There is something enchanting about having an aquarium in your home or office. Watching fish swim gracefully among plants and decorative stones, hearing the gentle bubbling of the water, and seeing light reflect off the water create a relaxing and calming ambiance. In the last couple of years, keeping aquarium fish in Kenya has grown significantly. More Kenyans are enjoying aquariums not just as decorative elements but also as a hobby that helps relax, reduce stress, and develop a sense of responsibility.

 If you are looking to successfully maintain an aquarium, it takes some planning, selecting the right fish, and acreating  sustainable environment. 

In this blog, we will touch on everything you will need to consider: the best fish for aquariums in Kenya, the purpose of aquatic plants, how to set up an affordable, working tank, caring for your fish, and the importance of salmon fish food and fish supplies. 

In each section, you will find practical advice to get you set up and enjoy your own underwater paradise.

1. Popular Aquarium Fish Breeds in Kenya

The right fish are the first step to a healthy aquarium. This section describes fish species that you can purchase from Aquapet Kenya and why they are good fish for your aquarium. 

• Betta Fish: Betta fish are known for their brilliant colours and beautiful fins. Bettas are hardy fish, need relatively small amounts of water, and make a good choice for aquarists that want a beautiful fish. Aquapet also carries the OF Betta Flora-Black AT620B, a hybrid aquaponics tank that is made for Betta fish while growing plants above to create a self-sustaining small ecosystem.
•  Cichlids: Cichlids are exciting fish for aquarists interested in colour and activity. Cichlids may take a little bit more effort than bettas but can be an exciting and beautiful addition to aquariums where movement and colour are necessary. Aquapet offers a variety of cichlid options in a freshwater setup. It is important to purchase fish that are healthy, active, and free from signs of disease. Proper acclimation reduces stress and ensures a smooth transition to your aquarium.

2. The Role of Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plants serve more than just décor; they are essential for creating a balanced and healthy aquarium. This section discusses the benefits of introducing plants, as well as what we stock at Aquapet.

• Improve Water Quality: Plants consume nitrates and other waste products naturally, keeping the water cleaner and healthier for your fish.
• Provide Shelter and Comfort: Many fish enjoy having something to hide under or rest on. Plants provide natural hiding spots. This helps reduce stress on your fish and encourages natural behaviour.
• Enhance Appearance: A planted tank looks natural and visually appealing. Even a few plants can transform a basic aquarium into a captivating centrepiece.

Aquapet has several plants, fitting for different-sized tanks and tank setups. You can choose from fast-growing varieties to slow-growing decorative plants. Regardless of the plants you choose, adding greenery into your tank will enhance both the healthiness and aesthetic of your aquarium.

Start shopping for your pet today at Aquapet Online Store and enjoy doorstep delivery across Kenya.

3. Setting Up an Affordable Aquarium

• You don’t need to invest heavily to start an aquarium. Within this section you will find information on how to put together a workable aquarium set-up that won’t break the bank using products from Aquapet.
• Before you consider specific pieces of equipment, keep in mind what your aquarium will be used for: a simple freshwater tank, a planted environment or a smaller marine tank. Knowing this information will ultimately inform your choice of fish, plants and accessories.
• Aquarium Tanks: Aquapet offers options like the OF Nano Marine-4 AT640A and Jad Aquarium EC-600, suitable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. They come with core equipment and provide the best opportunity to create a stable and optimal environment.
• Filtration/Heating: High-quality filtration and heating will keep water clean and healthy. In addition to keeping your aquarium water clean, filters and heaters together will help maintain temperature stability and peak water quality.
• Lighting: LED lights will showcase your fish and promote plant growth. They contribute to the overall beauty of your aquarium and will be beneficial to the health of your aquarium ecosystem.
• Habitat and Decor: Gravel, sand, driftwood, and rocks give fish comfort and security, as well as an option for plants to take root and create the appearance of a natural environment.
• Balanced Fish Food: The use of high-quality fish food is necessary to ensure the best growth, colours, and overall health for fish. Aquapet has various options for Betta fish, cichlids, and all aquarium fish species. 

With these basic needs met, you can upgrade your fish habitat to include other additional decor, some plants and any additional equipment your budget allows. 

Start shopping for your pet today at Aquapet Online Store and enjoy doorstep delivery across Kenya.

4. Essential Care Tips for Aquarium Fish

Even the best fishkeeping systems require care and maintenance to ensure a comfortable environment for your fish. This section describes maintenance steps you can take to make sure the aquarium is healthy for the fish while keeping them happy at the same time.

• Cycle Your Aquarium: Before adding fish, the filter and substrate should cycle or be populated with the beneficial bacteria that will help suppress the spikes of ammonia and nitrites that could harm your fish when they first enter the tank.
• Regular Feeding: When feeding, only provide the right volume of food of the right type for the quantity of fish. Constant overfeeding can pollute the water and have fish health consequences. 
• Water Maintenance: A 20-30% water change each week is necessary to maintain water quality and decrease toxin build-up. 
• Monitor Health: Observe fish daily for signs of stress or illness, such as unusual swimming patterns, fading colours, or clamped fins. Early intervention prevents serious problems. This monitoring allows the opportunity to respond before a more serious consequence happens. 
• Tank Compatibility: Do not overcrowd the tank and only have compatible species in the same tank. This contributes to less stress and aggressive behaviour in the fish. 

With vigilant attention, these types of simple practices will allow the aquarium to thrive and the fish to thrive in an aesthetically pleasing and tranquil space, instilling a desire for peace and calmness in the viewer. 

5. Quality Fish Food and Pet Supplies

It is important to provide fish with healthy, quality food and products for their overall health. This section explains why the products from Aquapet support healthy, happy fish.

• Sera Cichlid Sticks Nature: High in nutrients to help the cichlids’ colouration and growth.
• Sera Granured Nature: Suitable for multiple freshwater species, promoting overall health and energy.
• Complete Pet Supplies: Aquapet carries filtration units, heaters, lighting, cleaning supplies and plants that are necessities in a healthy aquarium that is well kept.

Using reputable products will help ensure your fish gets balanced nutrition and a healthy environment that is free of stress.

Conclusion: Thriving Aquarium Life with Aquapet

Maintaining a successful aquarium in Kenya requires careful planning, the right fish species, quality plants, and consistent maintenance. Using trusted products and durable tanks allows hobbyists to focus on enjoyment rather than stress. 


Many aquarists in Kenya trust Aquapet for their aquarium needs. Aquapet provides a wide range of fish, plants, and accessories, supporting both beginners and experienced hobbyists in building thriving, colourful aquatic ecosystems. Aquapet provides all the essential aquarium supplies, whether you’re starting your first tank or expanding an existing system.

Start shopping for your pet today at Aquapet Online Store and enjoy doorstep delivery across Kenya.