Best Beginner Fish For Your New Aquarium
Did you know that choosing the right fish will help your new aquarium thrive? But how do you set up your first tank with suitable fish? If you’re new to fishkeeping, making the right choice is important. In this blog, I’ll guide you through selecting some of the best fish for beginners. Let’s explore this topic in detail, shall we?
Choose A Beginner Fish For A Start
Is it really important to choose beginner fish for your first aquarium? Absolutely. Beginner fish are hardy and can tolerate a range of water conditions. By starting with them, you can create a lively, attractive aquarium that is less stressful to manage.
What Are The Things to Consider Before Choosing Fish?
There are key points to keep in mind before buying fish.
Tank Size: Not all fish are the same. Some require more space than others. Always consider how large your aquarium is before making a decision.
Water Conditions: Imagine buying a fish without checking water temperature or pH levels – the result could be harmful. Each species has preferred conditions, and if their environment isn’t suitable, they won’t thrive.
Compatibility: Compatibility means how well different fish get along. Some species are peaceful, while others can be aggressive. Choose fish that live harmoniously together.
Care Level: High-maintenance fish are not ideal for beginners. Start with species that are easy to look after and require minimal effort.
Best Beginner Fish
Betta Fish: Bettas are easy to care for and can live in smaller tanks. They come in stunning colours and are also called Siamese fighting fish. However, males should not be kept together as they can be aggressive. Care tips: keep water at 24°C–28°C (76°F–82°F), use a filter to maintain clean water, and feed them quality betta pellets or flakes.
Goldfish: Goldfish are classic and hardy, but they need space. A single goldfish requires at least 20 gallons (around 90 litres). Care tips: maintain water between 18°C–24°C (65°F–75°F), and replace 10–15% of water weekly to keep conditions healthy.
Guppies: Small, colourful, and resilient, guppies are ideal for beginners. They are livebearers, meaning they give birth to young. Care tips: keep water at 22°C–28°C (72°F–82°F), provide plants and hiding spots, and feed them quality flakes or pellets.
Neon Tetras: Neon tetras are peaceful, vibrant fish that do well in groups. A school of six or more looks lively and enhances your aquarium’s appeal. Care tips: maintain water between 21°C–27°C (70°F–81°F), give them space to swim, add plants, and feed them small flakes or micro-pellets.
Corydoras Catfish: These bottom-dwelling fish help keep tanks clean by eating leftover food. Peaceful and social, they thrive in groups. Care tips: provide a soft substrate to protect their barbels, keep water between 22°C–26°C (72°F–78°F), and feed sinking pellets or flakes.
Platies: Platies are friendly, colourful fish that adapt well to various conditions. They are also livebearers, so don’t be surprised if you see baby fish. Care tips: keep water at 21°C–27°C (70°F–80°F), provide plants and hiding spaces, and feed them high-quality flakes or pellets.
Zebra Danios: Hardy and lively, zebra danios have distinctive striped patterns and enjoy being in groups. Care tips: keep water between 18°C–24°C (65°F–75°F), give them swimming space, and feed small flakes or pellets.
Swordtails: Known for their unique tails, swordtails are colourful, easy to care for, and adaptable. They are also livebearers. Care tips: maintain water at 22°C–26°C (72°F–78°F), provide hiding spots and plants, and feed them flakes or pellets.
Cherry Barbs: Peaceful and strikingly red, cherry barbs are excellent for community tanks. They thrive in groups and are easy to care for. Care tips: keep water at 23°C–26°C (74°F–78°F), add plants and hiding places, and feed them flakes or pellets.
Endler’s Livebearers: Similar to guppies, Endler’s livebearers are small, bright, and easy to care for. They are livebearers too. Care tips: feed them quality flakes or pellets and maintain stable water conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fish for your first aquarium is a step-by-step process. The species listed above are some of the best for beginners. With proper care, you’ll create a healthy, enjoyable aquarium while gaining confidence in fishkeeping.
