Author: Mark Valderrama

  • Best Nano Protein Skimmer โ€“ 7 Best (2026 Reviews)

    Best Nano Protein Skimmer โ€“ 7 Best (2026 Reviews)

    Are you in the market for a new nano protein skimmer? Or maybe you’re just curious about what the best nano protein skimmers are on the market right now. In either case, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’ll be taking a look at seven of the best nano protein skimmers currently available, based on 2023 reviews. So whether you’re looking for something affordable or high-end, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

    How I Selected These Nano Skimmers (My Criteria Selection)

    Choosing from the large list of options these days, it can be overwhelming to determine which is the best nano protein skimmer for you. I’m here to help and have a fairly comprehensive selection criteria that is as follows:

    • Reliability
    • Brand name
    • Footprint

    Reliability

    Nano Protein skimmers should last a long time. For large skimmers, this comes down to the pump quality and the durability of the protein skimmer body and neck to take wear and tear over time. For nano protein skimmers, the main focus is on the pump. Because of where these skimmers go, there is less of a risk of damage since they aren’t going to move anywhere. You don’t have to worry about elbowing a protein skimmer neck while in your sump with a tiny protein skimmer. The pump needs to reliable and last the test of time.

    Brand Name

    I try to avoid any cheap made Chinese brand sellers. Sure, the prices are great and some of them are pretty decent. But most of those models that are decent are establish brand names now like Bubble Magus. I’m talking about the generic skimmers you find on marketplaces like Amazon.

    I stick to major brand names to this like. Brands like Tunze, Aquamaxx, and CoralVue have been involved in the saltwater hobby for a long time and have constantly produced winning products. If I’m going to list a small brand or a up and comer, they better offer something unique that the major brands don’t have.

    Footprint

    These are called nano protein skimmers for a reason. They are supposed to be the smallest footprint possible so they can be installed internally while not being a major eyesore. Others are designed to be installed inside all-in-one systems and nano reef tanks. They need to have a slim profile to fit in these chambers. If they can’t fit in most systems, they don’t make the list!

    The Nano Protein Skimmer Candidates

    Nano protein skimmers are becoming more popular as more hobbyists try to keep smaller reef tanks. There are more models being released each year. However, the same name brands show up time and time again in this size. Below is a list of the nano skimmers I’ve reviewed.

    In a hurry? I recommend the Tunze Comline DOC 9001!

    PictureNameBest ForLink
    Editor’s Choice
    Tunze Comline DOC 9001     		Tunze Comline DOC 9001
    • Reliable
    • Great skimmer
    • Small Footprint
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    Best Value
    Innovative Marine BioSkim NANO     		Innovative Marine BioSkim NANO
    • Built for all in one tanks
    • Great brand name
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    Budget Option
    Aquatic Life 115 Mini     		Aquatic Life 115 Mini
    • Great price
    • Small footprint
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    IceCap K1 Nano IceCap K1 Nano
    • Small footprint
    • Needle wheel skimmer
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    Aquamaxx HOB 1.5 Aquamaxx HOB 1.5
    • Hang On Back
    • Powerful
    		Buy On Amazon
    Reef Glass Nano Reef Glass Nano
    • Smallest Skimmer
    • Good price
    		Buy On EBay
    Aquamaxx NF-1 Nano Aquamaxx NF-1 Nano
    • Small Footpint
    • SICCE pump
    		Buy On Amazon

    The 7 Best (2023 Reviews)

    I narrowed down the list to 7, now let’s see why each protein skimmer made the cut!

    1. Tunze Comline DOC 9001

    Editor’s Choice
    Comline DOC 9001
    Comline DOC 9001

    Best Nano Protein Skimmer

    With Tunze’s legendary reliability and its small footprint. This is the protein skimmer to buy for small aquariums

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    Tunze has developed the perfect nano protein skimmer that has remained unchanged for many years. It is built with the same reliability in mind. These protein skimmers are known for lasting and performing reliability, similar to the Tunze auto top off unit and wavemakers. This protein skimmer will run for many years with few issues.

    The Tunze 9001 is designed for nano tanks 37 gallons in size. It is designed to be “idiot proof”. You just install it in the corner of your tank or in an all in one chamber and forget about it (except when you need to empty out the skimmate chamber.

    They can be finnicky with aquarium water levels, but it’s easy to adjust with their magnetic mounts. It has been used by many nano aquarium owners over the years to the point where it has become the go to for protein skimmers. This is the best nano protein skimmer you can buy on the list if it’s within your budget.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Tunze reliability
    • High quality
    • Compact size
    Cons
    • Expensive

    2. Innovative Marine BioSkim

    Best Value
    BioSkim DC Skimmer
    BioSkim DC Skimmer

    The BioSkim is a DC powered nano skimmer that works in nearly every all in one tank

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    What a tiny protein skimmer that is DC powered? Look no further with the Innovation Marine BioSkim DC Skimmer. This DC powered skimmer is energy efficient and designed with all in one tanks in mind. With only a 4″ wide footprint, it can fit in virtually all all in one tanks. They are designed for saltwater aquariums up to 34 gallons.

    It is the successor to Innovative’s ghost skimmer line. The Ghost wasn’t the great protein skimmer and Innovative have learned their lesson. This protein skimmer is a lot more functional than the Ghost. It produces a lot more foam the ghost with this new design.

    It’s cheaper than the Tunze. It’s a great option if the Tunze is out of your budget. If this one is out of your budget, I got another cheaper option below.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Innovative brand name
    • High quality
    • Fits in IM tanks
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Small collection cup

    3. Aquatic Life 115 Mini Internal

    Budget Option
    Aquatic Life Mini Skimmer
    Aquatic Life Mini Skimmer

    The Aquatic Life Mini Skimmer offers a competent pump driven protein skimmer at a budget conscious price. Small enough to fit in most nano tanks and all in one aquariums

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    The Aquatic Life Mini Skimmer is a well priced nano skimmer. It not only is the cheapest skimmer on this list, but also one of the smallest. With a 3 and 1/4 inch footprint, it can fit in virtually any all in one chamber. It’s also small enough to install internally where it would be a big eyesore.

    It’s size comes with a price. This is one of the lower bubble producing protein skimmers on this list, but still will still do a good job in a small tank. If you are on a budget, but want a protein skimmer, the 115 mini internal protein skimmer is great to add to your nano reef tank!

    Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • Small size
    Cons
    • Not the best skimmer
    • Small collection cup

    4. IceCap K1

    IceCap K1
    IceCap K1

    A budget offering from CoralVue. Smaller sizes work great for nano reef tanks

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    The K-1 Nano by IceCap is a powerful nano protein skimmer for its size. With a 2.7 x 3.2 inch footprint, it can fit even in small all in one aquariums like the Nuvo 10 and Pro Fusion 20s. The unit is powered by IceCap’s DCair 200 protein skimmer pump. These are considered the lower end pumps with the K2 pumps being considered the higher end models.

    However, there are no K2 nano skimmers available. Even with this pump, the skimmate produced is pretty good. It’s also built like a in sump skimmer with an adjustable dial and bubble cage design.

    It’s slightly cheaper than the Tunze Comline, but doesn’t have the reliability history that the Tunze has. It’s a great option if you want to spend a little less but also want a powerful nano protein skimmer.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Great quality
    • Small size
    • Built like a sump skimmer
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Cheap pump

    5. AquaMaxx HOB 1.5 Hang On Back

    Great HOB Skimmer
    AquaMaxx HOB 1.5
    AquaMaxx HOB 1.5

    Best HOB Skimmer

    Combines a needle wheel style skimmer in an HOB design

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    Are you looking for the most powerful skimmer you can put in your nano reef tank? If so, the Aquamaxx HOB 1.5 is the skimmer to purchase. This beast is armed with a modified SICCE pump and is built to handle saltwater aquariums up to 90 gallons. You can’t get larger than this unless your nano tank somehow has a sump to put a larger skimmer inside it.

