaping goodness with these amazing show pieces by BucePlant. BucePlant arts offers tiger wood in all sizes. This driftwood has thick branches with great shapes that will look great in longer and larger aquariums. Because of tiger wood’s low tannin count and ease to water log, it is easy to prep for aquarium usage.
Because Buce offers these in all sizes, there is a tigerwood piece available for any aquarium setup
If you are looking for spider wood, I would highly recommend Buce’s Spider Wood. These pieces are offered at various sizes from 4 – 18″. There are even massive showpieces available for sale on their site that are simply amazing! They are offered at super low prices. It’s really hard to find something of similar quality at the price these are sold for.
Pros
Exotic looking pieces
Great Price
Sizable pieces
Cons
The look is not for everyone
4. Buce WYSIWYG Wood . Showpieces for Award Winning Aquascapes
Are you looking for top quality aquarium driftwood pieces? If so, BucePlant is where you want to go. This is a WYSIWYG vendor with large and impressive show pieces for sale. Every showpiece they offer has low tannins, wonโt alter pH, and easy to place.
The other thing I love is this is the only vendor on our list that offers truck style driftwood. If you know anything about nature aquascape, truck style driftwood offers amazing forest like backdrops.
All the pieces they offer are giant pieces. Make sure you take your measurements on your aquarium before purchasing.
This is the some best quality driftwood you can buy online. It has a high price tag as a result and expect slower shipping times due to their size.
Pros
WYSIWYG
Lots of selection
Gigantic pieces
Cons
Price
Slower shipping
5. Bonsai – Create An Underwater Japanese Garden Today!
Bonsai driftwood offers a unique looking background in your tank. With the proper plants attached to it you can truly get a forest like look in your tank
These Bonsai Driftwood pieces offered for size are amazing looking in your aquarium. They have the added benefit of lowing your pH and softening your water, making them ideal for the vast majority of planted tank setups.
Bonsai trees cans be different to aquascape. They require a high amount of touch not only to get the moss down correctly, but also to keep them well groomed. If you are up for the challenge and want something stunning, this could be the wood piece for you!
The Fluval name brand enters our list with their Mopani Wood product. This is the same Mopani Wood you saw me explain earlier, but backed by the Fluval name. The result is you get high quality specimens that are well picked by Fluval. You also get a competitive price due to Fluval’s scale of operations. They offer both small and large sizes so you can find the right size for your aquarium in their selection.
The only thing I do not like is the Mopani wood itself. Mopani is notorious for its tannin leeching. Fluval puts in their product description that it “adds a slight tint water, creating a more natural looking water conditions.” Honestly, that is just covering the for the tannins here. Take your time to prep this wood and have your carbon ready if you want to use this driftwood. They are great looking pieces if you can handle the tannin leeching.
Pros
Fluval Name
Well picked specimens
Great price
Cons
Tannin leeching from Mopani
7. Koyal Wholesale California – Old School Bogwood
Koyal Wholesale’s driftwood pieces are known in the wedding industry due to the hit wedding TV show My Fair Wedding. However, these pieces are also great for aquariums. This product from Koyal reminds me a lot of the old bogwood pieces that used to be offered at fish stores. There is also a Grapewood Branch variant that is offer that looks more like the the other driftwood pieces on this list.
Given the popularity and supply of the product, they are offered at a competitive price. They are sold at 12″ pieces, which should be fine for most aquariums. The major complaint with these have been the wood takes a long time to water log and there have been shipping mishaps.
If you are looking for budget driftwood these pieces from Hamiledyiare what you are looking for. They are ideal for smaller tanks and the pieces have good variation. The price is very reasonable and wood is lightweight.
Hamiledyi does not state the origin of this driftwood. From what we know from the review this is a high tannin count wood. It is likely this wood is a variation of Malaysian Driftwood, which is a common wood found at local fish store. Given it’s budget price, it’s not a finished wood as well. Expect to sand down edges to make it smooth to the touch.
Pros
Small Sizes
Good variation
Price
Cons
Mixed Driftwood. you do not know the type or source
High tannin count
Raw wood
9. NiloG Cholla Wood – The Choice for Freshwater Shrimp Tanks
If you are looking for wood for a shrimp tank, this is the product to buy. This Cholla Wood by NiloG is a great buy. It is cheap and your shrimp will love you for it as they feed off it all day.
Cholla wood is not for every fish tank. It decays fast and needs an inhabitant that will happily eat it while it decomposes. This is why they are ideal for species of shrimp like Cherry and Amano Shrimp as they will scavenge off the remains.
Pros
Great for shrimp tanks
Cheap
Cons
Decays fast
What Is Aquarium Driftwood?
Aquarium driftwood is wood that has been washed over through a beach, river, or a lake. This driftwood provides shelter and food for inverts and fish in freshwater aquariums. They also provide cover and a source of food for birds that live near the waters. Most driftwood are the remains of trees. Driftwood has also been discussed in Norse mythology. In the mythology, the first humans were formed out of two pieces of driftwood made of ash and elm by the god Odin.
The Trouble with Tannins
Before I go over the types of aquarium driftwood, let’s talk about what Tannins are a natural compound contained in driftwood. They are released into your aquarium as the driftwood soaks. When tannins are released into your aquarium, the compound will discolor your aqyuarium water. At low levels, it will look like a light yellow color and at high concentrations, it will look like the color of tea (as showed by the fishlore forum member GreeksGills) . While tannins will not harm your fish, it is not very pleasing to the eye.
There are ways to mitigate tannins in your aquarium. The first is to boil your driftwood before it goes into your aquarium. You can also add carbon media to remove the discoloration. I will go more into Driftwood prepping later in this post.
Types of Aquarium Driftwood
Before we look at a list of driftwood we can buy, let’s talk about the types of aquarium driftwood available in our hobby. They all have different looks and characteristics.
Bonsai
Bonsai Driftwood is a designer driftwood that is handcrafted by artisans to create unique works of art. These wood pieces resemble a bonsai tree. They are amazing piece alone in an aquarium and are eye catching with live plants growing on them. The favorite type of plant to grow on this driftwood are mosses. They are sharp and not ideal for Fancy Goldfish or Betta Fish Care. They are pricey and each piece is unique. They contain a moderate amount of tannins and will lower pH.
