Mugwump's Fish World

Not all these are required, but should be considered.

Air pump
Many mechanical filters need an air pump to work. If you use other types of filtration and only want to keep the oxygen levels up, an air stone may be enough.

Air stone
An air stone will help you keep the oxygen levels up. If you have a filter with an air pump, an air stone is normally not necessary.

Algae scraper
The algae scraper will help you remove algae from the aquarium glass.

Aquarium
Despite popular belief, a big aquarium is easier to care for than a small one. Beginner aquarists should therefore ideally stay away from tiny aquariums.

Aquarium stand
A filled aquarium is really heavy and your normal furniture may not be able to cope with the weight.

Background
A nice aquarium background will hide unsightly cable cords and make the aquarium look better.

Buckets
You will need one bucket to catch the dirty water in during water changes and another one in which you prepare the replacement water.

Dechlorinator (water treatment)
A dechlorinator capable of removing chloramines is necessary if you use chlorinated tap water and do not wish to spend a lot of time letting replacement water rest before you can use it.

Food
If you start out with easy and durable beginner species, a high-quality flake food for omnivores will work well. You can then deepen you knowledge by reading the food articles here at AC Tropical Fish.
Heater, thermostat and thermometer
A heater will help you keep the water temperature up. Even if your heater comes with a thermostat, you should always get an independent thermometer and place it in the opposite corner of the aquarium.

Filter / filters
Three types of filtration can take place in the aquarium: mechanical, biological and chemical. A strongly suggest you read one of the beginner articles about filtration here at AC Tropical Fish before you set up the aquarium since this will prevent you from buying expensive filter systems that you may not really need. Learning more about cycling and of how biological filtration works will also prevent the dreaded New Aquarium Sudden Fish Death.

Lid
If you are a beginner aquarist, a lid where the lights are included is the easiest solution.

Siphon
Using a siphon is one of the easiest ways of carrying out water changes. A siphon can also be attached to a head and used for vacuuming the substrate.

Substrate
The substrate will soon be colonized by beneficial bacteria that help you keep the water quality up. It will also make it possible for you to plant plants and many fish species appreciates aquariums with substrate since it makes them feel more at home.

Test kit
A basic test kit will allow you to monitor the levels of ammonia/ammonium, nitrite and nitrate in your aquarium. You can also use your test kit to check the pH-value and water hardness, but these factors are not as important if you go for sturdy and adaptable fish species.

Timer
Fish appreciates a steady rhythm of day and light and connecting your lights to a time is therefore recommended. 

You forgot coffee and cookies in case Jon shows up....    ;)

Don't forget he has to have his recliner and lights on in the fish room

better yet....    Jan in the back ground, "turn that music down". Jon "what's that". As her turn the stereo up a notch or two.....   sorry Jon I have seen this is action...

LOL..all right you two..... :o...'jams' are an integral part of fish keeping....fish 'rock' too ,ya know....sheesh