Whatever type of filter you choose, you will still be required to do a partial water change once every week or two. Place the end of the siphoning tube a little ways into the gravel and you will lift out a good percentage of the waste material that the filter isn t able to. Be sure and move the end of the tube to several different locations in the tank when cleaning up the gravel. If you are unsure how this is done, ask an employee of the pet store to demonstrate for you. It really pays off to buy a good quality heater the first time out, as you will not want to be replacing a cheap heater several months later, possibly risking the life of your fish if it should quit working when you are not around to replace it.
Heaters are submersible and come with an adjustable heat control.
Place your heater near the intake of the filter so the heat will be circulated evenly through-out the tank. Most tropical fish like their water between 75 F and 78 F . Most factories set the control at 75 F so you will need to run your heater alone in the tank for several hours first and then check the temperature using an aquarium thermometer. Adjust a little at a time until the temperature is where you want it. Lighting - Most fish tanks are sold with a hood and light as part of the package.