    So how do you place a large protein skimmer like this in an all-in-one tank? All you do is place the intake and return in one section and the return in another. The protein skimmer will also need to hang on the back of the all-in-one saltwater aquarium, which will take away from that flushed look that these systems can provide.

    While it won’t look the prettiest hanging in your tank ,this is the most powerful protein skimmer you can buy at this size. If powerful filtration is your sole focus, get this protein skimmer.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Powerful skimmer
    • SICCE pump
    • Solid design
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Hangs on back

    6. Reef Glass

    Great For Nano Reefs
    Reef Glass Nano
    Reef Glass Nano

    The Smallest Skimmer

    Compact size yet effective, The Reef Glass Nano is ideal for Nano Reef Tanks

    Buy On EBay
    It

    Do you have a small nano tank? Maybe even a pico tank (10 gallons and under) and what to drop a skimmer in? If so, the ReefGlass is the smallest nano protein skimmer you can purchase in the hobby. It’s small, but mighty. It is the only woodstone powered skimmer I’ll recommended to readers.

    This isn’t your ordinary woodstone skimmer. This is built with Pyrex glass and it doesn’t need an unsightly side drain like those cheaper protein skimmers. It’s all made in the USA! It is designed to mount inside rimless or rimmed tanks, but it is so small it will fit in any all in one protein skimmer chamber out there. ReefGlass claims it can work with aquariums up to 30 gallons, but I’m inclined to say that this skimmer is best at the 20 gallons and under size. All you need is an aquarium air pump to get this working.

    It’s small and on the expensive side (more so when you add in the pump cost), but it’s size allows you to place it anywhere in a saltwater tank.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Tiny skimmer
    • Great design
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • Air driven
    • Expensive

    7. Aquamaxx NF-1

    AquaMaxx NF-1 Nano
    AquaMaxx NF-1 Nano

    The Aquamaxx NF-1 Nano offers a compact size skimmer that is powered by a modified SICCE pump

    Buy On Amazon

    I love the Aquamaxx HOB 1.5, but most reefs don’t want to put a giant skimmer on the back of their tank. Aquamaxx had a WS-1 skimmer, but even that was too big for most all in one tanks. I was very pleased to see that they have been listening to their customers with the introduction of the NF-1 Nano.

    This little skimmer is powered by the same modified SICCE pumps that all other Aquamaxx skimmers use. This skimmer will outperform many other nano protein skimmers on the market. It is a little bit wider at 4″ in footprint, but should fit in most all-in-one aquariums.

    It does have one issue where the intake will get clogged with salt creep. This means you have to clean more often than others. It’s also on the pricier side being slightly more than the IceCap skimmer. If you want a SICCE powered nano skimmer, this is a solid choice.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Small footprint
    • SICCE pump
    • Built like in sump skimmer
    Cons
    • Intake clogs easily
    • Pricey

    Popular Types to Avoid

    So I mentioned several great picks and the best nano protien skimmer to buy. Let’s talk about ones to avoid. I made this list below because it’s really easy to select a skimmer at this size that will not work well. 2 of those I’ve had personal experience with and the others I’ve heard so much about through forums and other hobbyists that I wouldn’t recommend it over the ones that made this best of list. Let’s discuss each one below:

    1. Fluval SP

    The Fluval SP skimmer is a very popular choice due to the popularity of the Fluval EVO XIII. While popular, it’s not the best nano skimmer to buy. It’s major issue is micro bubbles. Hobbyists over the years have suggested that these micro bubbles can be an annoyance to fish, and irriate corals and inverts. It’s best to avoid bubbles all together in a reef tank. For this main reason, I don’t recommend the SP.

    2. Seaclone

    The instant ocean Seaclone was a classic skimmer recommendation when you would go to a local chain pet store because it was one of the few they sold at the stone. It’s has an overrated aquarium capacity on the box and it functions off an old school venturi pump. It is not a very effective skimmer for the price. You way better skimmers from the list above vs the Seaclone. The Tunze Comline is actually cheaper than it!

    3. Airstone (Air Wood Stone) Skimmers

    Airstone protein skimmers are another common find at local chain pet stores. They used to be more popular years ago before the explosion of pump driven nano protein skimmers. These airstones (AKA wood stone) skimmers are some of the least reliable protein skimmers you can buy. The airstone would produce less bubbles all the time and the skimmate production wasn’t that great. Most of these models are bulky and require to be placed in the tank. They won’t fit in all in one tanks.

    For this reason, I don’t recommend them. They are cheap, but the price usually isn’t worth it. The only airstone driven skimmer I would recommend would be the ReefGlass skimmer.

    What is this?

    A nano protein skimmer is a skimmer that is designed to be used for aquariums that are 40 gallons or smaller. Many traditional nano protein skimmers are actually designed to be used for larger tanks or aquarium sumps. Nano skimmers are designed to have small footprints or slim designs so they can be installed internally or inside an all in one tank chamber

    How To Install

    Nano protein skimmers have different installation instructions then tradition protein skimmers. They are usually placed in an all-in-one chamber and will need to adjusted to accommodate the aquarium water level they are placed in. It’s also not a skimmer where you can see the neck to see the bubble production.

    I’m providing a video for a visual. Check out this video from TUNZE that shows how to assemble and disassemble their nano protein skimmer

    FAQS

    Should I Run Skimmers On A Nano Tank?

    Should you run a protein skimmer on a small tank – I would if it’s within your budget. It never hurts to add additional filtration. It would also help with handling higher stocking levels, especially if you purchase a high-quality one.

    What Is The Smallest One?

    The smallest nano protein skimmer you can purchase is the Reef Glass Nano. It is made of Pyrex glass and built in the USA. It is the smallest and thinnest nano protein skimmer you can buy.

    Do You Need These For A Nano Tank?

    No. You don’t need a protein skimmer for a nano tank. Many successful nano reef tanks run successfully without them. A protein skimmer is an added filtration system, which works with heavier bioloads. You can offset a protein will a smaller bioload or with more frequent aquarium water changes.

    Do I Need A Sump?

    No. You do not need a sump for a protein skimmer. Many of the protein sumps in this list can function without a protein. Also, hang-on-back protein skimmers are great if you don’t have a sump and don’t have the chambers from an all-in-one tank. You can also place a large hang-on back filter inside one of the all-in-one chambers.

    Does A Nano Reef Need One of These?

    No. Many nano reefs do fine without needing a protein skimmer. It’s a completely optional piece of equipment. Most aquarium owners purchase them because they want extra filtration due to desiring a heavily stocked saltwater aquarium

    Closing Thoughts

    So, what’s the best nano protein skimmer for your reef tank? It really depends on your specific needs and preferences. We hope that this article has helped you better understand the different types of skimmers available and how to choose the right one for your tank. Leave a comment below and let us know which type of skimmer you decided on or if you have any questions about choosing or using a nano protein skimmer.

    ๐Ÿ”ง Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Aquarium Equipment & Gear Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for filters, heaters, lights, pumps, tanks, and more.

  • 20 Great Coldwater Aquarium Fish: The Complete Guide (No Heater Required)

    20 Great Coldwater Aquarium Fish: The Complete Guide (No Heater Required)

    Most beginners assume every aquarium needs a heater โ€” but some of the best fish in the hobby actually prefer cool water, and a few will suffer if kept too warm. After 25 years in this hobby, I’ve seen countless coldwater fish kept in heated tropical tanks because it’s “convenient.” Short-term they look fine. Long-term they’re stressed, their immune systems are compromised, and they live a fraction of their potential lifespan. In this guide I’m covering 20 coldwater aquarium fish I’d genuinely recommend, with honest notes on the temperature range each species actually needs to thrive โ€” not just survive.

    What Is A Coldwater Aquarium Fish?

