Before buying a tank, it helps to decide what kind of aquarium you want. The setup shapes everything else: equipment, plants, livestock and the time you will spend on maintenance. Here is an overview of the most common types.
Nano aquarium
Nano tanks hold roughly 10 to 60 litres and fit almost anywhere. They are popular for shrimp, small fish and miniature aquascapes. The small water volume makes them attractive but also less forgiving: temperature and water values change faster, so regular testing and small, frequent water changes are important.
Community aquarium
The classic freshwater setup. Several peaceful species that share similar water requirements live together, often with a mix of hardy plants. It is a good choice for beginners, as long as you research how large each species grows and whether they get along.
Species aquarium
A tank dedicated to one species, or a very small group. This suits fish with special needs or behaviour that is best seen without competition, such as bettas, many cichlids or breeding projects.
Biotope aquarium
A biotope tank recreates a specific natural habitat as faithfully as possible: the fish, plants, substrate, wood, leaf litter and water chemistry all come from the same region. A blackwater stream from the Amazon or a rocky African lake are typical examples. It is educational as well as beautiful.
Planted aquarium and aquascape
Here the plants are the stars. Planted tanks use stronger lighting, often CO2 injection and regular fertilisation to grow lush, healthy plants. Aquascaping takes this further, arranging stone, wood and plants by design principles to create underwater landscapes. All-in-one fertilisers such as LGND Elysium or LGND Avalon are an easy starting point.
Shrimp aquarium
Dwarf shrimp thrive in small, stable, well-planted tanks with gentle filtration. Many species need soft water with carefully adjusted mineral content; remineralising RO water with LGND Balance Shrimp gives precise control.
Marine and reef aquarium
Saltwater tanks house marine fish and, in reef tanks, corals and invertebrates. They need more equipment, such as protein skimmers, precise salinity control and specialised lighting, and closer attention to water chemistry. The reward is some of the most colourful life in the hobby.
Whichever type you choose, the basics are the same: cycle the tank properly, stock gradually and keep the water stable.