How Much Does an Aquarium Cost in Singapore? Full Breakdown

Cost Overview by Setup Type
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Ongoing Monthly Costs
Where to Save vs Where to Invest
Hidden Costs Most Beginners Miss
Frequently Asked Questions

Cost Overview by Setup Type

The cost of an aquarium in Singapore varies enormously depending on size, type, and how far you take it. A simple nano desktop setup can cost under $200, while a fully automated planted aquascape or marine reef system can run into five figures.

Here is a realistic overview based on current Singapore market prices. These figures reflect what you would actually spend, not the absolute cheapest or most expensive options available.

Setup Type	Tank Size	Total Estimated Cost
Nano / Desktop	20–30 cm	$150–$400
Planted 60 cm (2 feet)	60 cm	$500–$1,500
Planted 90 cm (3 feet)	90 cm	$1,000–$3,000
Planted 120 cm (4 feet)	120 cm	$2,000–$5,000
Marine Reef	90–120 cm	$3,000–$15,000+

The wide ranges reflect the difference between budget-friendly and premium equipment. A 60 cm planted tank with entry-level gear costs around $500; the same tank with premium lighting, an ADA-style cabinet, and imported hardscape pushes $1,500.

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Let us break down costs by category so you can see exactly where your money goes.

Tank

Size	Standard Glass	Low-Iron / Optiwhite Glass
30 cm nano	$20–$40	$40–$80
60 cm	$40–$80	$80–$180
90 cm	$80–$150	$150–$350
120 cm	$120–$250	$250–$600

Low-iron glass is noticeably clearer (no green tinge) and is strongly recommended for display aquascapes. Custom tanks from local glass shops are competitively priced in Singapore.

Cabinet / Stand

Metal stand: $40–$100 (functional but not attractive)
Wooden cabinet (local): $100–$400
Premium cabinet (ADA-style or custom-built): $400–$1,500

Never place an aquarium on furniture not designed for the weight. A 120 cm tank filled with water, substrate, and hardscape can weigh over 200 kg. HDB and condo floors can handle this, but the furniture beneath must be rated for it.

Filtration

Filter Type	Price Range	Best For
Sponge filter	$5–$15	Nano tanks, shrimp tanks, breeding setups
Hang-on-back (HOB)	$20–$80	Budget setups, tanks without cabinets
Internal filter	$15–$50	Small to medium tanks
Canister filter	$80–$400	Medium to large tanks (recommended for 90 cm+)
Sump system	$200–$1,000+	Large tanks, marine setups

Lighting

Light Type	Price Range	Notes
Basic LED clip-on	$15–$40	Sufficient for low-light plants (Java fern, Anubias)
Mid-range planted LED	$50–$150	Good for most planted tanks; brands like Chihiros, Twinstar
Premium planted LED	$150–$500	High PAR output for demanding plants, carpeting species
Marine LED	$200–$1,000+	Full spectrum for coral growth

Substrate

Inert gravel or sand: $10–$30 per bag
Active planted substrate (ADA Amazonia, Tropica, etc.): $25–$60 per bag
A 60 cm tank typically needs: 2–3 bags ($50–$180)
A 120 cm tank typically needs: 5–8 bags ($125–$480)

Hardscape (Rocks and Driftwood)

Hardscape costs are highly variable and often underestimated by beginners.

Budget driftwood: $10–$50 per piece
Premium driftwood (spiderwood, hornwood): $30–$150 per piece
Seiryu stone: $5–$15 per kg
Dragon stone: $5–$12 per kg
Total hardscape for a 60 cm tank: $50–$200
Total hardscape for a 120 cm tank: $150–$600

Plants

Budget plants (Java fern, Anubias, mosses): $3–$8 per portion
Mid-range (Bucephalandra, stem plants, crypts): $5–$15 per pot
Carpeting plants (Monte Carlo, HC Cuba): $5–$12 per pot, need multiple pots
Tissue culture cups: $8–$18 each (pest-free, recommended)
Total for a 60 cm planted tank: $50–$200
Total for a 120 cm planted tank: $150–$500

CO2 System (Planted Tanks Only)

Component	Price Range
CO2 cylinder (2L aluminium)	$50–$100
Regulator with solenoid	$50–$200
Diffuser	$10–$40
Drop checker	$5–$15
CO2 refill	$10–$20 per refill (lasts 2–4 months)
Total CO2 setup	$120–$350

Livestock

Common community fish (tetras, rasboras, guppies): $1–$5 each
Mid-range fish (corydoras, dwarf cichlids, fancy bettas): $5–$20 each
Premium fish (high-grade bettas, rare plecos, discus): $20–$200+ each
Cherry shrimp: $1–$5 each (higher grades cost more)
Amano shrimp: $2–$4 each
Total livestock for a 60 cm community: $30–$100
Total livestock for a 120 cm community: $80–$300

Ongoing Monthly Costs

The initial setup is only part of the picture. Monthly running costs add up over time.