    Cold water aquarium fish can survive in temperatures of 70ยฐF or lower. They are species that come from the subtropical and temperate parts of the world where the water isn’t always warm.

    Unlike most tropical fish, cold-water fish do not need a heater to survive in the home aquarium. These fish are at home in the same temperatures that most people are, so the natural room temperature of your home is usually fine for them.

    The Advantages

    Keeping coldwater fish can have some real benefits for aquarists and the fish themselves. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might choose to keep cold-water fish over tropical species.

    You Don’t Need A Heater

    Not needing a heater to keep the water temperature in the comfortable range has a few benefits that you might not realize.

    Firstly, you don’t need to buy an aquarium heater or pay for the energy they use. In this hobby, every cent counts right? You can also think of this as a more eco-friendly option.

    Heaters can be unsightly too, so you’re also able to create a more natural-looking aquarium, and reduce the amount of hardware and electrical cords you need to hide.

    It Can Be Safer

    Power interruptions are a fact of life for many people. With an unheated tank, you don’t need to panic when the power goes out.

    Even when the lights stay on, aquarium heaters can still malfunction. This is another thing you don’t have to worry about with an unheated tank.

    Less Cleaning

    Algae thrive in warm water, and this can be a real challenge in planted tropical fish tanks. Coldwater can be a real blessing in heavily planted aquariums and aquascapes because the plants and glass are less likely to be covered.

    15 Best Tanks

    Now that you know what a cold-water fish is, it’s time to get to know some of the best species for your aquarium. I’ll be listing some important stats for each species, so you can make sure you’re making the right choice. These are:

    • The fish’s scientific name
    • Its size when fully grown
    • How easy it is to care for
    • The minimum suitable tank size
    • The fish’s temperament
    • What the fish eats
    • Where it comes from
    • The water temperature the fish prefers
    • It’s swimming level in the aquarium

    So let’s meet them now! You can see our YouTube Video below from our channel and also follow along in our blog post:

    Let’s meet our fish!

    1. Japanese Rice

    Japanese Rice Fish
    Japanese Rice Fish

    Japanese rice fish are a commonly overlooked fish suitable for freshwater aquascapes. Very peaceful and hardy fish that color up with companions

    Click For Best Price
    • Scientific Name: Oryzias latipes
    • Adult Size: 1.5 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Carnivore, feed dried, live & frozen foods
    • Origin: Eastern Asia
    • Water Temperature: 64-71ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    The Japanese rice fish or Medaka fish is a great coldwater species for nano tanks. They get their name because they are often found living wild in rice paddies.

    The wild type is not the most colorful fish out there, but they are amazing to watch. A golden variety, as well as some genetically modified glowing varieties, have also been developed if you’re looking for more color. These tiny schooling fish will be happiest if kept in groups of 8 or more.

    2. Bloodfin Tetra

    Bloodfin Tetra
    Bloodfin Tetra

    Use Promo Code ASDFLIPPROMO 

    A great-looking nano fish with a reddish fin. Grows to 2 inches in length and fairly peaceful in nature

    Click For Best Price
    • Scientific Name: Aphyocharax anisitsi
    • Adult Size: 2 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive, nips fins
    • Diet: Carnivore, feed dried, live & frozen foods
    • Origin: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay
    • Water Temperature: 64-82ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Midwater

    The bloodfin tetra is a great schooling fish for unheated aquariums. Their blood-red fins give these silvery fish a striking look in the aquarium.

    They are very hardy fish that are adaptable to a wide range of water temperatures, which means you don’t have to worry if it gets a little warmer than usual. These long-lived tetras regularly survive for over 5 years, especially if kept in groups of 6 or more.

    3. White Cloud Mountain Minnow

    White Cloud Mountain Minnow
    White Cloud Mountain Minnow

    A very peaceful fish that does well in coldwater fish. Other minnow varieties are also available

    Click For Best Price
    • Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
    • Adult Size: 1.5 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Carnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
    • Origin: China
    • Water Temperature: 58-72ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Midwater

    White cloud mountain minnows are one of the best cold-water fish in the aquarium hobby. These schooling fish get their name from the White cloud mountain in China1, where they can be found living wild.

    These peaceful fish are available in some awesome varieties including gold and long-finned types. They prefer cooler water temperatures and are easy to care for. The white cloud mountain minnow is a great choice for a community tank if kept with other peaceful fish.

    4. Panda Corydoras

    Panda Cory
    Panda Cory

    A small cory fish that does well in shrimp tanks. Grows to 2.5 inches in length

    Click For Best Price Buy On Petco Online
    • Scientific Name: Corydoras panda
    • Adult Size: 2 inches
    • Care Level: Easy-moderate
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivore, feed sinking dried foods, live and frozen supplements
    • Origin: Peru
    • Water Temperature: 68-77ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Bottom

    Panda corydoras get their name from their bold black and white markings and black eyestripe. These adorable catfish are great for cold water aquariums, even though commercially bred individuals are less fussy about water temperatures than wild-caught fish.

    Panda cory catfish are very peaceful and social bottom feeders that will be most confident in a school of 6 or more.

    5. Guppies

    Guppy Fish
    Guppy Fish

    An undemanding fish that is a livebearer. Many varieties available

    Click For Best Price Buy From Petco Online
    • Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
    • Adult Size: 1-2.5 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivores, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
    • Origin: South America and the Caribbean
    • Water Temperature: 63-82ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    Guppies are one of the most popular pet fish on the planet. They are very adaptable and do just as well as cold-water fish as they do in a community tank with tropical fish. These peaceful fish have been bred to display an amazing variety of colors.

    Guppies are livebearers, which means they give birth to live fry instead of laying eggs. It is best to keep only one sex if you don’t want these fish to multiply in your aquarium.

    6. Endler’s Livebearer

    Endler's Livebearers
    Endler's Livebearers

    A very active and colorful livebearer. Smaller in size than guppies

    Click For Best Price Buy From Petco Online
    • Scientific Name: Poecilia wingei
    • Adult Size: 1-1.8 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivores, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
    • Origin: Venezuela, South America
    • Water Temperature: 64-84ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    Endler’s livebearers are another awesome nano species for coldwater aquariums. These tiny fish look very similar to guppies, but they stay much smaller at under 2 inches in length. They are not cold-water fish specifically, but they are very hardy and will do great in an unheated tank in a warm home.

    7. Bristle Nose Pleco

    Bristlenose Pleco
    Bristlenose Pleco

    The Bristlenose Pleco is a smaller Pleco that does a great job of eating algae. Peaceful and gets along with most fish

    Click For Best Price
    • Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp.
    • Adult Size: 4-5 inches
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Herbivore, feed algae wafers & vegetables
    • Origin: Argentina
    • Water Temperature: 70-79ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Bottom

    The bristle nose pleco is an unusual fish that is very useful for eating algae. Most people assume these fish can only be kept in tropical aquariums, but they are comfortable in most unheated aquariums and many aquarists have even managed to keep them with goldfish.

    Bristlenose plecos are vegetarian fish that need plenty of driftwood to graze on. They are such efficient algae eaters that you’ll need to supplement their diet with spirulina wafers and veggies to keep them well fed. The pleco pictured above is the Albino breed.

    8. Dojo Loach

    Dojo Loach
    Dojo Loach

    A bottom-dwelling fish that is very adaptable. Compatible in both tropical and coldwater environments

    Click For Best Price
    • Scientific Name: Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
    • Adult Size: 6-12 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Carnivore, feed sinking dried foods
    • Origin: Central & Eastern Asia
    • Water Temperature: 59-77ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Bottom

    The dojo loach is a great coldwater fish species for larger aquariums. Some aquarists even keep these interesting loach fish in outdoor ponds with Koi.

    The dojo loach is also known as the weather loach because they become more active when the barometric pressure changes. These interesting fish can reach up to 12 inches in length, which means they should be kept in a freshwater aquarium that holds at least 55 gallons.

