You don't have to buy those things to set it up and get started, it comes ready out of the box. however once you set it up those items are worth purchasing. After I set mine up I got a stick on thermometer wish is pretty cheap and easy to install and also a heater to control the water temp. You may or may not need a heater, depends on your average room temp and the temp specs of species of fish you have in the tank. For instances, if your fish need to be in water with a temp of around 75° and the room temp where the aquarium is located is on average around 75° you shouldn't need a heater. Hope you enjoy your new tank.