Plan my tank
Free freshwater tank planner

Plan your tank. Get the exact shopping list.

Pick a tank size and the fish you want. We check that they fit and get along, then size the heater, filter and supplies for that tank.

1

Tank size

2

Fish you want

Tap + to add. We'll warn you if something doesn't fit.

Your blueprint

10-gallon tank

6 neon tetras
Stocking level72% · Good
  • These fit a 10-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 75°F.

Equipment, sized for this tank

Tank: 10 gallons
Standard size: 20 × 10 × 12 inches, about 111 lbs when full.
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Heater: 50 watts
Holds 10 gallons at 75°F in a 68°F room.
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Hang-on-back filter: 50+ gallons per hour
Turns the tank over about 5 times an hour.
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Gravel or sand: 18 lbs
Enough for a 1.5-inch layer in this tank.
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LED light and lid: 20 inches long
A lid cuts evaporation and stops fish and snails getting out.
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Starter supplies

Water conditioner
Removes chlorine from tap water. Roughly 1 mL per full fill; follow your bottle's label.
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Liquid water test kit
For cycling the tank before fish go in, and for checking water after.
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Thermometer
A heater's dial is only a rough guide.
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Gravel vacuum
For weekly water changes of about 3 gallons (25%).
See on Amazon
Micro pellets for small fish
For your neon tetras.
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Paid links. As an Amazon Associate, TankStarter earns from qualifying purchases. Sizes are estimates from published care guidelines, not hands-on testing.

Your blueprint
10 gal · 72% good
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Start from a tank size

A full setup list and stocking ideas for the most common tanks.

5 gallonBetta and shrimp tanks10 gallonThe classic first tank20 gallonRoom for a real community29 gallonSchools and centerpiece fish40 gallonThe roomy all-rounder55 gallonA four-foot showpiece75 gallonSpace for big groupsCompare sizesDimensions and weights

Fish guides

Tank size, temperature, group size and tank mates for each fish.

Betta5+ gallons
Neon tetra10+ gallons
Guppy10+ gallons
Platy10+ gallons
Zebra danio10+ gallons
Corydoras catfish20+ gallons
Fancy goldfish20+ gallons
Cherry shrimp5+ gallons
All 32 fishBrowse every guide

Common questions

How do I know how many fish my tank can hold?

Add your fish in the builder and watch the stocking level. It weighs each fish by its adult size and how much waste it makes, and gives small tanks less capacity per gallon because their water changes faster. Aim to stay at or under 90%.

What do I need to buy to set up a fish tank?

A tank, a filter, a heater for tropical fish, substrate, a light and lid, water conditioner, a test kit, a thermometer, a gravel vacuum and food. The builder sizes each of these for your tank and fish.

Can I add fish the day I set up the tank?

No. A new tank needs to cycle first, which means growing the bacteria that break down fish waste. This usually takes a few weeks. Use a liquid test kit to confirm ammonia and nitrite read zero before adding fish.