Keeping a fish tank can be a fun and rewarding hobby. There are many varieties of tanks, equipment and most importantly, tropical fish. But how do you choose the right fish for your setup. The answer depends in large part on the size of your aquarium.
Aquarium Size
When shopping for your fish tank, you'll notice that tank sizes are given in gallons (sometimes litres in Europe and other metric system countries). Typically, a tank under 20 gallons is considered a small fish tank. There are many aquarium systems in the 5 to 20 gallon range and choices should be made based on your particular setup.
It is often easier for the new fish owner to look for an aquarium system - a set that includes all the necessary equipment - than to select individual accessories. High quality fish tank systems can be found by searching for manufacturers like Marineland, BiOrb & BiUbe and Oceanic.
Fish for Small Tanks
Once you've chosen your fish tank setup, remember to properly condition your water by cycling it with one of the various products on the market today that help your aquarium develop the necessary bacteria. If you are unsure about water cycling, you'll want to do some research on the Nitrogen Cycle prior to purchasing any tropical fish.
After preparing your water, you're ready for your first fish. Assuming you've chosen a smaller aquarium setup, there are a few types of fish that are better for fish tanks smaller than 20 gallons. We'll take a look at some recommendations that will give your tank the best chance for success below.
Bettas
There are a lot of myths about Bettas. Sometimes referred to as Siamese Fighting Fish as a result of the males propensity to fight other males, you'll often see these fish in extremely small bowls in your local pet store. While the fish do quite well in smaller setups, anything under three gallons is not recommended.
Although Bettas can be a great first fish for a small aquarium, there are two important points to keep in mind when keeping Bettas. First, never keep two males in the same fish tank without the use of a plastic tank side box or some other means of keeping them apart. Males will fight, and the purpose of your tank should not be to pit fish against each other. The second important point is to make sure the water temperature is warm enough for your Bettas. Bettas originate from Southeast Asia where the river water tends to be extremely warm. Water temperature specifications can be found below.
Minimum tank size: 3 gallons
Water Temp: 75 - 86 F (24 - 30 C)
Aquarium Level: Top
Size: Approximately 3 inches
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
pH: 6.8 - 7.4
Food: Flakes, Frozen and Live
Dwarf/Honey Gouramis
Dwarf and Honey Gouramis earn their names as a result of their small adult size and honey color respectively. Adults reach a maximum size of about 2 inches. Both types of Gouramis are great fish for a first time owner as they are peaceful, community fish. As such, they should not be kept in a fish tank with other more aggressive fish. They prefer thick vegetation. Dwarf and Honey Gouramis originate from India and Bangladesh and so prefer warm water.
Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
Water Temp: 72 - 82 F (22 - 28 C)
Aquarium Level: Mid - top
Size: Approximately 2 inches
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
pH: 6.0 - 7.5
Food: Omnivorous, will also eat algae
Harlequin/Red Rasbora
The Harlequin is also known as the Red Rasbora and is a very popular freshwater fish. Harlequins prefer thickly vegetated tanks, with dark substrate and low lighting. Harlequins do well in a wider range of water temperatures than some of the other tropical fish listed in this article. Although the harlequin originates in Southeast Asia and as such, likes warmer waters. You'll want to buy at least three to four harlequins at a time, as they would rather be in a school or small group.
Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
Water Temp: 73 - 82 F (23 - 28 C)
Aquarium Level: Mid - top
Size: Approximately 1.5 - 2 inches
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
pH: 6.0 - 7.5
Food: Omnivorous
Zebra Danio
With many types of Danios available, the Zebra Danio is one of the most active aquarium fish. Zebra Danios are colorful fish easily recognized by the bluish purple stripes running down the sides of their bodies. Zebra Danios are great community fish and very peaceful. Although Zebra Danios are considered colder water fish, if placed in an aquarium with a slightly higher temperature, the fish often adapt without a problem. They prefer slightly running waters and will typically be found at the top of the aquarium.
Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
Water Temp: 64 - 74 F (18 - 24 C)
Aquarium Level: All levels
Size: Approximately 2 inches
Care Level: Beginner
pH: 6.5 - 7.0
Food: Omnivorous
Tetras
Tetras are great fish for a smaller tank and new fish owners. Although there are many different types of tetras, they are typically peaceful and easy to care for community fish.
As mentioned, there are many varieties of tetras that are well-suited for smaller tanks. Look around at your local pet store and find the color and variety that you like best. Varieties that typically do well in smaller fish tank setups include Cardinal, Neon, Black Phantom, Black Neon and Bleeding Heart Tetras. For the purposes of this article, we'll use the popular Cardinal Tetra for our fish facts section below.
Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
Water Temp: 73 - 81 F (23 - 27 C)
Aquarium Level: Mid - top
Size: Approximately 2 inches
Care Level: Beginner - Intermediate
pH: 4.6 - 6.2
Food: Omnivorous
With any of the above fish and a good understanding of the optimal conditions for each type, you should be ready to pick out your new pets. Many people hold the misconception that tropical fish require little care and can be maintained with little or no effort. Before you go out and buy your fish make sure you are ready for the commitment. While keeping fish is not a no maintenance hobby, it can be a low maintenance hobby. Choosing the right setup and fish will go a long way to ensuring you create a healthy environment for your fish.
For more recommendations, information and reviews of fish tanks and fish equipment, visit BiOrb Tank Reviews.
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