Not all starter kits are created equal. Some are just plastic junk with a cute box. Others are legit setups that save beginners time, money, and frustration.
If you’re looking to get into an unusual pet — axolotls, hermit crabs, stick insects, or shrimp — here are the starter kits that actually work, and the ones to avoid.
1. Axolotl Starter Kit (The DIY Way Is Better)
Most axolotl kits online are just aquarium kits repackaged with bad advice. What you actually need is:
- 20-gallon glass tank (minimum)
- Sponge filter
- Aquarium-safe sand or bare bottom
- Digital thermometer
- Water conditioner
- Test kit (API Master Kit)
Suggested gear:
Aqueon 20-Gallon Glass Aquarium
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Hygger Adjustable Sponge Filter
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Seachem Prime Water Conditioner
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API Freshwater Master Test Kit
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Avoid: Anything with gravel, high flow filters, or tank mates.
2. Hermit Crab Starter Kit
Most hermit crab kits sold in stores are too small and include toxic accessories. Here’s what you actually need:
- 10-gallon tank (minimum for 2 crabs)
- Coconut fiber substrate (3–4 inches deep)
- Two water bowls (fresh + saltwater)
- Heat mat (for under-tank warmth)
- Extra shells
- Climbing branches or hammocks
Suggested gear:
Zoo Med Hermit Crab Dual Thermometer & Humidity Gauge
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Fluker’s All Natural Hermit Beach Sand
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Exo Terra Heat Mat for 10–20 Gallon Tanks
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Avoid: Painted shells, dry sand, metal dishes, or plastic tanks.
3. Stick Insect / Invertebrate Kit
Super easy to keep — but ventilation and vertical space matter.
- 12-inch mesh or acrylic enclosure
- Live or fake climbing sticks
- Light misting bottle
- Paper towel or soil substrate
- Access to pesticide-free bramble or gum leaves
Suggested gear:
Insect Habitat Pop-Up Mesh Cage
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Handheld Fine Mist Spray Bottle
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Avoid: Enclosures with poor airflow or tight horizontal space.
4. Shrimp / Nano Tank Kit
These are trending for a reason — low maintenance, fascinating to watch, and ideal for small spaces. What works best:
- 5 to 10-gallon rimless tank
- Sponge filter or gentle HOB
- Shrimp-safe substrate (no copper)
- Moss or live plants
- Heater (if room is cold)
Suggested gear:
Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit
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AQQA Sponge Filter
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Controsoil Shrimp Substrate
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Avoid: Fish flakes, aggressive tank mates, or any filter without a guard.
Final Thought
Starter kits shouldn’t be junk in a box — they should make your life easier. Skip the all-in-one sets at chain stores and build a real setup using gear that works. Your pet will live longer, stay healthier, and you won’t waste money replacing cheap parts later.