Starting an aquarium is an exciting venture. However, choosing the right fish for your first tank can be a little daunting. Some fish are easier to care for than others, and compatibility with other species is essential for maintaining a peaceful and thriving aquarium.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the top 5 fish to consider for your first aquarium. These fish are not only hardy but also generally get along with other species, making them ideal choices for beginners.
- Betta Fish
Care Level: Easy
Tank Size: 5+ Gallons
Water Parameters: 76-82°F (24-28°C), pH 6.5-7.5
The Betta fish, also known as the Siamese fighting fish, is one of the most popular choices for beginners due to its stunning colours and relatively simple care requirements. While they are aggressive toward other males of their species, they can coexist peacefully with non-aggressive fish in a community tank that they do not view as a threat or competition. It is a good idea to get tank mates that are not as brightly coloured, as it helps the Betta fish feel less threatened. Female Bettas may live in groups called Sororities, however, a much larger tank is required for them to coexist peacefully.
Best Tank Mates for Betta Fish:
- Corydoras Catfish: Peaceful and bottom-dwelling, these catfish won’t bother the Betta and are perfect companions.
- Snails: Snails are peaceful and non-aggressive, and therefore won’t bother the Betta. They also can help keep the tank clean by naturally eating the algae that builds up on the tank.
- Shrimp: Like snails, Shrimp will help by keeping the tank clean. They also prefer to hide in plants and other foliage, thus staying out of your Bettas way. It is suggested to get a more naturally coloured shrimp to not entice your Betta.
Avoid: Other Betta males, fin-nipping species (like some barbs), and large, aggressive fish.
Want more information on Betta Fish? Check out our “Caring For Your Betta Fish” tip sheet here! https://www.petland.ca/pages/keeping-a-betta-in-a-bowl
- Guppies
Care Level: Easy
Tank Size: 5+ Gallons
Water Parameters: 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH 6.8-7.8
Guppies are small, colorful fish that are known for their vibrant appearance and peaceful temperament. They’re hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making them perfect for a beginner’s tank. They are also livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young, which can be a fun and educational experience for fish keepers.
Best Tank Mates for Guppies:
- Neon Tetras: These small fish complement the guppy’s peaceful nature and add additional color to the tank.
- Zebra Danios: Active swimmers, these fish do well in a variety of temperatures and water conditions.
- Corydoras Catfish: As with the Betta, Corydoras make excellent tank mates because of their docile nature and bottom-dwelling habits.
Avoid: Larger or aggressive fish that might see guppies as food, such as larger cichlids or predatory fish.
- Neon Tetra
Care Level: Easy
Tank Size: 10-15 gallons
Water Parameters: 70-81°F (21-27°C), pH 6.0-7.0
Neon Tetras are one of the most popular fish for beginners due to their small size, peaceful nature, and vibrant colors. These tiny fish add a beautiful splash of color to your tank and thrive in schools of 5 or more, which helps to reduce stress.
Best Tank Mates for Neon Tetras:
- Guppies: Small, peaceful, and colorful, guppies are perfect tank mates for Neon Tetras.
- Corydoras Catfish: Again, the calm nature of these bottom-dwelling fish makes them excellent companions.
- Harlequin Rasboras: These peaceful fish are a good match for the Neon Tetra and provide a similar level of activity and color to the tank.
Avoid: Larger fish that might see Neon Tetras as food, such as bettas, large cichlids, or carnivorous species.
- Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)
Care Level: Easy
Tank Size: 10-20 gallons
Water Parameters: 64-75°F (18-24°C), pH 6.5-7.5
Zebra Danios are hardy fish that adapt well to a wide range of water conditions. They are active swimmers and can live in groups, which helps reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. With their distinctive horizontal stripes, they’re fun to watch and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
Best Tank Mates for Zebra Danios:
- Guppies: Like Neon Tetras, guppies are peaceful and vibrant, making them ideal companions for Zebra Danios.
- Corydoras Catfish: These bottom dwellers will stay out of the way of the active Zebra Danios, providing balance in the tank.
- Otocinclus Catfish: Small algae eaters that are peaceful and won’t bother the Zebra Danios.
Avoid: Larger or aggressive species that may outcompete or bully Zebra Danios.
- Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.)
Care Level: Easy
Tank Size: 10 gallons
Water Parameters: 70-78°F (21-26°C), pH 6.5-7.5
Corydoras catfish are bottom-dwelling fish that are hardy, peaceful, and make a great addition to nearly any freshwater aquarium. Their playful and social nature means they prefer to be kept in groups, and they are excellent tank cleaners, helping to keep the substrate free of debris.
Best Tank Mates for Corydoras Catfish:
- Neon Tetras: These peaceful schooling fish work well with Corydoras as both species are non-aggressive.
- Zebra Danios: Active swimmers, they won’t compete with Corydoras for space and are of a similar peaceful nature.
- Guppies: Guppies and Corydoras are both friendly and peaceful, making them a great match.
Avoid: Large, aggressive fish or those that may disturb the bottom-dwelling Corydoras, such as some species of cichlids or large barbs.
Tips for Creating a Harmonious Aquarium
When starting an aquarium, it's essential to remember a few things to keep your fish healthy and happy:
- Start with a Properly Cycled Tank: Before adding any fish, make sure your tank is properly cycled. This means that the filter system has established the necessary beneficial bacteria to break down harmful toxins, like ammonia and nitrites, into safer substances.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fish need space to swim and thrive. Overcrowding can lead to aggression, stress, and poor water quality. A crowded tank means more filtration, higher chance of disease, and more cleaning.
- Keep Up with Regular Maintenance: Regular water changes, filter maintenance, and keeping the tank clean will help prevent the buildup of harmful toxins and ensure a healthy environment for your fish.
- Monitor Water Quality: Keep an eye on pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates to ensure the water is safe for your fish. Invest in a good water testing kit and adjust the water conditions as needed.
Starting an aquarium is a rewarding experience, and choosing the right fish for your first tank is crucial for success. Betta fish, guppies, Neon Tetras, Zebra Danios, and Corydoras Catfish are all fantastic choices for beginners. They are hardy, peaceful, and easy to care for, and most importantly, they are compatible with a wide variety of other freshwater species.
By selecting these beginner-friendly fish and pairing them with compatible tank mates, you’ll be on your way to creating a beautiful, thriving aquatic ecosystem that you can enjoy for years to come. Happy fishkeeping!
