Fish Supplies

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FAQ

What supplies do I need to start a fish tank?

Getting started: here are the basics you’ll want before adding fish.

  • Aquarium and stand sized for the fish you plan to keep.
  • Filter to keep water clear and support beneficial bacteria.
  • Heater and thermometer for tropical setups; some fish need stable temperatures.
  • Substrate and decor (gravel, plants, hiding spots) for fish comfort.
  • Water conditioner and test kit to treat tap water and monitor parameters.
  • Food, nets, siphon/cleaning tools for daily care and maintenance.

Walmart carries these categories online and in stores, and you can use pickup or delivery depending on your location. Choosing the right tank size first can make stocking and maintenance much easier.

How soon can I add fish to a new tank?

It’s best to let a new tank establish stable biological filtration before adding many fish. New tanks usually need time for beneficial bacteria to grow and process waste.

  1. Cycle the tank: monitor ammonia and nitrite with a test kit until they fall near zero; this can take several weeks.
  2. Add fish slowly: introduce just a few hardy fish at first and wait between additions so the biofilter can adjust.
  3. Use tools wisely: water conditioners and bacterial supplements can help, but results vary; always follow product directions and keep testing water.

Taking a gradual approach helps reduce stress and water quality problems as your aquarium matures.

What water treatments does a new tank need?

When setting up a tank, a few common water treatments can protect fish and help water chemistry stabilize.

  • Dechlorinator/water conditioner: neutralizes chlorine and chloramine in tap water so it’s safe for fish.
  • Bacterial supplements: these can add beneficial bacteria to seed the biological filter faster; effectiveness may vary.
  • pH or hardness adjusters: only use if tests show your water needs correction for the fish you plan to keep.
  • Ammonia detoxifiers: useful in emergencies but not a substitute for biological filtration.

Always test your water before and after treatments and follow label directions. If you’re unsure which treatments you need, testing and consulting product information can help you decide.

How do I clean and maintain my aquarium weekly?

Weekly maintenance keeps water quality steady and fish healthy. Here’s a simple routine many aquarists follow:

  1. Test water for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH to spot issues early.
  2. Partial water change (commonly 10–25%) to remove waste and refresh minerals.
  3. Vacuum the substrate to pull out debris without disturbing beneficial bacteria too much.
  4. Rinse filter media in removed tank water (not tap water) if it’s clogged; replace only a portion at a time.
  5. Clean glass and decor of algae and trim live plants as needed.

Adjust frequency for tank size and stocking level, and keep maintenance tools stored clean and dry between uses.

Can Walmart help with aquarium setup or installation?

Walmart offers multiple ways to shop for aquarium supplies and some options that may help with setup, though services vary by location and seller.

  • Buy online or in store: you can order filters, heaters, tanks, and accessories through the website for pickup or delivery.
  • Marketplace and third-party sellers may offer additional services or accessories; availability differs by area.
  • Local help: for hands-on setup or maintenance, you might find independent aquarium technicians in your community; check local listings or store service information.

If you’re unsure what’s available nearby, contacting your local store or checking the online product pages can point you to purchase and service options in your area.

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About Fish Supplies - Walmart.com

Fish Supplies at Walmart

Shop fish supplies at Walmart for freshwater tanks, tropical fish, bettas, and more. Find fish tanks, aquarium kits, filters, heaters, lights, air pumps, gravel, decorations, water conditioners, test kits, and fish food. Need your fish supplies fast? Get Express Delivery in under 3 hours* or choose same-day pickup from a Walmart near you.

 Shop fish supplies by category:

Aquariums and fish tank kits

Pick a fish tank that fits your space and your fish. Aquarium starter kits are a quick way to get the basics, including the fish tank, fish tank filter, and fish tank light, all in one box. Walmart offers aquariums of all sizes, from 1-gallon and 3-gallon fish tanks to 5-gallon fish tanks to 10-gallon fish tanks, 20-gallon fish tanks, and more. Find aquarium stands at everyday low prices to safely hold aquariums of all sizes.

 Fish tank filters, air pumps, and aquarium water circulation

The best aquarium filters help keep water clear between water changes. Air pumps and airstones add bubbles and water movement for a variety of setups. When setting up your fish tank, you should consider an aquarium filter, whether you choose a sponge fish tank filter, a hang on back (HOB) filter, an internal aquarium filter, or a canister aquarium filter, a fish tank air pump, and air stones. When purchasing a filter for your aquarium, make sure your filter comes with filter media and you have replacement cartridges on hand. Walmart offers subscriptions so you can get all of your fish tank needs without having to re-order every time. When it comes to fish tank air pumps, you may need airline tubing and check valves to protect your air pump by preventing aquarium water from back siphoning during a power outage.

 Aquarium heaters, thermometers and temperature control

Most tropical fish need stable warm water. A fish tank heater and thermometer makes it easier to keep a steady temperature. Walmart offers betta heaters, aquarium thermometers, and fish tank temperature controllers for your convenience and the longevity of your fish. Whether you’re looking for submersible aquarium heaters for a wide array of tank sizes or stick-on aquarium thermometers, or submersible fish tank thermometers, Walmart has everything you need to provide the best aquarium for your fish.

 Fish tank lights and timers

Aquarium lighting helps you see your fish and supports live plants if you have them. Many fish enthusiasts use LED aquarium lights with aquarium light timers for a simple schedule.

 Water care, test kits, and tank cleaning

Water conditioners and aquarium test kits help keep fish safe, especially in new tanks. Cleaning tools make water changes easier and faster. Whether you need an ammonia test kit, a pH test kit, a nitrite test kit, or a nitrate test kit, Walmart has everything you need to keep your fish tank clean and your fish healthy. Need additional tools to clean your fish tank? Walmart has fish tank vacuums, aquarium siphons, algae scrapers, dechlorinator, and more to meet all your aquarium cleaning needs. It’s important to use a fish net to safely transfer your fish during aquarium cleaning. If you are starting a new fish tank, Walmart offers beneficial bacteria starters to help jump-start cycling and can help you add fish sooner when starting a new aquarium. It is essential to test your aquarium’s water before adding fish.

 Once you’ve perfected your aquarium’s water, you can decorate your tank to match your fish’s unique style. Walmart has a variety of fish tank gravel, fish tank sand, aquarium plants, aquarium rocks, and aquarium décor, like driftwood. Fish tank substrate and fish tank decorations give fish places to explore and hide. Live aquarium plants and artificial plants can make a tank feel more natural. Whether you are interested in aquarium caves, fish tank rocks, or driftwood-style décor, Walmart has everything you need to decorate your aquarium, always at everyday low prices.

 Fish food and fish feeding supplies

Choose the best fish food based on the type of fish you keep. You can feed your fish flakes, pellets, or freeze-dried fish food for daily feeding. Whether you need tropical fish food, betta food, goldfish food, algae wafers, shrimp pellets, bloodworms, or brine shrimp, Walmart has everything you need to feed your fish, always at everyday prices and with subscription options so you never forget your fish essentials.

 Why buy fish supplies at Walmart

·      Express Delivery in under 3 hours* for last-minute filter cartridges, water conditioner, and fish food

·      Same-day pickup for quick restocks

·      Everyday low prices on tank essentials

·      Convenient subscription options for repeat buys, such as food, filters, water treatments, and more