Cholla
Cholla driftwood is one of the cheapest and readily available driftwood you can find. It is native to the Southwest United States. It is actually the dried remains of a Cholla Cactus. It is one of the go to driftwoods for Freshwater Shrimp Tanks. The reason why is because the Cholla wood surface is ideal for harvesting biofilm. It has a moderate tannin count and takes some time to get waterlogged.
Manzanita
Manzanita Driftwood is becoming a highly desired aquarium driftwood for aquascapers. It is wood that comes from shrubs native to Oregon, Texas, California and New Mexico. It has many advantages over other types of driftwood. It has a low tannin count and looks amazing. It has a branch like structure, which creates unique looking scapes. It waterlogs the fastest among all other driftwood available. It is one of the few driftwoods you can buy that is pH neutral. No pH change is a big game changer for those who want driftwood but may have fish that are not compatible with lower pHs. It is very resistant to decomposition. This makes this driftwood very long lasting and strong.
It really is in my mind the driftwood of choice. What’s the catch? Well, it’s difficult to find. The best sources are going to be smaller sellers online.
Mopani
Mopani is a unique looking wood comprised of 2 tone color combinations. It will lower your pH and has a high tannin count. It is becoming a more popular driftwood for aquariums as larger aquarium brands are starting to sell in in stores. It is a readily available driftwood. They are imported from the plains of Namibia by local tribesmen.
Spider Wood
Spiderwood is well known for its varied branched appearance. It is found in Mongolia and looks like a spider (hence the name). It matures into a beautiful Mahogany color in the aquarium. This wood has a low tannin count and is quick to get water logged. Since this is an imported wood, it is usually on the cheaper end compared to others.
Tiger Wood
Tiger wood derived it’s name by its shape. It looks like the strips of a tiger or the claws of one. It is pale in appearance and has a branched look that is thicker than most branch type driftwood. They generally are only available as larger show pieces. This type of driftwood is ideal for attaching ferns and mosses. It has a light amount of tannins and will get waterlogged quickly.
How To Prep for Tank Usage
So now that you know what the best driftwood is to buy, let’s talk about getting them into your aquarium. There are two things we want to do to prep our driftwood for aquarium usage:
Removing Tannins
Waterlogging the wood
There are two options two achieve both. One would be soaking the driftwood. This takes a long time, usually 2-4 weeks. While this may work for very large show pieces, it’s not a fun method for the those of us excited to scape our tanks. Boiling would be our next option and the preferred way of prepping our aquarium driftwood.
The video below by Long Island Fish Guy illustrates the process. When boiling, you want to boil until you the water in the boil pot is clear. You will also want to utilize carbon media to mitigate any residual leeching of tannins afterwords.
If you have a large piece of driftwood, you can boil it in sections boil. Put what you can fit in your pot as you go. If the wood is very large, you may have to consider the soaking method
One thing to note is Tannins do have benefits in an aquarium. It just doesn’t make your aquarium look pleasing to the eye for most. My preference is to purchase driftwood with low tannin count like Manzanita or Spiderwood. This helps with ease of prep and keeps your aquarium clear of that tea color.
How To Attach Live Plants
Attaching live plants to your driftwood really makes your aquascape come alive. There are two type of live plants that are ideal for attaching to driftwood.
For moss, you can use super glue to attach the base of the moss to your driftwood. Below is a great video by Roma Aquatics that shows how to do this. What I love about attaching plants on wood is you can do this outside of your aquarium and take your time with it.
The next video by Fishaholic shows how to attach a column feeding live plant to driftwood. This example is Java Fern. You can do this with any other column feeding live plant. Both methods I’m showing here are done with super glue. I prefer this method over fishing line or tiebacks since glue is invisible and easier to work with in my experience.
FAQ
What Kind is Safe For Tanks?
The safest driftwood are ones sold are pet stores, local fish stores, and online stores. Common trade names that are safe are Manzanita, Tiger, Spider and Bonzai driftwood.
Which Wood Is Ideal?
The best wood for driftwood are the ones sold at pet stores. Of these, Manzanita and Tigerwood are the easiest to deal with because they produce low tannins and waterlog quickly
Is It Good For Freshwater Tanks?
Yes – driftwood is good for freshwater aquariums. Driftwood lowers the pH and softens the water, which most tropical fish and live plants prefer. Your fish see it as a natural habitant and will feel safe with it around them. You can also attach plants and moss to the driftwood to produce a stunning planted structure!
Does It Cause Ammonia?
Driftwood can cause ammonia, if it hasn’t been treated. Untreated wood can contain organic matter that will decay in the aquarium and spike ammonia levels. To avoid this, you can boil driftwood as a safety precaution even if the wood has been treated.
Closing Thoughts
Driftwood adds a lot of beauty to your aquarium. I hope through this post I was able to help you make an informed decision on what the driftwood you want to purchase for your aquarium. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Thank you for reading and see you next time!
๐ฟ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Planted Tank & Aquascaping Guide. your ultimate resource for aquarium plants, aquascaping styles, substrates, and more.
Rock selection is one of the most important and underappreciated decisions in aquascaping. I’ve spent a lot of time sourcing and working with different rock types for my own tanks, and the wrong choice can actually crash your water chemistry. some rocks leach calcium and raise pH dramatically, which is a serious problem in a planted tank. Beyond chemistry, the right rock defines the entire aesthetic of your aquascape, whether you’re going for a dramatic Seiryu stone Iwagumi or a natural river rock layout. Here’s my breakdown of the best rock types for freshwater aquariums and what you need to know before buying.
What to Look For When Purchasing A Rock for a Freshwater Aquarium
In general, the vast majority of freshwater fish and plants prefer softer water and lower pH. Knowing this fact, we want to avoid rocks that are high in calcium. Rocks high in calcium will alter the water chemistry of our aquarium. It will result in our water becoming hard. They also will alter the pH of the aquarium making our aquarium alkaline in nature. That is great for African Cichlids and Saltwater Tanks, but will be disastrous for most tropical fish we can purchase.
We need to break down rocks further to understand what makes a good freshwater aquarium rock. Let’s dive into the types of rocks.
