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Quick Scape 015 - Glass Aqua
  • Quick Scape 015 - Glass Aqua
  • Build Your Own Beginner Aquarium Kit - Glass Aqua
  • Quick Scape 108 | Custom Aquascape Layout for Planted Aquarium Tank
  • Quick Scape 095 | Custom Aquascape Layout for Planted Aquarium Tank
  • Quick Scape 091 - Glass Aqua
  • Quick Scape 015 - Glass Aqua
  • Build Your Own Beginner Aquarium Kit - Glass Aqua
  • Quick Scape 108 | Custom Aquascape Layout for Planted Aquarium Tank
  • Quick Scape 095 | Custom Aquascape Layout for Planted Aquarium Tank
  • Quick Scape 091 - Glass Aqua
Build Your Own Beginner Aquarium Kit

Build Your Own Beginner Aquarium Kit

Starting your first aquarium should feel simple, not overwhelming. Our Build Your Own Beginner Aquarium Kit is designed to guide you through the process step by step, helping you create a balanced setup from the start.

Instead of guessing which components work together, each section below features curated options that are compatible and beginner-friendly. Start with your aquarium, then build your setup with substrate, filtration, lighting, and hardscape to match your vision.

A minimum setup includes: Aquarium + substrate + filtration + lighting + hardscape

These core components are what you need to start a healthy planted aquarium. Everything else can be added as you go.

Looking for beginner plants? Build your own easy aquatic plant pack to use with your new aquarium!

Model Dimensions (IN)
W x D x H		 Volume (GAL)
30C 11.81 x 11.81 x 11.81 7.1
45U 17.71 x 11.02 x 11.02 9.3

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1.

Aquarium

required Step 1 Aquarium. This step is required
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Choose an aquarium that fits your space and sets the foundation for your setup, as tank size will determine the rest of your equipment. For beginners, popular options like the UNS 30C Cube (7.1 gallons) or UNS 45U Standard (9.3 gallons) provide a great balance of size and ease of maintenance.
UNS Rimless Cube Glass Aquarium Tank - Glass Aqua UNS Rimless Cube Glass Aquarium Tank 30C $100.00 $87.99
UNS Rimless Standard Glass Aquarium Tank - Glass Aqua UNS Rimless Standard Glass Aquarium Tank 45U $129.00 $104.99
Ultum Nature Systems UNS Limited Edition Blue Background Rimless Aquarium Tank UNS Limited Edition Rimless Aquarium Tank - Sold out 45U
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$129.99

2.

Substrate

required Step 2 Substrate. This step is required
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Choose substrate to support plant growth and shape the look of your aquarium. If you plan to grow live plants, a quality aquasoil like UNS Controsoil provides a stable foundation and allows you to control nutrient levels over time. Sand, gravel, and pebbles such as UNS Controsand are typically used for visual contrast and layout design rather than plant growth.
Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil - Glass Aqua Ultum Nature Systems Controsoil $29.99
Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Bora | Planted Tank Substrate Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Bora - Sold out
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Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Kona | Planted Tank Substrate Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Kona $29.99
Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Maui | Planted Tank Substrate Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Maui $29.99
Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Mojave | Planted Tank Substrate Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Mojave $29.99
Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Monterey | Planted Tank Substrate Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Monterey $29.99
Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Morocco - Glass Aqua Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Morocco $29.99
Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Pacifica - Glass Aqua Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Pacifica - Sold out
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Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Santa Fe | Planted Tank Substrate Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Santa Fe $29.99
Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Sequoia | Planted Tank Substrate Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Sequoia $32.99
Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Tahoe | Planted Tank Substrate Ultum Nature Systems Controsand - Tahoe $29.99

3.

Filtration

required Step 3 Filtration. This step is required
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Filtration keeps your water clean and stable by removing debris and supporting beneficial bacteria. The Mighty Hang-On-Back filter is a reliable, beginner-friendly option that works for both tank sizes in this setup. For best results, be sure to grab an extra pack of spare filter cartridges to maintain consistent performance.
Mighty Aquarium Filter - HOB Filter - Glass Aqua Mighty Aquarium Filter - HOB, Hang on Back Nano Aquarium Filter Mighty Aquarium Filter - HOB Filter $20.99
Mighty Aquarium Filter - HOB Filter Replacement Media - Glass Aqua Mighty Aquarium Filter - HOB Filter Replacement Media - Glass Aqua Mighty Aquarium Filter - HOB Filter Media $9.99

4.

Lighting

required Step 4 Lighting. This step is required
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Proper lighting allows you to enjoy your aquarium while supporting plant growth. Choose a light that matches your tank size. A simple way to get started is to match the model size to your tank—for example, the UNS 30C pairs well with 30-series lights, while the UNS 45U pairs with 45-series models.
Chihiros LED Light - AII Series - Glass Aqua Chihiros A II Series LED Aquarium Light AII 301 $97.99
Chihiros LED Light - AII Series - Glass Aqua Chihiros A II Series LED Aquarium Light - Sold out AII 451
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$115.99
Chihiros Nano LED Light - Universal RGB - Glass Aqua Chihiros Nano LED Light - Universal RGB NANO 30 $111.99
Chihiros LED Light - B Series - Glass Aqua Chihiros B Series LED Aquarium Light - Sold out B30
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$61.99
Chihiros LED Light - B Series - Glass Aqua Chihiros B Series LED Aquarium Light - Sold out B45
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$69.99

5.

Hardscape

optional Step 5 Hardscape. This step is optional
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Hardscape like stone and driftwood adds structure and focal points to your aquarium. For these tank sizes, a good starting point is around 10LB of stone or a few pieces of driftwood, depending on your layout. Remember to consider space for plants and layout!
Spider Wood on Slate Stone - Glass Aqua Spider Wood on Slate Stone $9.99
Flat Bottom Dragon Ohko Stone Planted Aquarium Tank Hardscape Flat Bottom Dragon Ohko Stone - Sold out
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Black Lava Rock Popular Aquascaping Hardscape Rock for Planted Tank Black Lava Rock - Sold out
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Black Lava Rock Cave Aquascaping Unzan Stone Black Lava Rock Cave - Sold out
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Black Star Lava Rock - Glass Aqua Black Star Lava Rock - Sold out
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Shop Planted Aquarium Dragon Wood Hardscape - Glass Aqua Dragon Wood $17.99
Shop Malaysian Driftwood Hardscape - Glass Aqua Malaysian Driftwood - Sold out
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Seiryu Stone - Glass Aqua Seiryu Stone $33.99
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Shipping, Returns and Refunds

Shipping
Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days M-F. However, additional time may be required during peak seasons and federal holidays. For orders containing live plants, we exercise extra caution and assess factors such as travel distance and weather to ensure safe transit.

To avoid delays, please ensure all order information is accurate and complete. We cannot offer refunds and are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses due to errors in provided information. Once an order has been shipped, delivery times are determined by the carrier and are outside of our control. On average, shipments arrive within 2–5 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Returns
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Approved returns must be shipped back within 14 days of approval. Returned items must be unused, unopened, and in their original packaging. Specific return requirements, if applicable, will be listed on the product’s page. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Refunds
No worries, we’ll take care of everything as long as it fits the guidelines above.Most answers to general questions can be found on our FAQ page.