A Complete Guide to Freshwater Fish Tanks: Selection, Setup, and Maintenance

15 Low-Maintenance Freshwater Fish for Beginners With Pictures

Use the gravel vacuum to remove leftover food and debris from the gravel. Along with water changes, this will reduce nitrate levels in the tank and keep your fish healthy. Maintaining a freshwater aquarium can sometimes feel like a balancing act. This section highlights common challenges like water cloudiness and fish health. Heaters maintain the ideal temperature to suit specific fish species.

Common Goldfish

They are a good match for other peaceful types of fish that enjoy lingering in different parts of the tank. True to their name, the neon rainbow fish dazzles with its iridescent scales, particularly when they swim against well-planted tanks. Because of their timid nature, we recommend keeping these fish in groups of at least 6 individuals. These cute Catfish only reach around 2.5 inches in length and prefer to be kept in groups. They will be happy with a partner but will become most active in larger groups. These tiny shoaling fish are one of the most recognizable in the aquatics trade.

How Much Salt Should I Put in My Aquarium to Keep Fish Healthy and Happy

• Best kept in groups of six or more of their own kind, they are very adaptable and gentle and will not bother smaller tank mates.
• To calculate the correct heater size for your tank you take the average degrees the room the tank is in and subtract that from what you want your tank to be.
• But by choosing a filter that exceeds the capacity of your tank, you allow more water to be filtered, again, buying you some more flexibility in your maintenance routine.
• Make sure you are providing adequate food for your fish type, and lastly if you see a sick fish remove it from the tank and quarantine it.

While they prefer to be kept with six to eight of their own kind, they don't need to be housed in a species-specific tank thanks to their gentle nature. A hardy species of fish native to China, the white cloud mountain minnow is a graceful and peaceful community fish that likes to be paired with at least five others of its species. Measuring 1.5 inches in length and living for around three to five years, they're a good fish for beginners and are easy to breed. White cloud mountain minnows do not like heat and need to be kept in water with a temperature below 72°F.

Known for their iridescent silver bodies and hints of red on their fins, these fish are both hardy and visually appealing. Cory Catfish are delightful bottom dwellers that bring charm and functionality to any beginner aquarium. Known for their peaceful nature, they are excellent scavengers that help keep the tank clean by consuming leftover food and debris. Neon Tetras are small, vibrant fish known for their electric blue and red stripes, which make them a striking addition to any beginner’s tank. These fish are schooling by nature, meaning they thrive in groups of six or more. Despite their delicate appearance, Betta Fish are robust and can live for several years with proper care.

These shoaling fish are easy to care for and can thrive in cooler water temperatures, which makes a heater not always necessary for their care. Betta fish are one of the most popular freshwater fish due to their low-maintenance nature and flowing, colorful fins. They have a labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe surface air in low-oxygen environments. They have simple feeding requirements and will be happy in a tank with plants, a heater, and plenty of space to swim.

These are the least expensive option and work very well for smaller tanks. There are several pieces that all come together when you are trying to select your first aquarium setup. You should also consider how much time you have to devote to the upkeep and cleaning of your tank.