1Fluval Spec V aquarium kit
The Fluval Spec is the nano tank aquarium fans love for a desk or shelf. The 19-litre glass tank hides a three-stage filter in a back chamber, and the bright LED light grows live plants. The aluminium trim makes it look sleek, and it's a great home for shrimp, a betta or a small planted scape.
Pros
- Sleek, compact tank.
- Hidden three-stage filter.
- Bright LED for live plants.
Cons
- Too small for most community fish.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Fluval product page ↗
2API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Clear water isn't always healthy water, and fish keepers test regularly to catch problems early. API's Master Test Kit checks pH, high-range pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate with test tubes and a colour chart. It's the kit most fish keepers trust.
Pros
- Tests the five key levels.
- Catches problems early.
- Hobby favourite.
Cons
- Liquid tests take a few minutes to read.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
API product page ↗
3Fluval aquascaping curved scissors
Trimming plants is a regular job in a planted tank, and kitchen scissors don't reach. Fluval's curved scissors are 25cm long, so they reach the back of the tank, and the curved blades follow the substrate to tidy carpeting plants and small foreground stems. They're made from carbonised stainless steel.
Pros
- Long enough to reach the back of the tank.
- Curved blades suit foreground plants.
Cons
- Most useful for planted tanks.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Fluval product details on Amazon UK ↗
4Flipper Float magnetic algae cleaner
Algae on the glass spoils the view, and nobody likes reaching in to scrub it. The Flipper is a magnet cleaner that scrubs from outside the tank, then flips to a blade for stubborn spots. If it drops off, it floats to the top.
Pros
- Clean the glass without getting wet.
- Scrubber and scraper in one.
- Floats if it drops.
Cons
- Check the glass thickness before buying.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Flipper product page ↗
5Fluval EasyVac gravel cleaner
Water changes are the chore every fish keeper faces. Fluval's EasyVac starts the siphon with a gentle shake, so there's no sucking on a tube, and the gravel guard stops stones getting pulled up. A clip on the bucket controls the flow. In the UK it's still sold under its earlier Marina Easy Clean name.
Pros
- Starts with a shake.
- Gravel guard prevents clogs.
- Flow control on the bucket clip.
Cons
- Pick the length to suit the tank depth.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Fluval product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves aquariums
Fish keepers are careful about what goes in their tank, so useful kit beats decorations. The best gifts for fish keepers make cleaning, testing and planting easier. A test kit suits every freshwater keeper. A nano tank makes a lovely gift for someone starting out.
How we picked these gifts for fish keepers
We picked each product for what fish keepers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
