A Complete Guide to Freshwater Fish Tanks: Selection, Setup, and Maintenance

Freshwater Aquarium Fish for Beginners Easy Fish to Keep Alive

Imagine sharing your aquarium tales and getting advice about that stubborn algae problem. You’ll find forums and social media groups where members post about their experiences. Discussions cover everything from tank setups to favorite fish foods.

Rookie Mistakes to Avoid When Starting an Aquarium

Betta fish would also need hideaways, which are easily achievable with the help of a couple of live aquatic plants. This is thanks to their unique labyrinth lungs, which allows them to breathe atmospheric air. For this reason, some people do not see the need for a filter in an aquarium with a Betta fish.

Cleaning Supplies

• You can even expect them to occasionally inspect the floating plants at the top of your water column.
• Goldfish are cold water aquarium fish that prefer water temperature of F (17-23 C), although some species can live in cooler or warmer temperatures.
• Known for being curious and interactive, they often recognize their caregivers, making feeding time an engaging experience.
• Zebrafish are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet, including flake food and occasional live or frozen meals.
• A hardy species of fish native to China, the white cloud mountain minnow is a graceful and peaceful community fish that likes to be paired with at least five others of its species.

The Standard Goldfish is often the first choice for many novice aquarists. With their vibrant orange hue and flowing fins, they add a splash of color to any tank. These fish are incredibly hardy, making them ideal for beginners who are still mastering the art of aquarium maintenance.

Even if you’ve chosen hardy fish as your starter fish, you’re still going to expose them to toxins, which will eventually reflect in their health. It goes without saying that adding small fish to a tank with larger fish is also a no-no, since the bigger fish will mistake the smaller ones for food. So, you’ll need to perform water changes and clean the tank regularly to keep nitrate levels under control. If you add fish to a tank that hasn’t gone to a cycling process, ammonia levels will spike because of the waste fish generate.

To add to their appeal as low-maintenance fish, they are omnivorous and can subsist on a diet of most store-bought fish flakes. Parents need not worry about obtaining specialized food or having to isolate the neon tetras in a separate tank. Their hardiness also makes them resilient against any mistakes that might be made as part of the learning curve. Did you know that 2 million Neon Tetras are sold in the US every month?

How do I monitor salt levels in my aquarium?

By understanding the specific needs of your tank and the types of salt available you can create a thriving environment for your fish. Implement these practices to maintain optimal salt levels and support the well-being of your aquatic pets. Plecos are generally placid and easy to care for, so they are not challenging for beginners.