The Three TypesFor Your Tank
We can separate freshwater aquarium rocks into three categories: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Igneous
Igneous rock is any type of crystalline or glassy rock. These are formed by the cooling and solidification of molten earth material. Aquarium rocks in our trade of this type would include dolerite, gabbro, granite, basalt, and lava rock.
Sedimentary
Sedimentary rock are rocks that are formed by the accumulation or deposition of small particles and subsequent cementation. Aquarium rocks in our trade of this type would include marl, limestone, sandstone, breccia, conglomerate, and shale.
Metamorphic
Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of existing rock types. The original rock form was subjected to heat and pressure which cause physical or chemical change. Aquarium rocks in our trade of this type would include quartzite, dolomite, marble, schist, slate, and hornfels.
They Can Alter Chemistry
Now that I explained the types of rocks, let’s talk about the aquariums rocks that can alter the chemistry of our tanks. We can separate them into two types.
Aquarium Rocks that lower pH and soften water
Aquarium Rocks that increase pH and harden water
If we are looking to lower pH and soften our water, we want to use aquarium rocks like sandstone and basalt. If we are looking to increase pH and harden our water, we want to use aquarium rocks like marble and limestone
There are also rocks that serve functions with planted aquariums. For example, lava rocks can be used to fertilize aquatics plants. Granite is one of the safest rocks to use in an aquarium due to its neutral nature. It is also one of the heaviest.
9 That Are Safe For Fresh Tanks
Now that we have a base understanding of rocks for freshwater aquariums, it’s time to talk about the best ones to buy. Below is a recommended list of the best freshwater aquarium rocks you can purchase online. I’ll go in more detail in my reviews of each.
Ohko Dragon Stone is one of the preferred aquarium rocks to use in Iwagumi Aquascapes. These rocks are not only beautiful, they are also natural in nature. They will not alter your pH or hardness being granite based. They will look fantastic in any planted tank setup. They are full of holes, nooks and crannies making them very good rocks for natural shelter for your fish.
These are the hot rocks for pro aquascaping projects these days. Check out the video above from BucePlant to see how amazing they look. Like any preferred aquascaper rock, they do have a higher price tag.
Pros
Rocks do not alter pH or hardness
Great looking rocks
Lots of sizes available
Cons
Price
Best For – Planted Tanks
2. Black Mountain Seiryu Stone – Best Value In Unique-Looking Stones
If you are looking for a unique looking aquarium rock, check out Black Mountain Seiryu Stone. The unique white veins really pop in an aquascape. They will not alter your pH or hardness so you can add them to any aquarium setup. These rocks are hard to find so be on the look out if you like them and want to buy one. The great thing from buying from our link is that Buce sells super high quality Black Seiryu and in packs up to 30lbs!
Quality lava rock is hard to find online. It’s pretty common to see listings of lava rock being used as biomedia or fireplaces. This makes sense given they are great for housing beneficial bacteria and are great stones for fire places. This does limit what you can buy on online though.
When it comes to aquarium lava rock these Black Lava Rocks by BucePlant are exactly what we are looking for. These are large rocks with unique shapes unlike what you will find at most pet stores. If you are looking to quality lava rock, check out their store and selection.
If you want a pro quality aquascaping rock, but the Ohko is out of your budget, I would highly recommend Buce Seiryu Rock. Seiryu is the godfather of all aquascaping rocks. These are hand picked stones from Buce. With their excellent customer service and high quality reviews, you can’t go wrong with them!
You will not be disappointed in going with them! Great details and texture comes with these rocks.
Pros
Great rock specimens
Great reviews and testimonials
Hand picked stones
Cons
Price
Best For – Planted Tanks
5. BucePlant WYSIWYG Stones – For the Pro Aquascapers
We start off this list with high end aquarium rocks. These rocks offered by BucePlant are what we call in the industry What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) rocks. This seller lists individual rocks or sets of rocks for you to purchase and you get the exact rocks in the picture. This is the best way to get large aquarium rocks for aquascapes if you are looking to do big projects.
In my mind, WYSIWYG vendors are the sellers to go to if you are looking for a large display stone. These are excellent for planted tanks and highly recommended if they are within your budget.
Pros
You get exactly what you see in the photo (WYSIWYG)
Large aquarium rocks available
High quality rocks
Cons
Limited quantities
Expensive
Best For – Planted Tanks
6. Lifegard Aquatics Redwood Petrified Stone – Made For You Aquascape Sets!
Are you looking for a done for you aquascape set? If so, the Lifegard Aquatics Petrified Wood Sets are right up your ally. These aquarium rocks are sold in packages for specific tank sizes. All you do is order the place for your aquarium and you are good to go. No need to guess or pick rocks. These sets use pertified wood instead of stone. As a result, the look is very unique for your aquascape.
Lifegard also offers another variant called the Klondike Petrified Stone set if you are looking for a different shade or color. I love these sets for first time aquascapers. It is wood versus stone, which may bother a purist, but not a problem for a newcomer. The price is pretty reasonable as well!
Pros
Will not alter pH or hardness
Done for you sets
Unique look
Cons
It’s wood versus stone – some purists may not be fans
Best For – Planted Tanks
7. Penn-Plax Deco-Replicas Ornament Series – Great for Territorial Fish
Penn-Plax Deco-Replicas Ornament Series are resin ornaments that resemble natural granite. They are great for territorial fish like cichlids. Each aquarium rock acts like an individual home or condo for your fish. Because they are resin based, so they do not affect your water chemistry and are very easy to clean due their smooth outer surface. They are also very easy to stack and create a community of homes.
The thing I do not like with these rocks is they are rough on the inside. This is due to their resin makeup. The resin has been smoothed out on the outside but not on the inside. This leads to rough and sharp edges inside the structure. This does not make them safe for delicate species like Betta Fish. You can make them smooth with a file, but given their price point it’s probably better to look at another product if you have delicate fish.
Pros
Cheap
Easy to clean
Great for territorial fish
Cons
Rough on the inside – not safe for delicate fish like Bettas
Best For – Cichlids
8. Small World Slate & Stone – Slate for a Great Price
These Slate Aquarium Rocks by Small World are an amazing deal. The product pictured above is the 5-7 inch stone sets. These are high-quality slate pieces sourced from the USA. Small World Slate and Stone is a small family-run business and its customer service is top-notch.
