Budget Friendly Ideas
Aquariums can be a surprisingly expensive hobby—but they don’t have to be. Whether you're just starting out or trying to expand without breaking the bank, there are plenty of ways to build a beautiful, healthy fish tank on a budget. Here are some of the best budget-friendly tips and tricks for getting the most out of your setup.
1. Buy Secondhand Gear When Possible: Aquarium equipment can often be found at a fraction of the cost when buying used. Many hobbyists sell tanks, filters, and decor when upgrading or downsizing.
Try this: Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, aquarium clubs, and local pet store bulletin boards. Just be sure to inspect for cracks, leaks, or rust before buying—and always clean thoroughly before use.
2. Start with a Freshwater Tank: If you’re new to the hobby and watching your wallet, freshwater setups are usually more affordable to start and maintain. Saltwater requires more equipment, more precise parameters, and often higher-priced livestock.
Tip: You can always “graduate” to saltwater later. Starting freshwater helps you learn the basics first with fewer ongoing costs.
3. Choose Hardy, Low-Cost Fish: Some fish are both inexpensive and easy to care for. Great beginner choices include guppies, mollies, platies, zebra danios, white cloud minnows, and cory catfish. For saltwater, look into clownfish, chromis, or certain gobies.
What to avoid: Don’t buy fish that need specific or high-maintenance care (like large cichlids, puffers, or specialty reef fish) unless you’ve budgeted and planned for them.
4. DIY Decorations and Hiding Spots: You don’t have to spend big on fancy decor. Many fish are happiest with simple DIY caves, tunnels, and plants—and you can make these yourself from clean clay pots, PVC pipes, or aquarium-safe rocks.
Important: Only use materials labeled aquarium-safe or inert. Avoid painted items, metal, or anything that might leach toxins.
5. Grow Live Plants from Cuttings: If you’re going the planted route, buy plant trimmings from other hobbyists instead of full-size specimens. Many aquarium plants can grow quickly from a single stem or root node.
Pro tip: Floating plants like duckweed, hornwort, or frogbit multiply fast and are often given away for free in local aquarium communities.
6. Use Sponge Filters: Sponge filters are one of the cheapest and most effective filtration options, especially for smaller tanks. They provide excellent biological filtration and are great for fish fry or shrimp.
Plus: They’re powered by air pumps, which are also budget-friendly and easy to replace.
7. Stick to Smaller Tanks (But Not Too Small): Smaller tanks mean less water to treat, fewer supplies, and smaller equipment. Just avoid going too small, as tiny tanks are harder to keep stable.
Sweet spot: A 10–20 gallon tank is affordable, easy to manage, and gives you more stocking flexibility than a 5-gallon.
8. Buy Supplies in Bulk: Over time, it’s much cheaper to buy bulk food, water conditioner, and filter media. Small bottles seem cheap but add up quickly.
Good idea: Get a group of hobbyist friends together and split bulk orders to save even more.
9. Skip the Gimmicks: You don’t need fancy gadgets like automatic feeders, color-changing lights, or expensive additives—especially early on.
Focus on essentials: Get a good heater, reliable filter, test kit, water conditioner, and a simple light. Add extras as you grow in the hobby.
10. Join the Community: Local aquarium clubs, online forums, and social media groups are treasure troves for advice, trades, freebies, and budget-friendly ideas. Members often give away fish, plants, and gear to other hobbyists.
Look for: Facebook aquarium groups, Reddit’s r/Aquariums, or forums like Fishlore and The Planted Tank.