Having a home aquarium is a hobby that many people enjoy. But, the idea of maintaining a larger aquarium can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why small fish tanks are perfect for those new to fishkeeping and are also great for experienced hobbyists who want to have a home aquarium without as much maintenance or complications. The Washington Post even shared their thoughts on how a small fish tank can be a great way to maintain an eco-friendly aquarium in the home. So, there’s definitely a lot of reasons why having a small fish tank is a great idea.
Still, maintaining a home aquarium can be a lot of work. And, you want to make sure that the fish you care for do well in a small tank environment. In this article, we’ll be looking at the best fish for a small tank.
What Makes an Aquarium Small?
Size definitely matters when it comes to deciding if your aquarium is small or not. Generally, small fish tanks are anything that is less than 30 gallons. The can also vary in shape and size. Some of the most common small aquariums are:
- Fish Bowls: Small and bowl shaped, fish bowls are generally not thought to be great ways to keep fish. Though they seem easy to maintain, they actually require a lot more maintenance since they do not have filtration systems in place. Because of this and the small space, they are not really a good environment for most fish. There are a few fish that can tolerate a fish bowl including goldfish, guppies, and betas. But, if you’re looking to have a small home tank, look for a mini-aquarium or a tank that’s larger and provides a better environment for your fish.
- Mini-Aquariums: Small, compact, and can fit in most small spaces, a mini-aquarium is a great way to care for fish at home. If well-maintained, a mini-aquarium can be a healthy environment for small fish. Of course, just because it’s small, doesn’t mean it doesn’t require some work. You’ll want to make sure your tank’s ecosystem stays healthy, especially when starting a new aquarium. Generally, if you’re a beginner, you’ll want to look for a tank that’s a bit larger with a more advanced filtration system in place.
- 5-Gallon Aquariums: If you’re a newbie to fishkeeping, a 5-gallon aquarium can be the perfect starter tank. These smaller tanks offer a filtration system and lights, making it easier to maintain and keep fish in a healthy environment. This is still a fairly small tank, so if you have more space, consider a larger aquarium, even if you’re a beginner.
- 10-Gallon Aquariums: If you want a smaller aquarium that’s small, but not too small, a 10-gallon aquarium is your best bet. With a filtration system and lights, you’ll find this size tank a great choice for newbies and fishkeeping pros. If you have children, this is a nice size to get them interested and involved in home fishkeeping.
- 20-Gallon Aquariums: If bigger is better, choose a 20-gallon aquarium. You’ll get all the benefits of more space, better filtration systems, and lights, while providing your fish with the best small tank environment possible. If space is an issue, look for smaller tanks, like a 5-gallon aquarium that offers a good environment for small fish at a fraction of the size.
If you have kids and aren’t sure what size tank to get that’s best for kiddos interested in fishkeeping, check out this Child Friendly Fish Tanks: A Guide for Parents and Others for more tips and things to consider when buying a fish tank that’s great for kids and parents.
Fish Are Friends: The Best Fish for a Small Tank
Once you’ve chosen your ideal fish tank size, it’s time to start thinking about the best fish for your small tank. Because you’re working with a smaller space, you’ll want to think about several things before deciding what fish to include in your aquarium. This includes fish temperament (i.e. how well do they get along with other fish, are they aggressive, etc.), the space the fish need, and any specific fish care requirements (i.e. types of food, water temperature, etc.). Generally, you want to create an ecosystem of fish that get along and thrive in the same water environment. Here are some of the best fish for a small tank.
- Guppies: These livebearing fish are pretty popular for small fish tank owners. Because they’re livebearers, if you have several, chances are you’ll have a lot of baby guppies sooner or later. They can live in fish bowls or mini-aquariums, but they do like to swim a lot and require space. So, definitely consider a slightly larger small aquarium with free space for them to be active.
- Bettas: One of the most beautiful small fish out there, bettas are very popular. But, they are also a bit temperamental too. Also called Fighting Fish, they can be aggressive — especially with other bettas. This means you’ll want to include only a single betta in your tank. You’ll also want to make sure that the other fish in you aquarium are generally peaceful and get along well with other fish. Bettas can often be the target of nipping, because they have beautiful and long tails.
- Gouramis: If you’re looking for a small and colorful fish to include in your small tank, look no further than the gourami. There are several different types of gouramis including the Sparkling Gourami and Dwarf Gourami. These small fish do grow a bit and should not be included in any tank less than 5-gallons. You’ll also want to make sure you give them lots of plants and spaces to hide too.
- Corydoras: Every fish tank needs a bottom-dweller. These are the fish that help naturally filter the tank that they live in. Dwarf Corydoras, in particular, are perfect for a small fish tank. They get along with most fish. But, if you do choose to get a corydora, be sure to get at least 6 of them. They do like to be surrounded by other corydoras in a small school. Plus, having a few of them will help ensure that the bottom of your fish tank is clear of debris that could negatively affect the tank’s ecosystem.
Want even more tips on selecting the best fish for a small tank? Check out this great infographic released by Disney on Selecting the Right Pet Fish. It’s a great way for both children and adults to learn about fishkeeping basics.