Aquarium Checklist
__ aquarium
__ stand
__ hood/lid
__ light
__ filtration system
__ heater (wattage:__________)
__ thermometer
__ substrate
__ fish net
__ water conditioner
__ test kit - ammonia
__ test kit - nitrite
__ test kit - pH
__ siphon
__ algae scrubber
__ water bucket - 5 gallon
__ reference book(s)
__ gift certificate for fish, decorations, & food

Recommendations
Aquarium - Larger is better, however keep in mind the space the recipient has available. A 55-gallon tank probably is not practical for a dormitory room. However most people can find a place for a 20-gallon tank, so that is usually a safe bet. Avoid tall thin tanks and stick with those that are shorter and longer, as they provide more swimming space and surface area for air exchange. Glass aquariums are my preference, however acrylic tanks do weigh less. Keep in mind that acrylic scratches far more easily than glass and requires complete support along the entire bottom surface (not just the edges as glass aquariums do)

Stand - Aquariums are heavy. Figure 10 pounds per gallon of tank and plan accordingly. If the recipient does not have anything to support that much weight, they'll need an aquarium stand. If you are handy with a hammer and saw, you can make your own stand for a fraction of the store price.

Hood/Lid - As a rule covers are sold combined with a light, which is collectively referred to as the "hood". However they are actually two parts - the aquarium lid, and the light. The lid covers the tank and serves to prevent fish from jumping out of the tank, reduce evaporation, and protect the light from getting wet. Hoods may be made of plastic or glass. Plastic lids cost less, weigh less, and are not as easy to break. Glass lids are easier to clean, provide a tighter cover, and allow more outside light to enter the tank. I recommend getting a glass lid if you have a choice.

Light - Although the light is often packaged with the lid, you may have the option to purchase the light separately. Light options include, incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, mercury vapor, and metal halide. The best option for a beginner is the fluorescent light, as it costs less to run and is much cooler. Be sure to ask if the bulb is included with the light fixture, and if it isn't be sure to purchase one.

Filtration system - This is one of the critical pieces of equipment. Although there are many styles available, I strongly recommend a biowheel type. It has been proven they are unequaled in filtration capability. The size of the filter must match the size of the tank. A rule of thumb is to choose a filter with a flow rate that filters through all the water in your tank at least four times each hour. So a 20-gallon tank should have a filter with a flow rate of at least 80 gallons per hour. When it's borderline, always move to a higher flow rate.

Heater - Most fish require a temperature of about 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Unless your house remains at that temp all the time, you'll need a heater. Aquarium heaters come as hang-on-the-tank or submersible models, and may have a numerical setting or simply an up and down setting. Go for the submersible with a numerical setting. It will cost more, but is worth it. As for size, a rule of thumb for wattage is to use 5 watts per gallon for smaller tanks and 3 watts per gallon for larger tanks. However the room temperature does affect the wattage needed.

Thermometer - The liquid crystal stick-on thermometers are inexpensive, easy to read, and generally accurate enough for general use.

Substrate - Generally a small, smooth, dark colored gravel is preferable. A rule of thumb is to get one pound of gravel for each gallon of water.

Net - Choose a medium sized, good quality net. If you can afford it, buy two … it's far easier to catch fish using two nets. Water Conditioner - Unless the water is aged it must be dechlorinated before fish can be safely added. Choose a product that will take care of chlorine, ammonia, and heavy metals.

Test Kits - Testing water in a newly set up tank is critical. Be sure to get Ammonia, Nitrite, and pH kits if the gift will be for a new fish keeper. Established fish keepers should already have kits. Siphon - A siphon tool is necessary to vacuum the gravel and to do water changes. There are simple types that use gravity to siphon, and more sophisticated models that use water pressure from the tap to siphon. If you can afford it, purchase the tap run models, as they are much easier to use.

Algae scrubber - It's a fact of life that algae will grow in an aquarium eventually. A medium sized algae pad is an important maintenance item for your gift package.

Water Bucket - Doesn't everyone have one? Yes, but if it has had soap or other chemicals in it, the residue could be lethal to fish. Provide a brand new one and label it for "Fish ONLY".

Reference books - Pick up a good all-purpose reference book to complete the package for newcomers. 101 Essential Tips: Aquarium Fish is a good one, as are several others. For experiences fish keepers a fish atlas would be welcomed.

Gift Certificate - Last but not least, include a gift certificate so your friend can get the fish, food, and decorations of their choice.