Slate will not alter your pH or hardness. They are great for Aquascaping and for creating caves and structures. They are also great for reptiles since they hold heat well. Slate is one of the most popular stones for garden and pond hardscaping.
Slate is easy to break or crack. Be very careful with handling the stones as they can chip easily.
If you own African Cichlids, these limestone rocks are perfect for them. Texas Holey Rock has several benefits for African Cichlids. Being made of calcium carbonate, these rocks buffer pH and hardness, which solves your aquarium water chemistry issues with Africans. The holes are great for shelter and curb aggressively in your freshwater tank.
These rocks are sourced locally in Austin, Texas. The team selects these rocks to take care to find quality specimens for aquarium usage. The Company was built by a Cichlid tank owner who understands the need for quality hardscaping.
Given their limestone makeup, these rocks are only appropriate for fish that need a higher pH or hard water. The white appearance is also not for everyone. You can mitigate the white look by using low-light aquarium plants like Java Fern, and Java Moss which easily attach to these rocks.
Pros
Buffers pH and hardness for African Cichlids
Hand picked selection
Holes are great for shelter
Cons
White appearance is not for everyone
Only for fish that need hard water and higher pH
Best For – African Cichlids
Our Expert Pick
I listed a number of aquarium rock selections. Which one is best for you? I’m going to split these in several categories and explain.
The safest rocks are ones you can purchase at a pet store, local fish store, or online. That being said, the best rocks to use are Ohko dragon stone, Seiryu Stone, and Lava Rock. You can also use rocks like slate for building levels and Holey Rock for setups that require hard water or higher pH.
Can You Put Any Kind In A Fish Tank?
No. You cannot just put any rock in a fish tank. Some rocks will alter the chemistry of the water like its pH or hardness, which can have negative effects on your fish and plants. Rocks collected from outside or rivers may also contain organic material, which may die off and cause ammonia spikes. It’s best to purchase your rocks from a reputable pet store whether in person or online.
Can Live Stones Be Used In Fresh Tanks?
No. Live rock is rock that is either pulled from the oceans or grown aquaculturally to be used in saltwater tanks. They contain saltwater bacteria and organisms, which would die off if placed in a freshwater tank.
Which Ones Raise the pH in the Tank?
Rocks that are made of calcium carbonate like limestone will raise the pH in an aquarium. These rocks are ideal for fish that prefer higher pH and hard water like African Cichlids.
Conclusion
Aquarium rocks can really be striking backdrops in your fish tank when you find the rest specimens. I hope this post helped you find what you were looking for. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Thanks for reading.
๐ฟ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Planted Tank & Aquascaping Guide. your ultimate resource for aquarium plants, aquascaping styles, substrates, and more.
Rimless aquariums are something I genuinely love. the clean, borderless look transforms a tank into living art, and it’s the aesthetic I gravitate toward for aquascaping builds. The difference between a rimless and a standard braced tank is immediately obvious: you get an unobstructed view from every angle, which makes a huge difference in how planted tanks and reef setups are photographed and enjoyed. After working with rimless tanks of various sizes and brands over the years, I can tell you which builds are worth the premium price and which cut corners on glass thickness and silicone quality.
Before we start, I will disclose there will be affiliate links in this post where I may get a commission should you choose to make a purchase at no charge to you.
In a hurry? For a freshwater rimless aquarium I recommend UNS Systems for a saltwater rimless aquarium I recommend Waterbox.
What To Look For When Buying It
Before we start comparing rimless aquariums, we need to talk about what to look for when purchasing one. A number of manufacturers have hopped on the rimless aquarium bandwagon and they are not all created equal.
First things first, let’s talk about what you want. What are your goals? Are you looking to do a planted tank? Are you looking to do a reef tank? Are you desiring an all in one fish tank setup? What is your budget? These are all questions you want to write down and know before you go comparison shopping because rimless aquariums are designed for multiple specialty tanks so there should be a rimless aquarium for you once you know what you want to do with your fish tank build.
For the aquariums I’m reviewing today, this is my criteria:
Quality
Features and Accessories
Brand Name
Price
The Candidates
Now that we know what to look for, the types of rimless tanks available, and what makes them an amazing buy, it’s time to talk about the best rimless aquariums out there. The list below is our picks after client field testing and our own experience with these manufacturers. There is a rimless aquarium for everyone on this list. Let’s begin!
If I take this post from a pure rimless tank view, the Ultum Nature Systems Rimless Tanks are in a class of their own. These are without a doubt the world class ultra lean best rimless tanks you can purchase today. German engineering with 45 degree precision cut mitered edges. The Ultum Nature Systems rimless tank is designed with low iron glass that is 91% Diamant glass and brands with the UN systems logo on the bottom. When guests visit your home and see how awesome your glass tank looks, they will know UNS is the designer of your rimless aquarium. It’s a true work of art.
These rimless aquariums are available in many sizes and professionally shipped to your door. Shipping large fish tanks has always been a major pain. Ultum Nature Systems does not ship cheap. Their larger fish tanks are shipped in crates and carefully packaged. I have seen many all in one fish tanks shipped poor and cracked upon delivery. You do not have to worry about that drama with UNS. The comfort of knowing you won’t have to get multiple rimless tanks shipped until it arrives undamaged is not a concern with this brand.
The other thing I love about these fish tanks are the furniture. The furniture options are amazing. They are high-end professional manufactured cabinets. They fit flush with your UNS rimless tank. You don’t have to worry about getting a custom made cabinet or finding a standard cabinet that fits. UNS offers it all for you in one complete professional package. It’s no wonder why they are the top choice for professional aquascapers. Just look at the cabinet video below from Ultum Nature Systems. The cabinet just screams world class quality.
UNS tanks come in many sizes. From a rimless nano fish tank all the way up to a massive 150+ gallon rimless aquarium, there is a size for everyone at every budget.