    9. Rosy Barb

    https://youtu.be/HJmNdqwZE_Y
    • Scientific Name: Pethia conchonius
    • Adult Size: 3 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
    • Origin: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan
    • Water Temperature: 60-75ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Midwater

    Rosy barbs are another great species for unheated tanks. These beautiful fish have large, highly reflective scales and come in some amazing varieties like the long-fins and neons (video source).

    They are social cyprinids that like to swim in larger schools, so pick up a group of 10 or more if possible. These schooling fish are easy to care for, but not the best choice for planted tanks because they tend to nibble on leaves.

    10. Gold Barb

    Gold Tetra in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Barbodes semifasciolatus
    • Adult Size: 2.5-3 inches
    • Care Level: Peaceful
    • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, frozen, and live foods
    • Origin: China, Vietnam, Taiwan
    • Water Temperature: 61-75ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Bottom, midwater

    Gold barbs are a great choice for cold water tanks with lower water temperatures. These social fish are also known as the Chinese barb fish and they should be kept in a school of at least 8.

    Although wild gold barbs are greenish, the fish in the aquarium trade have been bred to have an amazing golden body color with dark blotches and reddish eyes and fins. A cool albino form is also available from time to time.

    11. Axolotl

    Wild Type Axolotl
    • Scientific Name: Ambystoma mexicanum
    • Adult Size: 6-12 inches
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Diet: Carnivore, feed pellets, frozen or live food
    • Origin: Mexico
    • Water Temperature: 57-68ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Bottom

    The axolotl is also known as the Mexican walking fish, but did you know that these amazing animals are not really fish at all? Axolotls are actually amphibians, just like frogs and salamanders! These creatures make amazing and unusual pets for freshwater aquariums.

    Axolotls spend their whole lives underwater and do best when kept on their own. This is because they have a tendency to eat nano fish or even each other! They need cool water and are more active in low lighting because they are nocturnal.

    12. Fancy Goldfish

    Fantail Goldfish Swimming
    • Scientific Name: Carassius auratus
    • Adult Size: 6-8 inches
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
    • Origin: China and Eastern Asia
    • Water Temperature: 65-72ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Midwater

    Goldfish are more than just feeder fish. The fancy goldfish is one of the best cold-water fish and one of the most popular pets in the world!

    These fish are available in a huge range of different breeds, including amazing fish like orandas, ranchus, and bubble-eyes. Fancy goldfish can reach over 8 inches in length, and they need a larger tank than you might think, so don’t be tempted to set them up in a goldfish bowl from your local fish store.

    13. Sunset Variatus

    Sunset Variatus
    • Scientific Name: Xiphophorus variatus
    • Adult Size: 2-2.8 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
    • Origin: Mexico
    • Water Temperature: 68-79ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    The sunset variatus is another great little livebearer for a cold water tank. This morph of the variable platy has amazing red and yellow colors, just like the sky at sunset. Sunset variatus prefer higher pH water conditions, just like many other livebearers.

    14. Celestial Pearl Danio

    Celestial Pearl Danio
    Celestial Pearl Danio

    A great-looking danio fish. Males are more colorful than females. A midway dwelling fish

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    • Scientific Name: Celestichthys margaritatus
    • Adult Size: 0.75 inches
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
    • Origin: Myanmar, Thailand
    • Water Temperature: 68-78ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Midwater

    The celestial pearl danio is an awesome nano fish species that looks amazing in a heavily planted tank. These fish are also known as galaxy rasboras or just CPDs for short.

    They are fairly timid fish that prefer cooler water temperatures. Celestial pearl danios can be kept with other fish, provided their tank mates are peaceful and stay small.

    15. Zebra Danio

    What Does A Zebra Danio Look Like
    • Scientific Name: Brachydanio rerio
    • Adult Size: 1.5-2 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Carnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
    • Origin: India
    • Water Temperature: 70-82ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Top, Midwater

    The zebra danio is another great cold-water fish that is really underrated in the aquarium hobby. Zebra danios are peaceful and hardy fish that are easy to care for. Zebra danios are fast swimming, active danio fish that are amazing in community tanks and get along with many fish.

    16. Paradise

    Paradise Fish in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Macropodus opercularis
    • Adult Size: 3 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Diet: Carnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
    • Origin: South and East Asia
    • Water Temperature: 50-71ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Top, Midwater

    The paradise fish is also known as the paradise gourami or the Chinese fighting fish. These beautiful fish are related to betta fish and have all the colors of a tropical species, but are happy in an unheated tank.

    Paradise fish have a reputation for being aggressive fish and do best in a species-only tank. Keep a single male and 2 or more females if you plan on keeping a group of these feisty fish.

    17. Mosquito

    Mosquito Fish in Pond
    • Scientific Name: Gambusia affinis
    • Adult Size: 1.5-2.5 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
    • Origin: USA and Mexico
    • Water Temperature: 50-84ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    The mosquito fish is a small fish species that is usually kept outdoors in ponds as a mosquito larvae control. They can actually make a really fascinating cold water pet fish, however.

    One thing to note is that mosquito fish can be pretty aggressive and are known to nip the fins of their tank mates. They are very hardy fish and make an interesting choice for an unheated nano tank.

    18. Asian Stone Catfish

    • Scientific Name: Hara jerdoni
    • Adult Size: 1.2 inches
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Carnivore, feed live and frozen foods
    • Origin: Bangladesh, India
    • Water Temperature: 64-75ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Bottom

    The Asian stone catfish (video source) is a unique little nocturnal fish for unheated aquariums. They are not super active fish and make a great choice for a nano tank.

    The Asian stone catfish can also be kept in a community tank as long as its tank mates are also small and peaceful. Feeding them at night is recommended because they are clumsy and the other fish can easily out-compete them for slow sinking food like frozen brine shrimp.

    19. Rosy Red Minnows

    https://youtu.be/JFi6xF2fVkI
    • Scientific Name: Pimephales promelas
    • Adult Size: 3 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivore, feed dried, live, and frozen foods
    • Origin: Canada, USA, Mexico
    • Water Temperature: 50-78ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Midwater

    Rosy red minnows are more often used as bait and feeder fish than kept as pets. That’s a shame because they are great-looking fish that are perfect for cold water tanks! Rosy red minnows can be kept in a huge range of water temperatures and are even good for ponds outdoors.

    20. Pygmy Sunfish

    Evergladei Male
    • Scientific Name: Elassoma evergladei
    • Adult Size: 1.4 inches
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Temperament: Peaceful, shy
    • Diet: Carnivore, feed live and frozen food
    • Origin: USA
    • Water Temperature: 50-72ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Bottom, midwater

    The pygmy sunfish (picture source) is a cute little fish that is native to the Southeastern United States. The breeding males have stunning iridescent blue and black colors.

    Pygmy sunfish are not usually seen in fish stores, although they do great in unheated aquariums. These tiny fish are actually more popular with fish keepers over in Europe than in their native North America.

    Coldwater Tank Setup

    Setting up a coldwater tank is just the same as setting up a tropical tank, only you won’t be using a heater. If you live in a tropical climate, however, you might need to take some steps to manage the water temperatures.

    Managing Your Tank In Warm Climates

    When summer comes along and temperatures in the house begin to rise, keeping your cool water fish comfortable can be tough! Here’s a list of 6 great tips on keeping your fish cool:

    1. Monitor the temperature

    The most important tool for managing the temperature in your cold water aquarium is a thermometer. A cost-effective solution is to use a simple glass thermometer and keep an eye on it whenever it feels a little warm in your home.

    An even better option is to use a digital thermometer with a programmable alarm. This way, you can set the device to alert you when the water temperature rises beyond a certain point. Pretty smart!

    2. Use minimal equipment

    Knowing the actual temperature in your tank is one thing, but what can you do to keep the temperature in the safe range for your fish?

