Tank - size and shape depend on your preference and budget. Bigger tanks are actually easier to keep because the larger volume of water dilutes small problems. Anything smaller than 10 gallons is nothing but trouble. 20 gallons is a good compromise for a beginner.
Gravel - choose something that is marketed for aquariums. Some rocks like limestone or highway gravel can leech toxins into the water or raise the pH to an unacceptable level. Find a nice color that your like or choose the natural riverbed type.&.
Plants - Plastic are the easiest to care for. Once you have bolstered you fish keeping skills, you might opt for natural plants, but you will have to invest in plant lights. If you are interested in live plants in the future, consider a short aquarium, as it is difficult to light the plants in an aquarium that is very tall.
Décor - As with the gravel, choose some decorations at the pet store. Anything that you might choose for around the home nay not be suitable for long periods in water or may put toxic material in the water. Even rocks that you may have collected in your travels may not be suitable, as they may leech dangerous materials into your tank's water.
Heater - tropical fish thrive in water that is 78 degrees. Unless your house thermostat is set to 78, you will need a heater to keep the tank a little warmer than the room. Some fish require even warmer water. Ask your dealer or do a little research to try to find a suitable temperature that everyone in your tank will like.
Filter - see the filter notes
Charcoal - charcoal in your filter will remove any toxins from the water as it passes through the filter.
Filter media - will "mechanically filter" or remove any material from the water that will cause it to appear cloudy or turbid.
Thermometer - get the self-adhesive type that changes color to indicate the temperature. They are cheap, hard to break, and do get lost in the tank.
Water Treatment Solution - You must remove the chlorine and chloramines from your water. Municipalities add poisonous chemicals to the water that they supply to your home to kill off any bacteria that could make you sick from drinking it. Unfortunately, they amounts they use will also kill off your fish. There are water treatments available that will neutralize these chemicals. Follow the package directions, for treating ANY water that you add to your tank.
Background - cute little plastic picture to cover the back of the tank to hide the filters and wires. I have painted the back of the tank will acrylic paint will a lot of success. The paint doesn't distract from the fish and provides a good background.
Hood/light - if you're not growing plants or marine specimens, you'll be fine with the hood and light that comes with the tank.
No fish! - Not yet! Cycle that tank, first.
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