There are two cons with Ultum Nature Systems. The first is they are solely focused on the freshwater hobby, so they do not make a reef ready rimless aquarium. It is a pure rimless aquarium through and through with UNS though they do offer All In One Tanks. They will also be comparatively expensive compared to other fish tanks at their size. In my opinion, you get what you pay for. This is a world class brand and rimless aquarium. You can’t go wrong purchasing one. See the full UNS Aquarium Review.
If I think about the best value in rimless tanks today, without a doubt I would say Waterboxdelivers. Waterbox primarily delivers reef ready aquariums. Waterbox reef ready systems have the best plumbing system available for a ready to run fish tank today. Their plumbing system is called the Platinum Reed Plumbing system. It is built with a true manifold system with quality colored PVC and unions for easy maintenance. Their overflow system is a true BeanAnimal, which is the reef standard in today’s modern reef.
Waterbox sumps are the best you can buy for a ready to run fish tank. They are multistage designs and made of rimless glass.
Waterbox and Red Sea have competed head to head for a number of years. There are die-hard fans for each brand. While I felt Waterbox always had the better designs and features, they have completely separated themselves from Red Sea with the introduction of their freshwater systems, the Clear models. The Clear models are hard to find at this time because supplies are limited, but once they have full production they will have complete glass tank designs for both freshwater and saltwater hobbyists.
These are expensive tanks no doubt, however, the construction and quality for their prices earns the best value among all rimless tanks on this list. It is a well deserved distinction by Waterbox. Excellent aquariums overall. See the full Waterbox Aquariums review.
This rimless aquarium by Laden is great for planted tanks. They are just what we are looking for when we are creating a planted tank aquascape. This low iron glass tank is expertly crafted and they are available in multiple sizes. The rimless aquarium I have linked in this post I feel is the ideal size for many first time aquascaping projects.
Landen aquariums are only available online, which makes them perfect for those who cannot purchase rimless tanks locally. They are well known for their great packaging that ensures your glass aquarium arrives undamaged from shipping.
The only cons I have with this tank is the price. You get what you pay for with this tank. It’s one of the better bare bones low iron glass rimless aquariums on the market.
Current’s Serene line offers a unique opportunity for Freshwater Aquarists. Comes with a filter, stand, light. You can even pick an aquascaping package!
Are you looking for a large all-in-one aquarium for a freshwater tank that is also rimless? There has been a major gap in the market, as the original premium all-in-one rimless tanks started with reef tanks. As freshwater aquascaping has become more popular in the US, you have seen an introduction of lines like Waterbox getting into freshwater fish tanks and now you have Current USA getting into the Freshwater premium line now.
The Serene Aquarium offers you a 4 foot long glass aquarium measuring 48in. x 18in. x 18in. It is a low iron glass rimless tank with a frosted background film pre-installed. This gives you the white background look that is loved by aquascapers. The inlet and return lines are also frosted to blend into the aquarium.
Did I mention that Current also includes a backlight light? This backlight is something that has been missing in every freshwater setup I have come across. Current addresses this and doesn’t overcharge for it like ADA does (the only other manufacturer who supplies a backlight option!)
The cabinet is solid wood with a reclaimed wood finish. This gives it a neutral color that blends well in a lot of modern homes. It also has soft touch doors and an open structure that gives you easy access to the inside without a bulky support beam in the center of it.
The Serene also comes with an LED light , a hidden OASE canister filter, and a Hydor inline heater. All of these items are pre-installed and ready to go for you. This makes the system plug-in and play and easy to maintain.
There are also other options you can get with this rimless glass aquarium. This tank comes with aquascape bundles you can purchase that have been designed by professional aquascapers. The first is a Riverwood scape that is displayed in the video below and the second is the Manzanita scape. Both options are easy to install in your aquarium and will give it an eye popping design that will even be the envy of your planted tank friends!
So what’s the catch? Well, it’s fairly expensive. Even at its price, it’s an amazing value. You get a high quality system and the price is comparable to Waterbox’s freshwater rimless line. I do feel Current does need to have other options like a planted tank variant, which you could get a killer canister filter like an OASE and an option to swap out the LED light for a Serene Pro RGB LED light. I am a huge fan of both products when it comes to planted tank setups.
The Fluval Sea Evo is a great rimless glass aquarium if you are looking for a nano reef tank. This fish tank is designed with beginners in mind, as they have everything that you would want to get you started. This tank is so well loved that it is the official tank of Biota’s sustainable reef kits. Biota, if you do not know, are huge pioneers in our industry. They were the first mass producers of the tank raised Tang and Clown Trigger. If there is a choice of a cutting edge breeder in our industry, this is a product to look into.
The Fluval has it all to get started. It comes with competent LED lighting that acts like a cover. The media chambers are good enough and the return pump is strong enough for corals. The main issue with this Evo aquarium tank is that you have to know what it is designed for. It is designed for low light corals and small reef fish. If you keep that in mind, you can build an amazing and easy to keep nano reef tank.
The biggest issue with this fish tank is the heat management. This is a big concern if you live in a warmer climate. Because the tank is small and covered, heat gets trapped during hot days. Make sure you have adequate AC coverage in the area you place your Fluval Evo in.
The JBJ Rimless Flat Panel, in my mind, is the best starter saltwater reef aquarium set you can purchase today. It has the perfect dimensions for aquascaping. The JBJ Rimless is a reef tank that is 36 x 24 inches. 3 feet is long enough for territory for small fish, and 2 feet for the width is plently for having the space to sort rocks and corals for viewing.
It does mean that the LED light will be a bit more expensive, but the added gallon capacity of a 65 gallon tank is ideal. It is also sumpless, which means transitioning to saltwater even easier. It has large enough bays to house standard automation like auto top of systems and even a small protein skimmer. The JBJ Rimless is priced competitively as well. It seems expensive at first glance, but given you are getting the cabinet, it’s not as bad as you may believe.
However, the JBJ cabinet, while looking great from the outside, is not the highest quality.
Nuvo Aquariums are well known in the saltwater tank hobby as one of the best rimless aquariums you can buy. This Lagoon model from Nuvo does not disappoint. It comes with a great filter media chamber or the option to use a filter sock. The return pump is a DC pump that is power and very reliable. The dual outlets are great for getting your flow dialed in correctly. I also really like that they added their mesh screen lids. Nuvo designs a number of accessories for their aquariums including protein skimmers, media reactors, and wavemakers, so going with their line will always mean you can find accessories that will fit your fish tank.
