Dry Goods We Recommend for Every Aquarium Keeper
If you've ever stood in front of our tanks here at Tropical Treasures Wyo and wondered what you actually need to bring a healthy aquarium home, you're not alone. Livestock and plants get all the attention, but the unglamorous "dry goods" — the conditioners, test kits, heaters, nets and tools — are what keep your fish alive and thriving in Cheyenne's hard, chilly-tap-water reality. Here are the essentials we recommend to every keeper who walks through our door. 🛠️
💧 Water conditioner (the non-negotiable)
If you buy one thing on this list, make it a quality dechlorinator. Cheyenne tap water carries chlorine and chloramine that will burn gills fast, so every water change and top-off needs treating first. We point almost everyone to Seachem Prime because it's concentrated, detoxifies ammonia and nitrite in a pinch, and a tiny bottle lasts months. Browse the full water conditioner collection if you'd like options.
🧪 A test kit you'll actually use
You can't fix what you can't measure. A liquid test kit takes the guesswork out of cycling and helps you catch ammonia or nitrite spikes before fish suffer. We stock the API Freshwater Master Test Kit, which covers pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate in one box. If you're brand new, pair it with our guide on cycling a new aquarium.
🌡️ A reliable heater
Wyoming homes swing cold, and most tropical fish want a steady 76–80°F. A dependable heater — like the Sicce Scuba 150W — keeps temperatures stable so your fish aren't stressed by overnight drops. Size it to your tank from our aquarium heaters collection.
🧽 Filtration and media
Your filter is the home for the beneficial bacteria that keep water safe. Whether you run a sponge, hang-on-back or canister, having spare media and a backup on hand means you're never caught off guard. See what fits your setup in the filtration collection.
🪣 A soft net (and a spare)
A good net makes moving fish quick and low-stress. We like keeping two sizes around — a small one for nano fish and a larger one for bigger residents. The JBJ 5" fish net is a solid everyday choice. Gentle handling matters most right after you bring fish home, so review our acclimation guide too.
🍴 Quality food
Dry goods include the pantry. A varied, high-quality diet keeps color and immune systems strong. Stock a staple flake or pellet plus a treat or two, and rotate them. Browse the fish food collection to match your stock.
🪣 The little extras that prevent big problems
A few cheap tools save a lot of heartache: a dedicated water-change bucket, a gravel vacuum, an algae scraper and a thermometer you trust. Many beginner disasters come down to skipping these basics — see our roundup of common aquarium mistakes, and learn why water changes sometimes backfire in this troubleshooting guide.
✅ The bottom line
If you're just getting started, prioritize a conditioner, a test kit, a heater and a net — then build out from there. New to the hobby? Start with our best beginner fish guide and our quarantine tank setup walkthrough. And as always, swing by the shop in Cheyenne and we'll help you pick exactly what your tank needs. 🐟