Aquarium Equipment Reviews & Buying Guides

Browse Aquarium Friend equipment reviews and buying guides for filters, heaters, lights, stands, and other fish tank essentials. Start here if you are comparing core gear for a beginner setup or upgrading an established aquarium.

Best Canister Filter for Large Fish (2026 Guide)

Best Canister Filter for Large Fish (2026 Guide) Large fish produce significant waste. Standard hang-on-back filters cannot process the volume effectively. This guide explains how to select, size, and maintain a canister filter for tanks housing Oscar fish, cichlids, catfish, and other big species. If you are choosing hardware for a large fish setup, do […]

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30 Gallon Fish Tank

Complete 30 Gallon Fish Tank Guide: Cost, Setup, Dimensions, Decoration and Maintenance

Acquiring a fish tank, whether it be a 30 gallon tank or any size, requires careful consideration. Fortunately, here is a comprehensive guide to help you make your decision. Before you finalize a mid-size build, compare our best aquarium stand picks to make sure the footprint and storage both work. Chances are once you’ve placed

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fish in blackwater aquarium

Blackwater Aquarium Guide: Blackwater Biotope in 2022

Blackwater aquariums are becoming more and more popular. They’re enchanting and beautiful if done right. However, the dark water and leaf litter can be challenging, especially for beginners. In this blackwater aquarium guide, we take the guesswork out of setting up a blackwater biotope and get straight to what you need! We’ll cover everything from

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best aquarium backgrounds - coral reef

Best Aquarium Backgrounds in 2022: Buyer’s Guide

Having a fish tank in your home provides tranquility and beauty to your living space. A well-decorated tank can add to the appeal of any room, but aquarists sometimes lack the time or know-how to make a tank look spectacular. Thankfully, aquarium backgrounds are easy to install and instantly make your tank look appealing and

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Red cherry shrimp in shrimp tank

How to Set-up A Shrimp Tank: The Complete Guide

If you have decided to start a shrimp tank, that’s fantastic news! You do not have to be a shrimp expert to maintain a tank. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up your shrimp tank, including selecting the proper substrate, heating, water quality, shrimp species, filtration, and other helpful tips. As

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dirty aquarium that needs an algae scraper

Best Algae Scrapers and Glass Cleaners: Buyer’s Guide

Are you looking for the best algae scrapers and glass cleaners for your aquarium? Or perhaps looking for an upgrade from the current one you have? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll show you what to look for when shopping for these products and recommend some of our

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fish tanks for kids survey

Fish Tanks for Kids Survey 2023: Trends and Tips

We conducted a survey called “Fish Tanks for Kids” which involved 547 parents who bought an aquarium for their child. The purpose was to gain insight on their demographics, time and financial investments, preferred fish types and decorations, and the main advantages and disadvantages of their choice. Purchasing a pet, such as a dog, cat,

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Finding the best goldfish tank for your fish

Best Goldfish Tank Options (Buyer’s Guide)

Goldfish are elegant creatures, however, caring for them can be challenging. Therefore, selecting the appropriate goldfish tank is crucial, as it can greatly affect your experience as a goldfish pet owner. Goldfish tanks get heavy fast, so review our sturdy fish tank stands before you choose the furniture for a larger setup. It’s can be

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Using the best LED aquarium lighting for plants

Best LED Aquarium Lighting for Plants (Buyer’s Guide)

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The right LED for a planted tank depends on what you’re growing, not just how big the tank is. Low-light plants like java fern and anubias survive under almost any LED. Carpeting plants and stem plants with high colour demand need

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best air stone for aquarium

Best Air Stone for Aquarium Options (Buyer’s Guide)

An air stone is a valuable addition to your aquarium, providing various benefits such as improved oxygen levels and water circulation. These advantages not only promote the health of your fish and plants, but also add liveliness to your tank with the presence of air bubbles. Choosing the right air stone for your aquarium is

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Best nano aquarium tank with neon tetras

Best Nano Aquarium (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

Nano aquariums are gaining popularity due to their compact size, cost-effectiveness, and ability to enhance the aesthetic appeal of one’s home. It is crucial to find the ideal nano tank for your needs in order to achieve success. If you are comparing compact display tanks, also review our best betta tank setups to find nano

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Seiryu stone in nature aquascape

Seiryu Stone in your Aquarium: The Ultimate Guide for 2022

When it comes to your aquarium, one of the most important things you can do is provide your aquatic pets with an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Seiryu stone creates a beautiful, natural-looking environment for your fish. It is no surprise they’re one of the most popular aquarium hardscape items! In this guide, we

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Clean planted tank because of best aquarium UV sterilizer

Best Aquarium UV Sterilizer Options (Buyer’s Guide)

Aquarium enthusiasts are well aware that regular filtration and maintenance are vital for removing harmful chemicals from their tanks. Unfortunately, even the most effective filters and frequent water changes cannot eradicate harmful bacteria or parasites that may harm the fish, causing illness, stress, or death. To address this issue, finding the right aquarium UV sterilizer

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Angelfish swimming in self-cleaning fish tank

Best Self-Cleaning Fish Tank (Buyer’s Guide)

Having an aquarium can be a rewarding experience, but some fish enthusiasts may question their commitment to the hobby when faced with the task of cleaning their tank. While regular cleaning and water changes are crucial for ensuring clean and healthy water, the process can be messy and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are self-cleaning fish tank

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aquascaped tank using the best aquascaping tools

Best Aquascaping Tools (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

Aquascaping tools are not just reserved for expert aquascapers, as even novice aquarium enthusiasts can greatly benefit from using them. These tools are essential in creating the perfect aquarium layout as seen in beautifully designed aquascaped tanks. If you want to transform your aquarium into a stunning ecosystem that enhances the ambiance of any room,