The main thing not to like about this tank is the height of the aquarium. It only stands at 12 inches in height. That’s not stellar for a display tank. A 16″ height would be preferable. The price is on the high end, but you get what you pay for with this aquarium.
All in One tanks are great for quick fish tank set ups, however others want to set up a complete sump filtration system. Not everyone likes to drill an aquarium, and this solution by Nuvo is an excellent choice. It comes complete with a glass overflow that is connected to the back of the aquarium. As the overflow does not take up space inside the aquarium, you have full access to your fish tank for aquascaping. This is something that not even ghost overflow can provide!
Because the overflow is built into the system, you do not have to worry about leaking issues when you start up. Leak issues are always a pain to deal with. I also deal with them when working with external overflows. All overflows have their quirks. This EXT line from Nuvo offers a hassale free solution. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a sumped tank as a beginner.
The major downfalls for me is that the overflow is a Durso versus a Bean Animal. In Nuvo’s difference though, a Bean Animal overflow would have taken up a lot of space. It is also fairly expensive compared to drilling a tank yourself.
The Lifegard Crystal Aquarium is a great value for those looking for a rimless aquarium. The price for these fish tanks are tough to beat. This ultra low iron glass aquarium comes with a traditional all in one chamber where you can place your media and equipment in the back. They utilize bio balls for their biological media, which I feel is “old school” in this day and age. The pump that comes with the tank is stronger than most I’ve seen included in all in one tanks. It may need to be adjusted down for those with planted tanks.
The main “con” here is the media included. Bio balls are just weird to me these days. I would prefer a media chamber with multiple stages so I can put whatever I want in it like Innovative offers. The affordable price for this aquarium tank makes it definitely worth a consideration!
The Red Sea Reefer is the original ready to run reef tank that started it all. For a long time in the saltwater hobby if you wanted to create a high quality reef setup, you were on your own to pick the glass aquarium, get a custom made stand, and built a sump. Red Sea changed all of that with the release of the Reefer. Since then, many competitors have appeared to challenge their place in the market that they created.
The Reefer series has been unchanged for the most part for many years. It still uses simple to install components and high quality low iron glass with a Bean Animal overflow design. They are used by many hobbyists today, which means getting one approachable because there are many peers to get advice from who are running these aquariums.
Their latest V3 refresh puts their tanks on par with the WaterBox systems. They are using a better sump design that is adjustable and they switch over to colored PvC and a longer warranty. The ATO system, while it comes standard, is ancient with a standard float valve. I’d rather have been nix this and use better quality PVC or design a manifold.
Overall, the Red Sea brand is a high quality one and their success with their tanks cannot be denied. The community is also amazing. Read more about our in-depth Red Sea Reefer Review.
The SCA 66 Gallon Rimless Cube Aquarium is a STARFIRE glass (low iron glass) cube tank that will blow you away. It’s simply amazing. I love the dimensions. The 80 gallon rimless aquarium shown here is 32 x 24 x 24. 24 inches of width and height is great working space to build the aquascape of your dreams. I also love that SC builds quality overflows. They make quality Druso overflows that won’t drive you crazy with their noise. They will also create full packages that come complete with a sump and protein skimmer.
For example this 66 gallon rimless aquarium comes with an aquarium kit of the main essentials to get started. The price is amazing for what you get. It still has the 24 inches of width like the 80 gallon rimless fish tank and only sacrifices 4 inches of height. I know many reefers who swear by SCA and have built incredible display tanks with them. They are the ultimate valued prices reef ready systems in our industry!
I can go on and on about how much I like SC Aquariums, but there is even a nicer aquarium from them that I’m about to review next. What do I not like? It’s the stand if you get the plug and play (PnP) system like the 66 gallon rimless aquarium shown above. It’s a lower quality stand. The next fish tank from SC Aquarium addresses that issue.
Pros
Amazing dimensions
Reef Ready
Great price for a high end aquarium
Cons
If you buy SC’s stands – they are lower quality and not tall
Best For – Reef Tanks
Our Expert Pick
The moment has come to crown the best rimless aquarium. As always I offer multiple “best of” here as there are many of you looking for different types of fish tanks.
Best Rimless Aquarium for Planted Tanks – UNS Aquariums
Best Rimless Aquarium for Nano Reef Tanks – Fluval Evo
What Is It? How Do They Work and How Are they Constructed?
A rimless aquarium is a fish tank that lacks bracing. In a typical aquarium, they are manufactured by siliconing the glass pieces together than supporting the silicon joints with a plastic brace or rimless around the bottom and top of the tank. Fish tanks have been constructed in this fashion for many years. They are produced at mass scale, are cheap, and very durable due to the bracing.
A rimless aquarium is constructed using what we call the direct injection method. Silicon is injected directly into the joint and pieces are squeezed together. The injection method is a very precise method. Doing it correctly makes for a clean look without any silicon sticking out of the edges. There are a lot of DIY videos out there that should this process and you can definitely try this yourself. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a lot of experience in building fish tanks.
Traditional vs Low Iron Glass
Another big selling point with rimless aquariums is that many are constructed with low iron glass. All manufacturers use different names for this. Some call it Starfire glass others call it ultra clear others diamond grade. Whatever they want to call or market it as it is all low iron glass at the end of the day. Low iron glass removes that green tint you will see in traditional glass. The larger the fish tank, the more noticeable of a difference you will see between a low iron glass tank vs a traditional glass tank.
Types
As I stated earlier in the post, there are various types of rimless aquariums you can purchase out there. Let me go over the various types and what they are best for.
Bare Bones
This is just the glass aquarium itself. These types of aquariums are best for planted tank setups. Many planted tank setups and aquascape what a completely clear background to start. Since they are typically using canister filters they have no need for an overflow system. A transparent background is perfect for a planted tank to really showcase light for that mountain or landscape like look that many aquascapers are looking to do.
