Everything You Need to Build a Better Aquarium
Call Moby Dick Pet Store at (248) 673-2520
The right aquarium starts with the right supplies, but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all list that you have to follow. The equipment you need depends on whether you’re building a freshwater or saltwater aquarium, the size of your tank, your desired fish and plants, and even the water coming out of your tap.
At Moby Dick Pet Store, we’ll help you put it all together so you can start your aquarium with equipment that’s right for your setup.
Visit Moby Dick Pet Store for Aquarium Supplies and Expert Advice. Call Today at (248) 673-2520.
Start With Freshwater or Saltwater
The first thing you need to do is decide whether you want a freshwater or saltwater aquarium. From there, we can help you select tank size, filtration, substrate, lighting and maintenance.
Saltwater aquariums generally require larger tanks (we typically recommend starting with at least 16 gallons), while freshwater setups offer more flexibility. Tell us what kind of aquarium you want, and we’ll help you choose a tank that fits your fish, goals, and experience level.
Choose the Right Aquarium Size
Beyond how much room you have, tank size will depend heavily on the species and number of fish you want, as well as whether you plan to add live plants or coral and your filtration requirements.
Not sure what you want? Come see our display aquariums in person. You can compare different sizes, colors, layouts and decorations, and get ideas for your own setup. We also offer custom aquarium stands.
Decide What You Want in Your Tank
Knowing what you want in the tank will determine the equipment you’ll need. Depending on your setup, that may include a heater, substrate and specialized lighting. A planted freshwater aquarium has different requirements than a saltwater reef tank, for example, and reef lighting alone can contribute greatly to the investment.
We’ll help you match your equipment to the fish, plants or coral you actually plan to keep rather than suggest supplies you don’t really need.
Select Your Filtration
Filtration can be as simple as a sponge filter or as sophisticated as a plumbed-in sump system. The best option depends on your tank size, livestock and overall setup. We’ll explain your options and help you choose an appropriate filtration system.
Add Substrate and Natural Décor
We can help you choose substrates appropriate for freshwater or saltwater environments, along with natural décor.
For freshwater aquariums, that can include live plants, real wood and natural rock. In saltwater aquariums, rock typically becomes the primary décor. Dry rock provides a clean foundation that develops beneficial organisms over time, while live rock already contains established marine life and beneficial bacteria that can contribute to the aquarium’s biological ecosystem.
Don’t Forget About the Water
Water quality is one of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of setting up an aquarium. What you need depends on both your aquarium and your home’s water source.
Some municipal water may only require basic conditioning. Well or softened water can be more challenging, and in some cases we recommend bypassing the softener or purchasing aquarium-ready water instead.
We Sell Fish Tank Water!
Moby Dick Pet Store offers RODI (reverse osmosis and deionization) water and premixed freshwater, along with premixed saltwater using Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals. Instant Ocean is a good option for many marine aquariums, while Reef Crystals is formulated with reef systems and their additional mineral needs in mind.
Our premixed water is ready to use, so you don’t have to measure salt, mix, circulate and bring the water up to temperature yourself.
Set Up Your Aquarium Before Bringing Home the Fish
We don’t recommend taking home a brand-new aquarium and fish in a bag at the same time.
Set up your tank first, fill it, allow the water to reach the appropriate temperature and condition it if needed. Then come back and we’ll help you with the next steps, including choosing your fish and food. You can also learn more in our guide to setting up and cycling a new aquarium.
Trusted Aquarium Brands We Carry
Quality equipment is vital for a healthy aquarium. We carry products from established aquarium and pet-care manufacturers, along with specialty brands for freshwater and saltwater enthusiasts. Explore all the brands available at Moby Dick Pet Store.
- Aqueon
- Seachem
- The Crafting Crane
- Fluval
- Tetra
- API
- Instant Ocean
- Hikari
- Ocean Nutrition
- San Francisco Bay Brand
- Zoo Med
- Exo Terra
- Algae Barn
- Salifert
Why Buy Aquarium Supplies From Moby Dick?
You can order aquarium equipment from a big-box retailer or add it to an online shopping cart, but a website can’t look at what you’re planning and tell you whether all the products you’ve selected will work together.
At Moby Dick Pet Store, our staff members know aquariums. This is what we do all day long and we’re passionate about the animals we sell. Tell us what you want to create, ask questions and let us guide you through the process. From the tank and filtration to lighting and décor, we’ll connect you with the supplies that are appropriate for your particular aquarium.
Ready to Build Your Aquarium?
Visit Moby Dick Pet Store and we’ll help you get everything you need. Just call us at (248) 673-2520 or drop by our store located at 3700 Sashabaw Road in Waterford Township MI.
