March 12, 2025

How to Create and Maintain a Minimal-Maintenance Aquarium

10 Low Maintenance Fish: The Easiest Fish to Care for in Your Aquarium

However, if you're ready to start an aquarium and are aware of what you're taking on, there are a whole host of colorful fish to choose from. If you're in the throes of setting up a home aquarium, you may be curious about the types of freshwater fish you can keep as a pet. Often the first fish that springs to mind is a goldfish, but there are so many other wonderful species out there that can be kept as pets. Remember to monitor salt levels regularly and adjust as needed to keep your aquatic friends healthy and happy. With the right balance you’ll not only prevent diseases but also promote overall well-being in your aquarium.

Types of Fish that can Live Together

Sand gives a more natural look and is best for species that like to dig. If you plan to grow plants, consider a nutrient-rich substrate that supports plant roots. You should change about 15 to 25% of your aquarium’s water every one to two weeks. When you change your aquarium’s water, you should clean the rest of the tank as well. The percentage of water and frequency of water changes depend on the volume of fish and plant life in your tank. A heavily stocked tank will need a larger volume of water changed more frequently, and a lightly stocked tank can be changed slightly less.

Cleaning Supplies

  • "Low Tech" tanks are almost maintenance free if you FILTER FILTER FILTER!.
  • The nitrite stage will follow the same pattern as the ammonia stage – levels will climb, then as nitrite-neutralizing bacteria develop, levels will plummet.
  • When designing the Loggerhead Musk Turtle habitat, ensure enough hiding spaces and adequate substrates.

Be prepared to take at least a few weeks to ensure your tank is fully cycled before bringing your fish home. If you don’t have the time to skim through that article, my quick recommendation would always be to use Tetra SafeStart Plus. This brand contains the actual species of ammonia-consuming bacteria that thrive in water, unlike some other brands that use a less-efficient terrestrial strain.

You can even mix and match some of the fish to create healthy, happy community tanks. Just ensure you do all your research on the needs and care of any fish before you bring it home. Another type of livebearer, Mollies are larger and more full-bodied than the more streamlined Guppy.

Stable water conditions and a balanced diet of flake food, supplemented with occasional live or frozen treats, will support their health and vibrant colors. Beginners will appreciate their easygoing nature and the lively dynamics they introduce to the tank. While they can adapt to a variety of water conditions, maintaining clean and well-oxygenated water will ensure their health and happiness. Their diet should include sinking pellets and occasional live or frozen foods to mimic their natural foraging habits.

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.

Welcome to Natalie’s Nook! I’m Sam Bramston, the heart and soul behind this blog where every word weaves a new part of our shared journey. With a rich background in professional blogging, I've transformed my passion for storytelling into a vibrant tapestry of articles that explore everything from quiet musings to grand adventures. Raised in the lush countryside, I developed a deep appreciation for nature’s whispers and echoes, which later inspired my themes of reflection and discovery. When I'm not crafting new content or buried in a good book, you can find me hiking local trails or experimenting with landscape photography, always with a camera in hand and a story in mind. Join me at Natalie’s Nook, where our stories intertwine and every shared moment becomes a cherished memory.