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17 Gift Ideas for Fish Tank Lovers

If you’ve ever racked your brains for gift ideas for fish tank lovers then you’ve come to the right place. In fact, you are in quite a favorable position. Whether your special person has a large reef tank or just a small freshwater aquarium that they dote on, it’s not hard to find some cool accessories to get them excited.

The world of fish and aquariums is a real treasure trove of cool equipment, clever accessories and colorful trinkets. You just need to spend some time in choosing a suitable gift that will truly elevate their fish-keeping life.

All the featured products on this page will do just that. Make sure to spend one that is suitable for their specific aquarium and will possibly make their life a bit easier.

Believe me, all fish owners love getting new stuff that can help to improve the health, well-being or general lifestyle of their beloved fish. If you purchase one of these, you can be sure that the gift recipient will be very grateful indeed.

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Algae Scrapper

[amazon box=”B008ELIQ4Y”]

If you really want to spice up somebody’s fish keeping life, and reinvent a very common and sometimes frustrating task, then there is no better tool than a magnetic algae scraper.

This amazingly clever design will reduce the need for somebody to pull up their sleeves and get their arms wet, to clean the transparent walls of their fish tank. Instead of reaching in with a traditional plastic scraper or razor blade, you could just frequently use a convenient magnetic algae scrapper.

This simple design uses extremely powerful rare earth magnets to give you maximum flexibility and will work in almost any aquatic environment.

The premise is pretty simple. One part of the magnetic (the scrapper/polisher pad) sits on the inside of the tank wall, and you can pull this around using the other controller pad, which sits on the outside of the fish tank wall.

This allows you to give your tank wall a thorough and much-needed clean, without breaking a sweat or getting wet. The benefit of this design is that it has a dual purpose.

Using one side you can remove any algae that adheres to the wall and using the other side you can polish the glass for maximum transparency and cleanliness.

PROS:

  • Eliminates a nasty and annoying task
  • Clever design
  • Works for both glass and acrylic tanks
  • Helps maintain perfect tank wall transparency

CONS:

  • Doesn’t clean as thoroughly as a handheld scraper
  • Hard to apply pressure needed to remove stubborn dirt

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Saltwater Aquarium

[amazon box=”B06X958X7Z”]

If you’re looking for snazzy gift ideas for fish tank lovers, or even people starting to take their first steps in the hobbyist world, then this saltwater aquarium may be the perfect option. One of the reasons this is so good is that it has all the functionality already built in.

For example, it comes with fully integrated lighting and filtration ready to go out of the box. Basically, all you need to add is fish species and some properly cycled water.

This integrated design means it is perfect for someone who is interested in owning fish but doesn’t have either the time or the expertise to go to the trouble of building their own home system.

The ultra-modern design is not just for show either. The lights have a host of built in controls and options, allowing you to set special displays and timers, and mimic the effects of sunset and sunrise.

PROS:

  • Fully integrated ecosystem, with inbuilt scenery, pump and filters
  • Sleek, modern design
  • 3 light display settings
  • Adjustable timers and sunrise/sunset functionality

CONS:

  • Comes with a hefty price-tag
  • Doesn’t allow much freedom to design their own ecosystem

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Aquascaping Tool Set

[amazon box=”B07C1ZC27D”]

This is one of the best gift ideas for fish tank lovers because one of the greatest gifts you can give anyone is the ability to be creative and go wild with their imagination. In the aquarium world, an aquascaping tool kit gives you the opportunity to do just that.

This set comes with everything the experienced fish owner or novice could want, to create beautiful underwater aquascapes for their fish to explore. It comes with 4 pristine, machined tools including 2 different tweezers, a spatula and a pair of scissors.

Using these tools, it is easy to cut, place and coax aquatic plants into the perfect underwater display, to enliven your home as well as stimulating your fish. These tools are also made from high-quality stainless steel which means they are durable and corrosion resistant.

PROS:

  • Introduces them to an amazing creative hobby
  • High-quality, durable materials
  • 4-in-1 set
  • Anti-slip grips designed for working underwater

CONS:

  • Only useful if they intend to add plant life to their aquarium
  • More comprehensive kits are available

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Neoglow Aquarium for Kids

[amazon box=”B007TGMJ3E”]

If that special person in your life is a bit younger, then one of the best gifts you can get them is a Neoglow Aquarium. There are a number of advantages to getting them an aquarium at a young age.

Firstly, it could give them a hobby which they could treasure for many long years, bringing them countless hours of joy. It could also help inspire in them a love of the natural world, which could inspire them to study science or care for the environment.

Finally, by owning an aquarium they are gently introduced to having responsibilities and a loving creature which depends on them. These are skills which could come in very handy in later life.

If you are going to buy a kid an aquarium, then you don’t have to look any further than this offering from Neoglow.

It comes in a range of sizes, from a tiny 3-gallon tank to a large 20-gallon version. It includes everything you need to get started, including an efficient filter cartridge, LEDs lights and a fitted canopy.

