The Best Types of Fish for Beginner Aquarists

A Beginners Guide to Finding the Best Fish for Aquariums

Owning an aquarium can be a great way to get in touch with nature and also have a calming effect when life gets chaotic. However, the process of establishing an aquarium from scratch can seem daunting for a beginner, particularly when considering the types of fish. From choosing the correct tank size to figuring out the best fish to fit your lifestyle, before long you'll be fully immersed in the aquarium culture and making your own decisions about which fish you'd like to have in your tank.

Tank Size and Compatibility

Before you can start looking for fish, you need to consider the size of your tank and how many fish you can keep, including their size, shape, and behavior. To keep the water quality in your tank healthy, it is generally recommended to not have more than one inch of fish per gallon of water. You should also think about any decorations or live plants you may want and be sure to leave enough space for the fish to swim. It is also important to consider tank size and compatibility when choosing the types of fish. Different species are known to prefer different habitats and can become stressed in overcrowded or wrong-sized tanks.

Research Your Animals

Researching the types of fish before you buy them is essential. Look at the different fish species and pay attention to the nature of each tank mate. Some may be semi-aggressive or territorial, while others may get along better with, or even help clean the tank. You should also consider the activity level of each fish. Some fish are quite active, others are more relaxed and take their time exploring the tank. Being aware of your fish’s traits before bringing them home is important for the overall health and happiness of any animal.

The Best Fish for Beginners

Now that you've established the size of your tank and what type of aquarium environment you'd prefer, let's look at the types of fish that are best suited for beginner aquarists. Here are four of the best fish for beginner aquarists:

• Guppies: Guppies are easy to care for and vibrant in color. They are also active and can even help keep your tank clean by nibbling any food and algae that might be left behind. Guppies can be kept in very small tanks – as small as five gallons – so you don't need to have a huge aquarium to keep a few. Additionally, Guppies can adapt to different temperatures, making them one of the best fish for beginner aquarists who are just getting started.
• Tetras: Tetras are a great choice for beginner aquarists because they do not get too big, so they are suitable for smaller tanks. They are also very peaceful and love to swim in groups. Plus, they come in a variety of beautiful colors. Tetras are so easy to care for that even those with no prior experience can successfully keep them in a home aquarium.
• Gourami: Gourami are an excellent option for beginner aquarists as they are quite hardy, meaning they are resilient to water conditions and temperature changes. They are also very peaceful and come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Gourami can grow up to six inches, so they need a large tank, ideally at least 20 gallons.
• Platies: Platies are some of the most colorful fish and make a great addition to any aquarium. They are peaceful in nature, so they work well in community aquariums. Additionally, they are very hardy and can survive in a wide range of temperatures. Platies need a minimum tank size of 10 gallons.

By now, you may have noticed that the key points to consider include size of the tank, compatibility of fish, and activity level of each fish. Researching before you buy is essential and setting up the right environment for your fish is also important for your fish’s health and happiness. With some basic knowledge, you can start your aquarium and select fish that work best for you.