    The first thing to do is switch off or remove any unnecessary equipment in the tank. Things like lights and powerheads give off small amounts of heat and can be switched off temporarily without any harm.

    It’s not only the hardware inside your tank that can warm up the water, however. Computers, televisions, refrigerators, and all sorts of appliances can warm up the air around your aquarium.

    3. Choose the right lighting

    You might not realize it, but some aquarium lights produce plenty of heat. Not all types of aquarium lighting produce the same amount of heat, however.

    Switch to LED lighting if your lights are creating heat. This is the best option for keeping your coldwater fish comfortable.

    4. Turn on the AC

    The temperature of the water in your aquarium is directly affected by the temperature of the air in the room. You can keep your aquarium water temperature down by keeping the room cool with air conditioning. This might not be the most energy-efficient method, but it is very effective! Another alternative is using a mobile AC system.

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    5. Choose the right location

    Not all areas of your home have the same temperature. The north side of your house will usually be cooler than the south if you live in America, Europe, or anywhere north of the equator.

    Heat always rises, so the coolest part of your home will usually be downstairs or in the basement. Direct sunlight can heat the water in your tank, even if the air temperature is cool. Never set up an aquarium where it will receive direct sunlight.

    6. Cool the water

    You will need to cool down the water in your tank if you’ve followed all the tips above, and the water temperature is still rising too much.

    The best way to do this is to use an aquarium chiller. These devices are not cheap, but they are very effective because they refrigerate the water. Aquarium chillers can be programmed to maintain a stable, constant temperature of your choice.

    A less reliable, but much cheaper option is to run an airstone and an aquarium fan on the water surface. This works best in a tank with no hood. A mesh screen might be necessary though because many fish species can jump out of their tank.

    Whichever method you use, make sure you change the temperature gradually to avoid stressing your fish.

    Filtration

    All aquariums should have good quality filtration to keep the water quality safe, and the tank looking beautiful. Coldwater tanks are no exception, and you can use the same varieties of aquarium filters as you would in a tropical setup.

    An air-powered sponge filter is a great option because they do not create any heat and actually help to cool the water slightly. An external canister filter will provide superior filtration, however, and has the added benefit of not cluttering up the tank.

    Tank Maintenance

    Regular tank maintenance is really important for keeping your coldwater fish healthy and happy. A nice clean tank also looks great, so you can enjoy watching your fish even more. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

    Testing

    Being able to test your water parameters is really important for maintaining your fish tank. Firstly, testing will show you the pH and hardness of your water, which is very important for most species.

    Testing for ammonia and nitrite will also allow you to determine whether your aquarium is cycled or not, and whether it’s safe to start introducing fish to a new tank.

    Lastly, regular testing for nitrate levels is necessary to work out the perfect maintenance schedule for your tank.

    Aquarium test kits are super easy to use, just make sure you buy a kit that can measure the following parameters:

    • pH
    • GH
    • KH
    • Ammonia
    • Nitrite
    • Nitrate

    Water Changes

    In a healthy, cycled aquarium, beneficial bacteria break down harmful chemicals known as ammonia and nitrite into nitrate. Nitrate is a lot less toxic, but in large concentrations, this compound can still be dangerous.

    Growing plenty of live plants can help to lower the level of nitrates in your tank, but the best way is to physically remove them by replacing some of the water. Use your test kit to measure the nitrate in your water. Ideally, you should try to keep the nitrate levels below 20 parts per million.

    The process of performing a partial water change is simple. Start by preparing some fresh water. Use a water conditioner to neutralize any chemicals and allow the water to reach the same temperature as your tank water. You will need the same amount of water as you plan on removing.

    Next, suck out water from the bottom of the tank with your gravel vacuum and into a bucket or drain. This will remove all the waste particles that have settled on the substrate.

    All you have to do now is add the new water to the tank. Pour it in slowly to avoid stirring up the substrate and uprooting any plants.

    Other Maintenance Tasks

    You’ll also want to clean the algae off your aquarium glass from time to time. You can do this whenever necessary, but I suggest doing this just before your water change. That way you can suck up any loose algae!

    You’ll also need to rinse out your aquarium filter media from time to time. There are colonies of beneficial bacteria that live in the filter media of a cycled freshwater aquarium. They are sensitive to tap water, so remember to clean your filter media in the water you have removed from the tank.

    Setting Up A Coldwater Community Tank

    You can set up an awesome unheated community tank, even though the options are a little more limited. Read on for some handy tips to help you stock your cold water tank.

    Choosing Tank Mates

    Choosing the right tank mates is essential to ensure that all your pets get along in the aquarium. The most important factors when selecting tank mates are:

    • Temperature compatibility
    • Other parameters like pH and hardness
    • Size and aggression levels

    Live Plants

    Coldwater aquariums are not only for fish. You can also grow a variety of awesome live plants in an unheated tank. The following beginner live plant species are all great options:

    You’ll need to read up on the needs of each plant species to learn how to care for them because their needs do vary.

    What About Freshwater Tank Shrimp And Snails?

    The good news is that you can keep freshwater invertebrates in a coldwater tank too! Not all inverts like cool water, however.

    The following species are safe bets:

    • Cherry shrimp (Neocardinia) – Minimum temperature 65ยฐF
    • Caridina shrimp – Minimum temperature 64ยฐF
    • Amano shrimp – Minimum temperature 64ยฐF
    • Malaysian trumpet snails – Minimum temperature 65ยฐF
    • Japanese trapdoor snail – Minimum temperature 68ยฐF

    Shrimp and snails are great because they help to keep your aquarium clean. Shrimp don’t always make the best tank mates for community tanks, however. Some cold-water species like paradise fish will probably see your shrimp as a tasty snack!

    Where To Buy

    You can usually find the more popular coldwater species at your local fish stores. Another great place to shop aquarium fish is online, especially if you’re looking for specific fish species.

    FAQs

    Can a cold water tank be too cold?

    All fish species have an ideal temperature range where they are most comfortable. If the water in your tank gets too cold, your fish will be under stress and might not survive.

    Do you need a heater for cold water tanks?

    Coldwater fish only need a heater in very cold environments. In cold climates, an aquarium in an uninsulated building might need a heater during the winter. Cold is a relative term of course, so it really depends on how cold your home is and what kind of fish you keep.

    Can you have a tank without a heater?

    You can definitely have a fish tank without a heater. The temperature of the water in your tank will vary with the temperature in your home, so the type of fish you can keep will be limited.

    You’ll probably need to keep coldwater fish in an unheated aquarium unless you live in a tropical climate or like to keep your home really warm.

    Can you keep cold water types in a tank?

    Cold water fish are not only good for ponds. Even the common goldfish is considered to be a coldwater fish, and they do great in fish tanks!

    Can they survive in coldwater?

    Some pet fish do really well in cold water while some will not survive. It really depends on the species of fish you keep and what kind of environment they are adapted to survive in.

    What About Koi?

    Koi carp are an amazing coldwater fish, however, they require a large pond and their care are beyond the scope of this blog post. I felt it was best to cover them separate to not confuse readers. If you want to learn more about Koi, check out koi care articles.

    Final Thoughts

    Cold water aquarium fish are underrated in the hobby. Many of them are super easy to care for and make awesome pets. If you’re looking to start up a new tank, maybe you should think about ditching the heater and stocking some of the fish on this list!

    What’s your favorite cold water fish species? Let me know below!

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • Antibiotics for Fish: What Actually Works and When to Use Them

    Antibiotics for Fish: What Actually Works and When to Use Them

    After 25+ years in this hobby, the biggest mistake I see when fish get sick is treating the wrong thing. People reach for antibiotics when the problem is parasitic, or use anti-parasitics when it’s actually a bacterial infection. The diagnosis step matters more than the medication choice. That said, having the right antibiotics on hand before you need them is critical โ€” these illnesses can progress fast, and waiting for a shipment while a fish is deteriorating is a bad position to be in. Kanaplex is my go-to for bacterial infections, and I’ve used Furan-2 for gram-negative bacterial issues. Here’s what you need to know about how fish antibiotics work and when to actually use them.

