How to Create and Maintain a Minimal-Maintenance Aquarium

How to Maintain a Freshwater Aquarium

Finally, they are easy to keep because they eat both plants and flesh so you are under no restrictions when it comes to providing them food. Being so tiny, you can actually keep about 6 of these nano fish in a 10-gallon aquarium. I’ve personally seen them swim together with White Cloud Mountain Minnows in the same aquarium but the Zebra Danios will let any other schooling fish join them.

Rookie Mistakes to Avoid When Starting an Aquarium

Hailing from Mexico and Central America, only the male fish possess the unique swordtail, making males and females easy to distinguish if you want to breed them. Although not a fish, the African Dwarf Frog is a unique, low-maintenance addition to freshwater aquariums. These frogs are entirely aquatic, which means they never need to leave the water. They can coexist with non-aggressive fish species and get along well in community tanks.

Cleaning Equipment for Maintaining Your Aquarium

• These are the least expensive option and work very well for smaller tanks.
• In fact, when you’re starting the tank, it’s best if you only feed them every other day to avoid creating excess waste in the tank.
• When kept in a community aquarium, they are well-behaved and will leave other fish and corals alone.
• You need to think about where you’ll place it and what type will suit your needs.
• By choosing the right equipment, plants, and decor and setting up effective filtration, you'll create an aquatic ecosystem that largely takes care of itself.

The Platy is a small, colorful livebearer that can tolerate a wide spectrum of water conditions and is perfect for easy-care aquarium installations. As social fish, Platies are stunning additions to community tanks, and their adaptability to water temperatures (70-80°F) and pH levels (6.8-8.0) makes them an aquarium favorite. Species of platies (platyfish) are great fish to build up your community aquarium with friendly tropical fish.

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.

Their peaceful nature and striking appearance make them a perennial favorite among beginner aquarists looking to create a vibrant underwater landscape. Don’t feed carnivores like Chinese Softshell Turtles plant-based food or overload omnivores like False Map Turtles with protein-rich food only. All 14 turtle species in this overview have unique care needs, but there are some general turtle tank maintenance rules that will help all of them.