Expense	Nano Tank	60 cm Planted	120 cm Planted	Marine Reef
Electricity	$5–$10	$10–$20	$20–$40	$40–$80
Fish food	$5	$5–$10	$10–$20	$15–$30
Water conditioner	$2	$3–$5	$5–$10	$10–$20
Fertilisers (planted only)	$3–$5	$5–$10	$10–$20	N/A
CO2 refills	N/A	$3–$10	$5–$15	N/A
Filter media replacement	$2	$3–$5	$5–$10	$10–$20
Salt mix (marine only)	N/A	N/A	N/A	$30–$60
Total Monthly	$15–$25	$25–$55	$50–$110	$100–$210

Where to Save vs Where to Invest

Not all equipment deserves equal spending. Here is our honest advice based on over 20 years of experience.

Worth Investing In

Lighting: Plants (and your enjoyment) depend on good light. A quality LED pays for itself in plant growth and colour rendition. Cheap lights often lack the spectrum for healthy plant growth.
Filtration: A reliable canister filter is the heart of any serious setup. Brands like Eheim, Oase, and Fluval have proven track records. A failed filter can crash an entire tank.
Substrate (planted tanks): Quality active substrate (ADA Amazonia, Tropica Soil) makes a genuine difference to plant growth and long-term stability.
CO2 regulator: A quality regulator with a reliable solenoid prevents dangerous end-of-tank dump scenarios. Do not buy the cheapest regulator you can find.

Where You Can Save

Tank: A locally made glass tank is often just as good as an imported branded one at a fraction of the price.
Hardscape: Shop around at different fish shops. Prices vary significantly, and you can find excellent pieces at budget shops.
Livestock: Start with affordable, hardy species. You can always add premium fish later once the tank is stable.
Tools and accessories: Tweezers, scissors, and nets from hardware or online shops work perfectly — no need for branded aquascaping tools unless you want them.

For a deeper look at budget planning for planted tanks, check out our guide on aquascaping on a budget in Singapore.

Hidden Costs Most Beginners Miss

Water conditioner: PUB uses chloramine, which requires a quality conditioner (Seachem Prime recommended) for every water change. Budget $3–$10 per month depending on tank size.
Replacement livestock: Fish die, especially early on. Budget for some losses in the first few months as your tank matures.
Medication: Ich, fungal infections, and bacterial diseases happen. Having basic medications on hand ($10–$30) is prudent.
Test kits: A liquid test kit (API Master Test Kit, ~$40–$60) is essential for the cycling phase and ongoing monitoring.
Upgrades: Almost every hobbyist upgrades something within the first year — bigger tank, better light, CO2 system. Budget for the inevitable upgrade itch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest aquarium setup that actually works?

A functional nano planted tank can be set up for around $150–$200: a 30 cm glass tank ($30), clip-on LED ($20), sponge filter with air pump ($15), inert sand substrate ($10), a few portions of Java fern and Anubias ($20), a piece of driftwood ($20), water conditioner ($10), and fish food ($10). Add a small group of endler’s livebearers or cherry shrimp ($15–$30) and you have a complete, attractive setup.

Is a marine aquarium really that much more expensive?

Yes. Marine setups require more expensive equipment (protein skimmer, RO/DI unit, high-output lighting for corals, salt mix for every water change), and marine livestock is significantly pricier. The ongoing cost difference is even more substantial — salt mix alone can cost $30–$60 per month. A marine reef tank is a serious financial commitment.

Should I buy everything at once or build gradually?

Buy the essential infrastructure first (tank, stand, filter, light, substrate) and cycle the tank before adding livestock. Plants can go in from day one. Fish should be added gradually over weeks, not all at once. This approach spreads the cost and gives your biological filtration time to mature, resulting in healthier fish and less frustration.

Get a Custom Quote for Your Dream Setup

Every aquarium is different, and a personalised consultation ensures you get exactly the right equipment for your budget, space, and goals. At Gensou, we design and install custom aquariums throughout Singapore, from compact HDB setups to showpiece commercial installations. Visit us at 5 Everton Park or get in touch for a detailed quotation tailored to your requirements.

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