    How Do Antibiotics For Fish Work?

    To understand when to treat with antibiotics, we need to first understand how fish antibiotics work.

    It’s important to realize that fish antibiotics do not magically cure fish of their ailments. Instead, fish antibiotics decrease the growth of bacteria populations until the immune system of the fish is able to recover and naturally build resistance.

    Simply put, fish antibiotics interfere with the physiological and reproductive abilities of bacteria, slowing or stopping growth and spread. In the aquarium setting, there are two main types of bacterial infections you need to be aware of: gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria.

    Gram-Positive Bacteria vs. Gram-Negative Bacteria

    Gram Negative Bacteria

    Differentiating between bacteria can be complicated, but it’s necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment. In short, the difference between gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria is their cell wall composition.

    • Gram-positive bacteria have a thin cell wall surrounded by an outer membrane. Gram-positive bacterial infections are less common in the aquarium setting and usually consist of Streptococcus spp..
    • Gram-negative bacteria lack an outer membrane but have thick polymer layers instead. Most aquatic bacterial infections arise from gram-negative bacteria, like Aeromonas spp., Flavobacterium spp., Vibrio spp., and Pseudomonas spp..

    The most definitive way to tell gram-positive bacteria apart from gram-negative bacteria is by performing a gram stain, hence the name. Gram-positive bacteria will stain blue while gram-negative bacteria will stain pink.

    As most hobbyists aren’t able to perform such a test, only physical symptoms can be observed for diagnosis. Gram-negative infections are typically more aggressive and deadly to fish.

    Identifying Bacterial Infections

    A bacterial infection can be difficult to diagnose. They often happen alongside other diseases and infections with similar symptoms, especially fungal infections. However, bacterial infections are much more common than true fungal infections as bacteria readily live in aquarium water, waiting to affect a compromised pet fish.

    The most common symptoms of a bacterial infection are:

    • Inflammation or redness
    • Irregular mucus/slime coat
    • Fragile and frayed fins
    • Cloudy or swollen eyes
    • Bloating

    Infection is largely caused by injury alongside poor water conditions and/or malnourishment. It is possible for your fish to fight off infection if water quality is good and diet is maintained, though sometimes even the strongest pet fish can succumb to harmful bacteria.

    It is near impossible to differentiate between gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria without a gram stain. Since gram-negative bacterial infections are much more common (in freshwater), most hobbyists use a fish medication that will target those bacteria first. In marine fish, gram-negative is more common.

    Treating Your Aquatic Pets

    Knowing what to treat is equally as important as correctly treating. Fish antibiotics have exact directions and the treatment schedule needs to be followed carefully.

    How do these antibiotics move from the water into your fish, though?

    How To Give To Your Pets

    The best way to give fish antibiotics is through treated food. This lets the medicine be administered in more direct, higher doses and saves some damage to nitrifying bacteria. A problem arises when your pet fish refuses to eat though, making this method impossible.

    Most fish antibiotics can be dosed directly into the aquarium. From there, these medicines need to be incorporated into the body of the fish, but how? This involves some physiology.

    Fish experience osmoregulation1. Osmosis is the process of a solvent moving from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration across a semipermeable membrane in order to create a balance between the internal and external environments. Osmoregulation differs between freshwater and saltwater life. Here’s a video from Its AumSum Time. The explains the difference between freshwater and saltwater fish.

    Freshwater fish are hypertonic, meaning that their internal environment has more salt than their external environment. Because of this, water flows in through the gills and is absorbed by the body.

    On the other hand, saltwater fish are hypotonic, meaning that their internal environment has less salt than their external environment. Because of this, water wants to leave their body. In order to compensate for this loss, saltwater fish need to actively drink water and conserve it by sending some to their digestive tract.

    In the aquarium setting, this is an advantage to saltwater species. Because saltwater fish actively take water into their bodies, soluble antibiotics are much more likely to immediately enter the internal bloodstream in the marine environment. Still, freshwater fish can be given soluble antibiotics, though feeding them is much more effective.

    In general, there are two ways to administer fish antibiotics for both freshwater and saltwater fish. If your fish is suffering from an external infection, then bath treatments are recommended, though they can sometimes be ineffective. If your fish is showing signs of internal infection, then food treatment is the best route.

    Bath Treatments

    Bath treatments are the preferred choice of treatment for external infections when the fish is refusing to eat or there are other limitations.

    Bath treatments are best when there is no access to a quarantine system that allows for fish antibiotics to be directly dosed into the aquarium. This could be due to sensitive corals and invertebrates or where there is large biological filtration that could be affected.

    The problem with bath treatments is that very little medicine actually enters the bloodstream of the fish. In addition, the constant transferring of the fish can be stressful and cause injury; if the fish dies during this transfer, then there was probably little hope for it in the first place.

    Antibiotic-Treated Food

    The best treatment for bacterial infections is through food mixed with fish antibiotics. This requires a binding factor, like Seachem Focus, so that the fish antibiotics do not leak out of the food.

    This method allows the medication to be administered in large doses. However, it requires that the fish is still actively eating, which means that the infection has not yet compromised the fish to a large extent. Still, appetite can sometimes be increased through garlic or live food methods.

    Injection

    Lastly, injection is a possible course of treatment, though many hobbyists do not have this option available to them.

    An injection is the best and most effective method of treating infections in large and expensive fish, like oscars or koi, but is often unattainable for the average hobbyist.

    The 9 Best

    Depending on the type and severity of the infection, different fish antibiotics will be more effective. Most of these fish antibiotics can be used in freshwater, brackish, and saltwater systems though it is recommended to read all instructions closely. We have a video just for you from our YouTube channel. We go into more detail in the blog post below. Please subscribe if you enjoy our content.

    1. Thomas Labs Cephalexin (Keflex)

    Thomas Labs Cephalexin offers two grades of fish antibiotics: Thomas Labs Fish Flex and Fish Flex Forte. Though this antibiotic is labeled as ornamental fish antibiotics, hobbyists have actually found it to be most effective against invertebrate bacterial infections, especially those found in anemones.

    This is a very broad fish antibiotics and needs to be administered in a quarantine system or bath for 5-10 days.

    2. Thomas Labs Ciprofloxacin

    Again, Thomas Labs offers two grades of this antibiotic: Thomas Labs Fish Flox and Fish Flox Forte.

    Ciprofloxacin is much more effective as a fish antibiotic than cephalexin, though this product is regularly used to treat anemones and other invertebrates as well. Specifically, this medicine can be dosed in a bath or in a quarantine tank for gram-negative bacterial infections over the course of 5-7 days.

    3. Thomas Labs Amoxicillin 

    Amoxicillin is a very popular antibiotic for other animals and human use. However, amoxicillin isn’t commonly used in the aquarium as a viable course of fish antibiotics. Regardless, Thomas Labs carries Thomas Laboratories Amoxicillin Fish Mox and Fish Mox Forte.

    If for anything, amoxicillin is one of the few fish antibiotics, alongside penicillin and ampicillin, used for treating gram-positive bacterial infections. These fish antibiotics should not be used with invertebrates and should be administered in a quarantine tank or bath treatment for 5 days. Still, hobbyists prefer other fish antibiotics first.

    Can You Use Amoxicillin In The Aquarium?

    Never use antibiotics intended for human consumption in the aquarium and vice versa. Medications should always be dosed seriously and carefully. Aquarium brands have specific formulas for making ornamental fish drugs that are not for human use.