PROS:

  • Introduces them to an amazing creative hobby
  • High-quality product
  • Includes everything they need to get started, including lighting and internal filtration
  • Available in a range of sizes

CONS:

  • Requires some setup
  • You might need to help kids with the responsibility of keeping a fish tank

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Desktop Aquarium

[amazon box=”B00O8SZTKQ”]

We all know that sitting at your desk all day in a sterile office can be very boring, so why not gift someday that will brighten up their space and add new life to their environment? This is where a desktop aquarium suits perfectly.

This version from marineland is ideal for workspaces. It is relatively small (5 gallons) with sleek rounded corners and a fitted canopy.

It is a totally self-contained environment, with a small but sufficient filtration system hidden out of sight and inbuilt LED lighting.

PROS:

  • Immediately brightens up a sterile workspace
  • Sleek design
  • 3 stage filtration, hidden from view
  • LED lighting

CONS:

  • Need to make sure it is allowed in the office!
  • Required them to source suitable micro fish species

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Plastic Plants

[amazon box=”B07FNZLQPW”]

One of the simplest gift ideas for fish tank lovers is something that will add to their artificial aquatic environment, without demanding much work from them. Plastic plants fulfil these criteria perfectly.

You can buy a huge range of plastic plants in all manners of shapes, sizes and colors. This artificial vegetation has a number of advantages over natural plants. It will not upset the pre-existing balance of the ecosystem and it is bound to be compatible with the water conditions.

Plus, you can create exotic aesthetics and vibes that you might not be able to achieve with real plants. This pack from Otterly contains 8 different plants, is 100% environmentally safe and are a great fit for larger tanks.

PROS:

  • Environmentally safe and water compatible
  • Comes in a range of colors
  • Helps foster an exotic feel
  • Requires no effort to maintain

CONS:

  • Some people may find them ‘tacky’
  • Requires large aquarium

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Automatic Fish Feeder

[amazon box=”B001F2117I”]

This is among the finest automatic fish feeders you can ever find. It comes with an LCD digital screen that enables you to set up to eight automatic feeds for each day.

Also, it comes equipped with a ventilation system along with an integrated fan that keeps the food dry. It even has splash-proof buttons and an adjustable slider that helps you decide the right position on your tank.

It is not a good idea to overfeed fishes, and this is why this automatic feeder ensures so many feeds every day, wherein you can feed little quantities to your fishes.

Eheim automatic feeding unit is considered the most amazing vacation fish feeder because it is immensely spacious.

Its 100 ml container can store enough food that will last your fishes for nearly 6 weeks. So, you can enjoy your vacation peacefully and never have to worry about your fishes staying hungry.

What is also great is that the drum is transparent. So, you will easily be able to figure out how much food is left and refill it as and when necessary. Furthermore, it comes with a low-battery indicator.

This will keep you informed if your batteries are going low.

Eheim automatic fish feeder easily fits on most type of aquariums. Its universal installation clamp makes it very easy to set up as well.

PROS:

  • It has a simple design and is very easy to set up.
  • It is very easy to use.
  • It has enough storage to hold food for your fishes for up to 6 weeks.
  • It comes with a digital, user-friendly LCD screen.

CONS:

  • The price is a little high.
  • It is not moisture resistant.

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Air Bubbler Decoration

[amazon box=”B07TV35D6K”]

This funky little decorative air bubbler is bound to be a hit with anyone who is a Marvel fan, likes cute things, or just wants to inject a bit of fun into their aquarium.

Of course, air bubblers have an important practical function, introducing oxygen into the water to keep the ecosystem healthy.

But often they can look a bit bland and boring. Not so with this cute Groot-inspired design. It is also water compatible and is resin crafted with great attention to detail.

PROS:

  • Environmentally safe and water compatible
  • Compatible with most air pumps
  • Adds fun to your tank
  • Replaces bland air bubblers

CONS:

  • Separate air pump is required
  • Might not fit in with an aquarium’s theme

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Top-Notch Canister Filter

[amazon box=”B00BJQ50HC”]

Any true fish enthusiast will appreciate the importance of good water filtration, so they will definitely appreciate the gift of a top of the range canister filters.

Canister filters are really powerful and convenient for increasing the filtration capacity of an aquarium, and therefore helping to remove bacteria and particulates.

This can give a much clearer and cleaner tank, with minimal effort. A Fluval Fx6 canister filter is a great option. It is a multistage filter which will clean the water through a number of distinct steps, using smart-pump technology to maximize efficiency.

What’s more, it is suitable for use on very large aquariums up to 400 gallons in size.

PROS:

  • Easy to configure
  • Smart pumping technology to read and optimize
  • Multi-stage filtration
  • Use on aquariums up to 400 gallons in volume

CONS:

  • Might be overkill for smaller tanks
  • Expensive

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Aquarium Lights for Plants

[amazon box=”B07KPP8VJ6″]

If you really want to help them spice up their aquatic display, then some full spectrum lighting is one of the best gift ideas for fish tank lovers all over the world.

This full spectrum lighting kit has all the bells and whistles that an aquarium enthusiast could want, including over 30 LED bulbs, sophisticated full color control and settings that are optimized to help aquatic plants grow.

