Clarity is the Beginning

A calmer mind starts on your desk

A planted tank isn't just a hobby. It's the beginning of a calmer mind and a more peaceful home. The Clarity Collection is everything you need for a beginner-friendly planted desk tank, hand-picked by the Splashy Fish team.

Start with Stage 1 How it works
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Available until midnight ET, Thursday, November 19
  • Free in-store pickup in Springfield, VA
  • Ships anywhere in the USA
  • 678+ customer reviews

What the research found

Watching aquatic life, measured

Researchers from the University of Plymouth and the National Marine Aquarium studied how visitors responded to viewing an aquarium exhibit. Viewing the displays was associated with lower heart rate and blood pressure, and with improved mood.

We're not making medical claims. We just think there's something to having a small, living ecosystem within arm's reach of your keyboard.

Source: Cracknell, D., White, M. P., Pahl, S., Nichols, W. J., & Depledge, M. H. (2016). Marine biota and psychological well-being: A preliminary examination of dose–response effects in an aquarium setting. Environment and Behavior, 48(10), 1242–1269.

Heart rate

Lower readings were observed while participants viewed the exhibit.

Blood pressure

Reductions were recorded during viewing.

Mood

Participants reported feeling better after viewing.

More life

Effects were associated with more fish and species in the display.

How it works

Build it in two stages

A new tank needs time to cycle before animals can live in it safely. So we've split the Clarity Collection into two stages. Every item is sold separately, so you pick exactly what you need.

01

Set up your tank

Tank, stone, soil, low-tech plants and equipment. Set it up, add water, and let it cycle.

Shop now: ships, or free pickup in Springfield
Your tank cycles (about 3 weeks)

02

Add your livestock

Once your water tests show the tank has cycled, add your cleanup crew and fish.

Order online or visit us in-store after cycling
Stage 1

Set up your tank

Shop now. Everything here ships right away or is ready for free in-store pickup.

Tank & hardscape

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Low-tech plants (no CO₂ needed)

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Equipment & cycling essentials

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Stage 2

After your tank has cycled

When your test kit shows 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite (usually around 3 weeks), add your cleanup crew and fish. Not sure if you're ready? Send us a message.

Cleanup crew

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Fish suited to a nano tank

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Real tanks, real people

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FAQs

A new tank needs to “cycle” (build up beneficial bacteria) before animals can live in it safely. Setting up first and adding livestock later protects their health.

Usually around three weeks. Our team is happy to help if you have questions.

Test your water with a freshwater test kit. When ammonia and nitrite both read 0 and you see some nitrate, your tank has cycled.

Yes. The Clarity Collection uses low-tech plants that don't need CO₂ or special lighting, plus a cleanup crew that handles much of the maintenance. Expect about five minutes of upkeep a week.

No. Every item is sold separately, so you can skip anything you already own or swap in a different tank or plant. Our team is happy to help you choose.

Yes. Choose free in-store pickup in Springfield, VA at checkout.

Yes, we ship anywhere in the USA. Live animals may be subject to cold-weather limits.

The Clarity Collection is featured until midnight ET on Thursday, November 19, 2026.

Before the holiday rush begins

Give yourself a small, living corner of calm. Start your Stage 1 setup before Thursday, November 19 at midnight ET.

Shop The Clarity Collection