All In One
An all in one rimless aquarium are designed to be a complete aquarium kit. They come with a chamber at the side or back of the fish tank. The chamber has a media chamber where you can add your desired filter media and will have a return and sometimes an optional 2nd chamber for you to add additional equipment like a protein skimmer or auto top off unit. These types of tanks are great first time reef or saltwater tanks. They can make a great freshwater fish tank, though planted tank setups may need additional modifications to add an AquariumCO2 system and reduce the flow depending on the livestock selection.
Reef Ready
A Reef ready rimless aquarium is a tank with a built in overflow. They typically are drilled at the bottom and will use a durso overflow. High end aquariums of this style will sometimes be built using bean animal overflows. These are aquariums are designed to be used with an aquarium sump. They are best suited for high end reef tanks. These tanks start you off with a great foundation and are easy to install.
Why Do You Need One?
Let’s talk about why you would want a rimless aquarium. Aside from the appealing look there are other great reasons to purchase one:
Many rimless aquariums are made of low iron glass. The larger these tanks are the bigger the difference. This provides a clear unfiltered view to your aquarium displaying it’s true beauty. Only an acrylic tank can match the clarity of a low iron glass aquarium.
You have a clear view of your water line with a rimless aquarium. This gives your fish tank a more natural look.
Many rimless aquariums come in cube form. While not the best for most fish, this can save you a lot of money down the road when it comes to purchasing lights as many LED lights are designed for 2 x 2 foot.
For you saltwater tank owners, you won’t have to deal with that annoying salt creep on the braces of your tank. If you ever owned a euro-braced tank, the difference is night and day on the salt creep you can accumulate.
They are designed for open tops, creating the best gas exchange possible for your aquarium.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to know when owning a rimless aquarium.
Place it on a flat solid surface
A Rimless aquarium cannot be placed on budget build aquarium stands. These are the usual particle board aquarium stands you will see at chain pet stores. Here is a picture to show you what I’m talking about:
If you place your rimless aquarium on a stand like this, the fish tank will have not support at the bottom and will crack under the pressure of your water. Do not make this expensive mistake! Most rimless aquariums will come with a self leveling mat to place on your surface. Make sure you use it. If you need to purchase one, here is a link for a self leveling mat.
Install a Stylish LED Light
A rimless aquarium’s look is compromised by a bulky and ugly looking LED light fixture. There are two ways to tackle this issue. Either purchase a lightweight Reef LED system (for saltwater) or Planted LED system that can mount on the rim of your aquarium or hang your light fixtures. On many high end aquarium installs, light fixtures are hung on the ceiling or a cabinet installed hanger is placed to hang the lights. Do yourself a favor and purchase the right looking LED lights so you do not take away from the sleek look of your aquarium.
Wipe Down The Top
Just use a clean towel or paper towel wipe down the top of your aquarium. Dust likes to collect up here so you will want to keep the area clean to not deter from the view of your creation.
Conclusion
Did you find the best rimless aquarium for you? Have any questions? Please leave a comment below if you do. I love hearing from my readers. I hope you are able to make a better informed decision on your purchase. Thank you for reading and see you next time!
๐ง Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Aquarium Equipment & Gear Guide. your ultimate resource for filters, heaters, lights, pumps, tanks, and more.
A dedicated frag tank changes how you approach coral keeping. suddenly you’re not just maintaining a reef, you’re growing it. I’ve watched reef keepers make the transition and it consistently deepens their involvement in the hobby. A frag tank doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, but there are a few things that matter: stable water, good flow, and enough light intensity to actually grow corals, not just keep them alive.
A frag tank is a start of getting serious in the coral growing and fragging hobby. I remember it being very exciting when I fragged my first coral and really started to get into the coral fragging scene. I would meet up with local reef clubs and get frags for cheap or trade my own frags for some that I never owned. Not to mention it was a great way to build up credit at the local fish store and pay for supplies and salt!
Whatever your reasons are to build a frag tank, you are on your way to really diving into the world of coral farming and the reef enthusiast world. I am excited that you found this blog post. Today I’m going to go over the best frag tanks you can purchase. As a quick disclosure, this post will contain affiliate links where I may get a commission if you happen to make a purchase at no extra cost to you. With that aside, let’s get started!
What is a Frag Tank?
The very first question some ask me is what is a frag tank and why the heck do I want it. A frag tank is a dedicated tank where corals are to be grown. These corals come from your main tank or display tank where they are cut or fragged and are placed into a frag tank where they can heal and grow in an ideal and clean environment.
Types of Tanks
There are actually multiple ways a frag tank is created. I’ll go through a few common examples and their pros and cons.
The Display
This is how most of us get started with coral fragging. We purchase a magnetic coral rack and place our coral frags on them. It’s a nice way to piece frags in our display and it saves money. The problem is that if you have a lot of frags and racks, it can really take away from the beauty of your display tank. Racks can be an eyesore.
The Sump
This is usually done in Aquarium Sumps and sometimes in customer sumps where a fourth chamber is used to create a section to grow out frags. A grow out light made for nano reef tanks is installed to grow the frags. These are great frag tanks that can also save you money if you have the space in your sump.
The biggest downfall with this type of frag tank is that sumps are usually hidden away in your cabinet. The other problem is that the flow is dictated by your overflow and your return. You can try to work around it by installed an aquarium wavemaker, but ultimately there is little room to work with here. This brings us to our next frag tank.
The Integrated
An integrated frag tank is a separate aquarium that is connected to your display either through your plumbing. The tank is placed in a separate area, but shares the water from your display. This is a great way to connect the nutrients and stable parameters of your display tank while running your frag tank away from your main display fish and inverts.
The major problem you have with an integrated frag tank is because the tanks are connected, if you have a coral pest outbreak both tanks will get infested. This keeps you from being able to protect your frags and display tank in the event of an outbreak. This brings us to our last frag tank
The standalone frag tank is a self operating frag tank with it’s own filtration and equipment . The standalone frag tank biggest advantage is it is separate from your display tank. This allows you to keep your display tank from getting infected with coral pests if an outbreak occurs and allows you control the parameters in your frag tank separately.
The disadvantage with a standalone frag tank is they are the most expensive to setup and due to their smaller size, they are a harder to keep stable compared to the other frag tank types. The standalone frag tank is what most advanced reef eventually go to because it gives them so much flexibility and allows them to grow coral frags at scale.