    While aquarium brand amoxicillin can be used in the aquarium, hobbyists usually prefer other options first. Amoxicillin is very popular for treating other animals and humans but is generally useless in the aquarium setting. One of the only ailments hobbyists have found amoxicillin to be useful for is treating fungal infections in the eyes.

    4. Nitrofuracin Green Powder

    Nitrofuracin Green Powder is one of the most popular aquarium antibiotics. It is also used as a healing agent to use in quarantine tanks. This product contains methylene blue, in addition to nitrofurazone and sulfathiazole sodium, which will kill nitrifying bacteria. Nitrofuracin Green Powder is especially useful for healing cuts and abrasions while dealing with the infection.

    Many hobbyists consider Nitrofuracin Green Powder to be a quicker and more effective alternative to API Furan-2. Nitrofuracin Green Powder should be dosed for at least 10 consecutive days.

    5. Seachem KanaPlex + Seachem MetroPlex + API Furan-2

    Seachem KanaPlex, MetroPlex, and API Furan-2 are very common fish antibiotics to dose together. These three medications can be incredibly effective at combatting a variety of infections.

    Seachem Kanaplex is a 7-day kanamycin-based medicine recommended for:

    • Popeye
    • Cloudy eye
    • Fin rot
    • Dropsy
    • Mouth rot
    • Hemorraghic septicemia(Aeromonas hydrophilia)

    MetroPlex should be dosed at the same time, though can be administered up to 3 weeks on its own. This antibiotic is made from metronidazole and is meant to treat protozoan parasites and anaerobic bacterial diseases (Cryptocaryon, Hexamita, Ichthyophthirius). Mainly, MetroPlex is used for ich, hole in the head/head and lateral line erosion (Hexamita spp./Spironucleus vortens), and velvet.

    API Furan-2 targets both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria through a 7-day nitrofurazone-based treatment. This antibiotic specifically treats for:

    • Bacterial gill disease
    • Open red sores (Aeromonas spp.)
    • Body slime
    • Cloudy eye
    • Columnaris (Flavobacterium columnaris)
    • Fin rot

    This combination of fish medications can cover a wide range of infections as long as the treatment is carried out in full.

    6. Seachem SulfaPlex + NeoPlex

    Seachem SulfpaPlex and NeoPlex can be used together at the same time or separately depending on the illness.

    SulfaPlex is a general sulfathiazole-based antibiotic meant to treat bacterial, fungal, and protozoan-related illnesses. Though this product can be used in both freshwater and saltwater settings, it is most effective to travel across gills in saltwater.

    Specifically, SulfaPlex can be used to treat:

    • Fin rot
    • Hemorraghic septicemia(Aeromonas hydrophilia)
    • Fur coat syndrome
    • Mouth rot
    • Fungus

    NeoPlex is another broad neomycin sulfate-based treatment for external infections, like fin rot, bacterial lesions, bloat, and mouth rot. Most hobbyists describe it as having the same effects as topical Neosporin.

    Both of these medicines should be used for at least 7 days but can be dosed for up to 3 weeks on their own.

    7. API Triple Sulfa

    API Triple Sulfa is one of the safer fish antibiotics treatments to use in the aquarium as it won’t completely kill all nitrifying bacteria. Still, filter media should be removed before dosing for best results.

    Sulfa medications are thought to be somewhat outdated. Many hobbyists have found some resistance to these treatments and opt for stronger alternatives, like Furan-2. However, API Triple Sulfa has the benefit of being gentle on the display tank ecosystem if need be.

    API Triple Sulfa can treat gram-negative bacteria, like those that cause:

    • Hemorrhagic septicemia (Aeromonas hydrophilia)
    • Bacterial gill disease
    • Fin rot
    • Cottonmouth diseases
    • Body slime
    • Cloudy Eyes

    Treatment should last 10 days.

    8. Enrofloxacin

    Enrofloxacin is one of the most modern ways to treat bacterial infections in fish2, though it is still best administered in a quarantine tank or through 5-hour baths. Though effective, this medicine can be difficult to find; it is most commonly found as Baytril from Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

    This is a fast-acting fluoroquinolone antibiotic that can help treat gram-negative and gram-positive infections.

    9. AAP Spectrogram

    As of 2021, AAP Spectrogram has become difficult to find fish antibiotics; this is likely in direct response to heightened pharmaceutical regulations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    If you come across AAP Spectrogram, it can be very useful for treating both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial infections. This fish medicine is a combination of KanaPlex and Furan-2 (kanamycin/nitrofurazone), but much easier to use and more effective. It can be used to treat most infections besides parasitic ones.

    Which Are Safe?

    All medications that are labeled for aquarium use are safe for the aquarium. However, it is possible to overdose on some medications so it’s important to follow directions closely.

    There is one thing you should avoid though, and that’s ‘natural’ medications.

    Avoiding ‘Natural’ Products And Medications

    While many reputable aquarium brands offer great products to their consumers, some brands take advantage of branding treatments. Some of the latest trends in the aquarium hobby have arisen from ‘natural’ fish antibiotics and medications which end up hurting fish more than helping them. Some of these organic alternatives include tannins and natural oils.

    Tannins can be very beneficial to aquatic systems and can lead to healthy fish, however, they don’t exactly help with bacterial infections. Research has found that tannins are only effective at combatting bacteria at very high concentrations3, much more than is reasonable for any tank size. Tannic acid is also a blood coagulant with can decrease healing rates.

    Natural oils, like those found in MelaFix and PimaFix, are also detrimental to the health of your fish. Though these oils might look and smell medicinal, they have been linked to swim bladder damage and have been found to be nearly ineffective at low concentrations. Similarly, aloe vera also inhibits your fish’s ability to exchange oxygen and increases available sugars for bacteria to feed on.

    Though it might seem like a good idea to stay as natural as possible when it comes to treating fish diseases, it is usually safer and easier to use tried and true fish antibiotics.

    Can You Give Your Fish Over-The-Counter Human Types?

    Fish should never be given medications intended for human consumption. Though the chemical makeup may be similar between medicines, factors like dosages, solubilities, and efficacy cannot be known.

    It is true that some fish antibiotics have become difficult to find recently. Though you may not be able to get the antibiotics of your choice, there are many alternatives for each treatment from reputable aquariums brands like API and Seachem. This makes treating your fish safe, fast, and easy.

    Can Humans Take Fish Meds?

    Also no! You should never be using an antibiotic you haven’t been personally prescribed. Not only does this put your own health at risk, but it can also make it difficult for other hobbyists to obtain these fish antibiotics in the future, like AAP Spectrogram.

    In case of a medical emergency, consult your primary doctor.

    Where To Buy

    It’s actually getting more challenging these days to purchase fish antibiotics as regulations get tougher from states (and the food and drug administration). Supplies have also gotten tighter. Here are a few places you can likely find the fish med you are looking for.

    Chain Pet Stores and Local Stores

    These are usually your defaults when you are in a hurry for a fish medication and you can’t wait even on 2 day shipping. The problem that you run into with either is the limited availability. You will usually find Seachem medications at both stores, but hours will be limited. Sometimes you can get to a chain pet store like a Petco later at night as they tend to stay open later than local fish stores.

    Amazon

    Another default choice for fish antibiotics is because of availability and speed of shipping. Again, the brand limitation can be an issue. Thomas Labs fish antibiotic medication isn’t always available here. There is another choice if you are looking for Thomas Lab medications.

    Chewy

    Chewy surprisedly has a number of Thomas Lab fish meds available. They ship slower than amazon through. They also have generic Thomas Lab medications under the name Aqua-Mox that is available.

    National Fish Pharmacy

    This is a great choice when looking for Nitrofuracin Green Powder. They sell in bulk sizes and shipping is slow. This is a good choice if you are building a fish pharmacy for emergencies.

    References

    Final Thoughts

    There’s a lot more to fish antibiotics than you might have thought. Identifying a bacterial infection in your fish can be difficult, but treatment doesn’t need to be complicated.

