Aquarium show shopping list

An aquarium show needs more than tanks and fish. You will need equipment to keep the water stable, move animals safely, power filters and lights, and help visitors understand what they are seeing. Buy or gather water treatment, test kits, hoses, transport bins and cable protection before setup day. Check every aquarium at least 24 hours before opening so leaks, pumps, heaters and lighting can be fixed while there is still time.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
Entrance desk
High tablesqty 4

Aquarium

Aquariumsqty 12
Aquarium standsqty 12
Aquarium filtersqty 12
Air pumpsqty 8
Air hosesqty 30
Air stonesqty 16
Aquarium heatersqty 8
Aquarium lightingqty 12
Aquarium gravelqty 60
Aquarium Plantsqty 45
Aquarium decorationsqty 20
Fishing netsqty 8
Transport binsqty 12
Buckets of waterqty 10
Water hosesqty 6
Water treatment productqty 4
Water quality test kitsqty 4
Aquarium fishqty 80
Aquarium invertebratesqty 30

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 12
Cable matsqty 20
Handheld microphone
Speaker

Decorations

Aquarium backgroundsqty 12
Information boardsqty 20
Directional signsqty 12
Name badgesqty 30
Tableclothsqty 12
Plantersqty 6

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 50
Glassesqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Pliersqty 4
Serving jugsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 24
Window squeegeesqty 4
Waste binsqty 8
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mini cakes - 100 pieces
- Mini muffins - 100 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Sliced cheese - 3 kilogram
- Turkey breast - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian spread - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Cardboard cups - 250 pieces
- Cardboard plates - 150 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs

Tips

Plan at least one transport bin, bucket and fishing net for each animal transport group, and keep separate containers available where species or water conditions require it.
Have one water quality test kit for every person checking tanks, or schedule testing in batches of no more than 10 aquariums so problems are found before doors open.
Count extension cords, power strips and cable mats by setup area. Leave enough cable length to keep walkways clear rather than running loose cords across visitor routes.
Prepare aquarium gravel, plants, decorations and backgrounds before exhibitors arrive. Pre-sorting these by aquarium saves setup time and prevents last-minute searching for small supplies.
Keep spare air hoses, air stones and water treatment on site, with at least one spare connection set for every 10 running aquariums. A failed pump or blocked airline should not stop the show.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for an aquarium show?: Plan for aquariums and stands, filters, air pumps, hoses, air stones, heaters, lighting, gravel, plants, decorations, nets and transport bins. You also need water treatment, test kits, buckets, hoses, power distribution, cable mats and information boards.
How much aquarium equipment should I buy per tank?: Allow one filter, heater and lighting setup per aquarium where the species require them, plus one air pump connection per aerated tank. Add at least one spare airline and air stone for every 10 aquariums and test all equipment 24 hours before opening.
How do I transport fish to an aquarium show?: Use transport bins that are large enough for the animals and keep them covered, stable and clearly labelled. Prepare the bins, buckets and nets before transport day, and check water quality immediately after arrival rather than waiting until setup is complete.
When should I prepare the aquariums for the show?: Set up and test the aquariums at least 24 hours before visitors arrive whenever possible. Connect filters, pumps and lighting, check for leaks, test the water and leave enough time to replace faulty equipment or adjust the water.

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