The Top Fin goldfish starter kit includes such necessities as a carbon filter, goldfish flake food, water conditioner to remove chlorine from the water, a cover with a twin lamps, etc. The Top Fin filter has cartridges that should be replaced monthly, but the cartridges are easy to replace and one does not need to empty the whole tank to replace the filter cartridges. The filter lifts right off the back of the tank, which makes for an easy filter change and cleaning, and as long as one remembers to rotate the water out gradually and periodically, then one should be able to avoid having to clean the entire tank for a good long while. A regular vacuuming of the gravel with an aquarium vacuum will also prolong the life of the aquarium as it removes a good deal of the composing waste and uneaten food.