PROS:

  • 30 inches in size
  • Full spectrum color
  • Sophisticated remote controls
  • Designed to help plants grow

CONS:

  • Designed for aquatic plant growth rather than reef tank displays
  • Requires some assembly

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Aquarium Lights for Reef Tank

[amazon box=”B00GFTNG3S”]

This top of the range product from Loop is sure to elevate any fish tank where it is used.

It is bound to accentuate the vivid and beautiful colors of the fish and the entire reef. This has all the features that you would expect in a high-quality product.

For instance, it has multiple modes that allow you to mimic cloud cover or storm effects, and thanks to the underlying hardware, it can produce every possible spectrum of color.

PROS:

  • Easy installation
  • Mimic natural weather effects and daily sunrises or sunsets
  • Eye popping color from full spectrum LEDs
  • Wave pump control

CONS:

  • Can take some time to programme!
  • Requires some assembly

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Freshwater Aquarium Fish Book

[amazon box=”1770859195″]

A true fish lover can never get enough of fish!

That’s why they will inevitably adore this colorful book. In this book you’ll find references to over 500 freshwater species, including colorful photos of them in tanks or in their natural habitats.

What’s more, this is a brilliant resource because it includes detailed information on each species, and acts as a visual reference for what a healthy fish should look like.

PROS:

  • Colorful Photos
  • Over 500 freshwater species included
  • Includes extra information on their care and well being
  • Valuable reference aid

CONS:

  • Make sure their favorite fish species are included!
  • Only includes freshwater species

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Aquarium Coral Decoration

[amazon box=”B07K69Z3KB”]

Although often neglected, reef tanks need some decoration too.

That’s where these colorful synthetic coral decorations can come into play.

These artificial silicone mushrooms will add a sense of fun and whimsy to any underwater scene, and you can rest assured that they are environmentally compatible and will delight your fish!

PROS:

  • Colorful and available in a variety of designs
  • Suction base holds strong even in flowing water
  • Glow in the dark
  • Adds a sense of play to the scenery

CONS:

  • May look out of place in some reef tanks
  • Permanently attached to base

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Aquarium Heater

[amazon box=”B075PSPCNY”]

This could be an absolutely vital component of a fish tank. Many fish species are native to warm waters, whether they are freshwater or saltwater fish.

Some fish will require heaters all year round, while others will only require them in the winter, depending on the local climate.

This heater is ideal for small tanks and has a built in, digitally controlled thermostat.

PROS:

  • Easily programmed
  • Digitally controlled
  • Automatically cuts out when required temperature is reached

CONS:

  • Only suitable for small tanks up to 10 gallons in size
  • Modest power

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Electric Vacuum Cleaner

[amazon box=”B003C5U2SU”]

This might not be your first idea of what a fish owner would like, but trust me they will appreciate it.

A vacuum cleaner is essentially to truly clean the gravel at the bottom of the fish tank.

This can help to not only keep your water clean and clear, but also reduce the frequency between deep cleans and water changes.

PROS:

  • Battery operated
  • Cleans and filters gravel
  • Built in filters
  • Long-neck design allows you to reach the bottom of deep tanks

CONS:

  • Only submersible up to 3 feet
  • Modest power

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Aquarium Rock

[amazon box=”B075SB9HRK”]

A rock might not sound like the most interesting gift, but that’s not how a true aquarium lover would see it.

It can be challenging to find the perfect rock or stone to complement your aquascape, but the Seiryu rocks contained in this pack are prized all over the world by fish lovers.

They are strong symbols in Japanese culture and have long links to the world of fish cultivation. They are also beautifully aged and very aesthetically pleasing.

PROS:

  • Aged to perfection
  • Authentic Japanese Seiryu rocks
  • Suitable for larger aquariums and small tanks

CONS:

  • May not fit with every theme
  • Cheaper rocks are available!

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



Glow in the Dark Aquarium Gravel

[amazon box=”B07DJZFNPQ”]

Typically, the gravel substrate for a tank is one of the least interesting and most prosaic part of any tank. But with some glow in the dark aquarium gravel, you can truly change that. This can enlighten and spice up the most boring tanks.

The glow stones are very clever. They absorb light during the day and then slowly release it during the night.

They are available in a range of colors, including a soft blue and a vivid green.

PROS:

  • Absorb ambient light and release it add night
  • Quick way to add some entertainment value to your tank
  • Available in a range of colors
  • Comes with 100 individual pebbles
  • Non-toxic and environmentally compatible

CONS:

  • May not fit with every theme
  • Cheaper substrates are available!

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon



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Conclusion

If you’re wondering what to get the fish lover in your life, then this is the one stop shop for you.

All the items on this page are bound to attract and delight them, for different reasons. Some are very practical and will help them in the day-to-day duties of caring for fish.

Others are more whimsical and will either add to the aesthetics of the tank or just bring a smile to their face.

Either way, that is a success for you as the gift buyer!

These gift ideas for fish tank lovers are tried and tested by spouses and family of aquarium enthusiasts all over the world, so why change a winning formula?

Aaron Boyd
Aaron Boyd

Hello, I’m Aaron Boyd, the proud owner and author behind Aqua Movement. I hope my article was able to answer your questions. If you want to learn more about me, click the home icon above.

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