A Quick Comparision
Now that we have identified that the standalone frag tank is the the go to for advanced reefers, lets look at several available on the market today.
My Recommendation for Hardcore Fraggers: Go Low
After years of fragging corals, one piece of advice I give serious reefers is to look into what the hobby calls a Lo-Boy tank โ a low-profile, wide-footprint aquarium specifically built for fragging. The low height (typically 8โ12 inches) gives you direct access to every frag without reaching down into deep water, your lighting sits closer to the corals, and the wide surface area gives you more rack real estate. If you’re just getting into fragging, a standard display or the tanks listed below work great. But if you’re growing out frags seriously, calling up vendors, selling at swaps โ a Lo-Boy purpose-built setup is what I’d recommend. It changes how efficiently you can work.
The Nuvo Fusion 25 Lagoon I would consider the perfect frag tank. This tank from Nuvo has it all. At 12 inches in height it is the perfect size for a frag tank. The shallow height allows you to have high par with less powerful Reef LEDs and you can keep your flow dialed in much easier.
This Nuvo tank is along made of ultra clear class given you amazing clarity to show off your frags. The mighty jet DC pump is one of the best aquarium return pumps you can purchase for an all in one tank. The dual outlets are great to spread out your flow and the aquarium comes with a mesh lid to protect any high flying wrasses you may decide to house to control pests.
The only big downfall I see to this tank is the price. It’s worth the investment though.
When people come to me and ask how to build a frag tank for cheap, my first suggestion is to purchase a standard display tank during a chain pet store dollar per gallon sale. The best frag tank for when these tanks go on special is the 20 gallon long aquarium. This 30″ long tank has great dimensions to get your started. With it only being 12 inches in height, it is shallow enough to get proper PAR with most Reef LEDs. I recommend the Fiji Cube All in One Kit when using these tanks.
This kit will convert your cheap tank into a premium frag tank. This will allow you to place filtration in the back and hide all your equipment getting you clear view of your corals. I feel that all in one tanks work amazingly well for frag tanks and this retrofit kit is perfect. If you can find yourself a 33 gallon long aquarium, you can build out an even better frag tank. A 33 gallon long aquarium is 48 inches long, by 12 inches wide, by 12 inches high. The 20 gallon all-in-one kit will fit this 33 gallon tank giving you more space to work with.
The only downfall with this setup is that the pump that comes with it is not powerful. You will want to supplement flow with a wavemaker. The kit is also considered pricey to some.
Pros
Comes with Filter media box, pump, and return line
Easy to install
Works with cheap standard tanks at chain pet stores
Lifegard’s Crystal Aquarium is an ultra clear glass aquarium with the all in one compartments built in. It holds 24 gallons of water, which is plenty to get you started. It is a solid package with an attractive price point.
The main issue with this tank are the dimensions. At 24″ long x 15″ wide x 16″ inches high it’s on the higher end of height. This does give you space to house different light demand corals so this can be seen as a benefit. The pump is also designed for freshwater tanks, so it is not as powerful as it should be for a frag tank. Because it is a glass tank, it is not portable like an acrylic would be.
Modular Marine is a manufacturer that I have really enjoyed seeing come to its own over the years. They have had an eBay store for many years and have been well known for delivery high quality acrylic and 3d printed products over the years in the state of Texas and beyond. The recently started to make their own frag tanks which I’m excited to talk about.
This particular frag tank is unique to the others on this list in that the overflow is eternal. This means that it needs to be mated to a sump. If you are looking at running middle frag tanks, this can be a great build for you because you can plumb all your frag tanks into a single sump adding to extra stability into your system.
These frag tanks are more expensive than others on the list, but I really like the features they offer.
If you are looking for small frag tanks that you can take with you to a frag swap or event, then LuckReef’s Frag tanks are for you. These frag tanks come in multiple custom sizes with low depths. This makes it easy for you to get the right flow and easily setup for your show. Their prices are attractive for the sizes they sell. They only sell on eBay, but my personal experience with them have been amazing and they readily answer your messages and provide great customer support.
Pros
Good price point
Great dimensions
Acrylic – very portable for frag shows
Cons
Bare bones – no pump or media
Editor’s Pick
There are two clear winners in this list. The Nuvo Fusion Lagoon is an amazing starter frag tank if you have the budget for it. If you are going for a frag tank to take on frag swaps, LuckReefis the way to go.
If you are going the DIY route, the Fiji Cube kit is a great value to go with.
ASD Frag Tank Suitability Scores
Having run frag systems in a reef setting, I score each tank on the three dimensions that determine real-world success for a dedicated frag setup โ not just general reef use:
Dimensions: Frag Access (how easy it is to reach and work corals) | Lighting Efficiency (how well low-profile height delivers PAR to frags) | System Integration (sump/plumbing flexibility)
Nuvo Fusion 25 Lagoon: Frag Access 9/10 | Lighting Efficiency 9/10 | Integration 7/10 | ASD Overall: 8.7/10 ๐ โ The low-profile lagoon shape is purpose-built for frag work. Best light-to-frag distance of any AIO on this list.
Fiji Cube All-In-One Kit: Frag Access 8/10 | Lighting Efficiency 8/10 | Integration 9/10 | ASD Overall: 8.3/10 โ Best sump integration of the AIO options. Solid DIY-friendly design.
Lifegard Crystal Aquarium: Frag Access 7/10 | Lighting Efficiency 7/10 | Integration 8/10 | ASD Overall: 7.3/10 โ Rimless clarity is great for display fragging; less optimized for pure production.
Standard Low-Boy (DIY): Frag Access 10/10 | Lighting Efficiency 10/10 | Integration 8/10 | ASD Overall: 9.3/10 ๐ โ If you’re serious about fragging volume, nothing beats a custom low-boy. 8-12″ depth means every frag gets optimal light and you can reach every rack without a second thought.
ASD note: The single biggest variable most reviews ignore is tank height. For fragging specifically, shallower is almost always better โ it reduces shading between frag racks, improves light penetration consistency, and makes daily maintenance significantly faster.
Conclusion
Frag tanks are a great way to get into coral propagation and trading with friends. At high scale you can make some good money selling corals locally. I hope this blog gets you off on the right foot. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Thanks for reading.