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best aquarium stand at night

Best Aquarium Stand (Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The best aquarium stand matches the filled weight of your tank, provides enough cabinet space for your equipment, and fits the exact footprint of your aquarium without overhang or flex. For most buyers, load capacity and enclosed storage matter more than

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Using the best aquarium air pump for goldfish tank

Best Aquarium Air Pump Options (Buyer’s Guide)

Rephrased: It is a common goal among aquarium enthusiasts to create optimal living conditions for their fish, though maintaining proper oxygen and CO2 levels can be difficult. Additionally, various accessories and decorations used to foster a healthy environment may require a secondary air supply. Choosing the most suitable air pump for your aquarium can pose

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Aquarium using best hob filter

Best HOB Filter: Hang on Back Filter Options

It is crucial to maintain clean water in your aquarium for the well-being and health of your tank inhabitants. However, managing water quality can be a difficult task. Without adequate filtration, the water in your tank can become contaminated with harmful chemicals. To ensure your fish tank water remains clean and pure, we recommend using

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aquarium power strip with five plugs

Best Aquarium Power Strip Options: Buyer’s Guide

Aquariums necessitate a variety of equipment such as lights, filters, air pumps, heaters, and other items. What do these tools have in common? Apart from maintaining the well-being of your aquarium, they all require an electrical power source. It is highly improbable to have six additional electrical outlets located behind your fish tank, thus an

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Using the best aquarium test kit for your tank

Best Aquarium Test Kit (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

Having an aquarium can be a fulfilling experience, however, ensuring your tank has good water quality and chemical balance can be a daunting and stressful task. Neglecting proper maintenance can result in sick or deceased fish. To prevent this, it is essential to choose the right aquarium test kit to accurately measure the water parameters.

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Aquarium thermometer is an important part of an aquarium temperature controller

5 Best Aquarium Temperature Controller Options

Maintaining the appropriate water temperature in your aquarium can be a difficult task, especially since many fish require a specific and often warmer temperature than room temperature. Additionally, even slight changes in temperature caused by heaters can result in stress for the fish, making them more susceptible to illnesses, infections, and mortality. By utilizing an

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Planted tank using the best aquarium plant fertilizer

Best Aquarium Plant Fertilizer (Buyer’s Guide)

If you have ever attempted to cultivate underwater plants, you are aware of the difficulties in maintaining their health and achieving a vibrant look. However, using high-quality aquarium plant fertilizer can make all the difference in creating a stunning planted tank. Similar to how plants need food, fertilizers provide essential nutrients for aquatic plants to

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best aquarium options - submersible aquarium option

Best Aquarium Thermometer Options (Guide & Reviews)

To ensure the wellbeing of your aquarium inhabitants, it is important to have a thermometer. The temperature of the water plays a crucial role in their survival. Thus, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the options available for the best aquarium thermometer. Our top recommended choice is the Cooper Atkins DFP450W Digital Thermometer, which

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Indian Almond Leaves

Indian Almond Leaves: Keep Your Fish Happy and Healthy Naturally (Guide and Reviews)

Maintaining optimal water quality in tanks is a daunting task faced by both novice and seasoned aquarists. Meeting the specific pH requirements, water hardness, and balanced compound levels needed for fish to thrive can be a challenging feat. To aid in regulating these factors, Indian Almond Leaves are a valuable resource. Various chemicals can be

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Fish in need of ich treatment

How to Treat Ich: Best Ich Treatment Options

Ichthyophthirius multifilis, also known as “Ich” or white spot disease, is a widely spread parasite in aquariums. It infiltrates the fish and nourishes itself with dead skin cells. Though humans may only experience minor skin irritations, it can lead to sickness, distress, discomfort, and even death in fresh water fish. What’s even more alarming is

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automatic fish feeder filled with flake food

6 Best Automatic Fish Feeder Options (Reviews)

Aquarists typically aim for uniformity in their tanks when it comes to maintaining water quality, lighting, and feeding routines. However, adhering to a set schedule for feeding can be difficult depending on personal schedules and any unforeseen circumstances such as vacations or late work hours. This can leave the fish in the aquarium very hungry.

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Goldfish in blue painted aquarium, with aquarium safe paint

Best Goldfish Food Options to Keep Your Goldfish Healthy (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

No one enjoys having a cloudy aquarium, and it can be even worse when fish are not thriving due to their diet. This is where the top goldfish food plays a critical role. These types of food are specifically designed for easy digestion and absorption by fish, resulting in less waste and a cleaner aquarium

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Aquarium bio balls

Best Bio Balls and Biological Filter Media (Reviews and Guide)

Aquarium maintenance can often be a challenging task, particularly when it comes to ensuring its cleanliness and safety. However, using bio balls and biological filter media can greatly assist aquarium owners in their efforts to maintain the well-being of their fish. In addition to regularly removing waste and debris from the tank, it is crucial

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Beautiful planted and painted aquarium using aquarium safe paint

3 Best Aquarium Safe Paint Options

If you wish to add a unique touch to your aquarium setup, consider incorporating a painted background or hand-painted decorations. However, it is important to use aquarium-safe paint. Our top recommended option is the Krylon K02333007 Fusion Spray Paint, which can be found on Amazon However, not all paint will hold up underwater. More importantly,

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canister filter keeps aquarium clean

7 Best Canister Filter Options (Guide & Reviews)

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Canister filters handle what HOB filters can’t. Larger media chambers, higher flow rates, and quieter operation make them the right choice for tanks over 40 gallons, heavily stocked setups, and any aquarium where visible equipment inside the tank is a problem.

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