    First, understand the difference between gram-positive and gram-negative infections. Then choose a course of fish antibiotics and a method for administering them. Keep up with water changes and water parameters and keep your fish eating.

    Within no time, the infection should start to heal and your fish will get back to normal

  • 7 Best 20 Gallon Fish Tanks โ€“ Reviews & Setup Tips

    7 Best 20 Gallon Fish Tanks โ€“ Reviews & Setup Tips

    The 20 gallon is the sweet spot for hobbyists stepping up from a nano โ€” it opens up far more fish options than a 10 gallon while still being manageable in terms of maintenance and space. I’ve set up 20 gallon tanks as community tanks, species tanks, and planted setups, and it’s a size I recommend constantly for beginners who want more creative flexibility. The 20 gallon long (as opposed to the tall) is particularly good for most fish since it offers more horizontal swimming space โ€” something I always point out when helping people decide between configurations.

    Today, weโ€™ll be talking about the best 20-gallon aquariums for you and what fish to get. Let’s start by discussing criteria!

    What Is The Best 20 Gallon Aquarium (Our Criteria)

    I used to own a 20 gallon long aquarium. It was one of those 30 inch long standard tanks you purchase at the chain pet store. Nowadays, the options are plenty. There’s an aquarium, aquarium kit, or fully decked out system for every taste and budget – but what really makes one preferable over another? Here is how I determined my favorite choice! You can also check out our video above from our YouTube Channel.

    Aquarium Layout

    The rimless aquarium is a style that’s gaining popularity for its sleek design. At this size, it can be purchased at an affordable price. I want to provide multiple purchase opens and setups for you to consider.

    Filtration

    Several of these aquariums are going to be all in one tanks complete with a 3 stage filtration system. For kits, I want to make sure I find a glass aquarium kit with a decent starter filter that you won’t outgrow or will fall apart on you. If it is a basic fish tank, I want to make sure it’s the right dimensions to allow for multiple filter setups.

    There’s a new trend in the fishkeeping world – a fish tank kit with everything included! These kits come complete with three-stage filtration systems – often times with the system built into the fish tank! Tanks made this way make it so you’ll never have to buy another filter again. Other kits may include a power filter or internal filter. I’m looking to list packages that have solid equipment so you start out on the right foot.

    Lighting

    Some of these aquariums will come with lighting systems. If they do, I want to lean on systems that can support low light aquarium plants if they are designed for freshwater tanks or soft corals if they are designed for saltwater.

    I want to lean on systems that can support at minimum low light aquarium plants if they are designed for freshwater tanks. For saltwater tanks, they need to be the correct spectrum and have enough par to support soft corals and easy to care for LPS corals.

    Price

    Price is always a considerations when it comes to building your dream aquarium. The most basic of glass tank can be found for as little at $50, but high-end models will set you back more than that! This article aims at helping those who want an affordable and durable setup with great features while still being able stay within their budget constraints. An aquarium kit may also help with costs as they can be cheaper than buying all the equipment separately.

    The 20 Gallon Aquarium Candidates

    Below is the list of 20 gallon fish tanks that made the cut. They are from various price ranges and cover both freshwater and saltwater tanks. I’ll go over each one in detail.

    In a hurry? I recommend the UNS 60!

    PictureNameFeaturesLink
    Editor’s Choice
    UNS 60     		UNS 60
    • Rimless
    • Excellent Quality
    • Great Price
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    Best Value
    Waterbox 20 Cube     		Waterbox 20 Cube
    • Cube Format
    • Built In Filtration
    • Rimless
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    Budget Option
    Aqueon 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit     		Aqueon 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit
    • All In One Kit
    • Price
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    Red Sea Max Nano Red Sea Max Nano
    • Built In Filtration
    • Great For Nano Reefs
    • Premium Setup
    		Buy On ChewyBuy On Amazon
    Fusion Pro 20 Fusion Pro 20
    • All In One Aquarium
    • Rimless
    • Great For Nano Reefs
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    Aqueon Neo Glow Tank Kit Aqueon Neo Glow Tank Kit
    • Designed For GloFish
    • Great Value
    		Buy On Amazon
    Aqueon 20 Gallon Tank Aqueon 20 Gallon Tank
    • Cheap
    • Easy to Find
    		Buy On PetcoBuy On Amazon

    The 7 Best (2023 Reviews)

    So, you’ve seen the list. Now it’s time for some fish tank knowledge! Let me show ya each one below and tell ya what makes them special in their own unique wayโ€ฆ

    1. UNS 60U

    Editor’s Choice
    UNS 60U
    UNS 60U

    UNS offers a quality rimless aquarium at a great price. One of the big pure rimless aquarium brands you can purchase today!

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    The UNS 60U is a great 20 gallon glass tank. It has the same dimensions as a traditional 20 gallon fish tank, but is rimless. UNS is well known in the planted fish tank community for building high quality rimless aquariums. These aquariums are well built and are actually cheaper than other rimless tanks you may find online.

    This aquarium is very popular among the aquascaping community. There are plently of videos online of builds that will get your inspiration going. Here is a great example of wjhdrew’s fish tank below:

    Because this aquarium is the same dimensions as a rimmed 20 gallon fish tank, it should be easier to find a cabinet, or you can purchase your own. Just make sure the surface the aquarium is sitting on has support all around it. Many discount cabinets will have large gaps, which won’t work with a rimless fish tank.

    It’s a great brand and a great fish tank if you want a rimless fish tank. It can be on the pricey side if you are comparing it to a rimmed fish tank, but beauty and looks does have a price!

    Best For – Freshwater Tanks, Aquascapes

    Pros
    • Rimless
    • Great price
    • Excellent quality
    Cons
    • No filter included
    • No background

    2. Waterbox 20 Cube

    Best Value
    Waterbox 20 Cube
    Waterbox 20 Cube

    A great 20 gallon all in one tank in cube format. Great for reef tanks.

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    The Waterbox 20 Cube offers a great looking cubed fish tank with all the bells and whistles to get you started. It is an all-in-one fish tank with a built in filtration system. The filtration systems comes with a filter sock, which is a type of mechanical filtration that is going to be superior to most other filtration systems in this aquarium size. The socks are replaceable or washable and can be more maintenance then foam. Waterbox also includes bio-balls, carbon, and a filter sponge to round out the system.

    The system is more designed for saltwater systems, but this fish tank can also be a great freshwater planted tank. It comes with a black background versus a frosted or clear background that you will see with many planted style scapes. While this might take away from the landscape look, you can balance it out by using more colorful nano fish that stand out when setting these up.

    For saltwater tanks, this cube is a perfect glass tank. it has great dimensions for building up rock scape for corals and the footprint means the AI Prime a perfect light for this system. Most reefs will end up using the filter sock and opt-in for a protein skimmer for added filtration. It’s great that this system can function with either setup.

    This is a great value for a cubed rimless given all the features offered for this fish tank. The price may be high for some people, but the next option offers another great value at a lower price.

    Pros
    • Cube format
    • Great brand
    • Built in filtration
    Cons
    • Black background
    • Expensive

    Best For – Nano Reef, Freshwater Tanks

    3. Aqueon 20-Gallon Aquarium Kit

    Budget Option
    Aqueon 20 Gallon Kit
    Aqueon 20 Gallon Kit

    Aqueon’s 20 gallon aquarium kit offers all the basics to start off on the right foot.

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    The Aqueon aquarium starter kit is an excellent budget option for those who want to get started with fish keeping. This because they offer a multitude of equipment in one package, most or which performs well and remove any guesswork about what you need when starting out

    This package includes everything you need to get started with fishkeeping, including a standard fish tank and hood, a fish net, fish food, and tap water conditioner. You save money by purchasing the complete set over buying each item separately! I believe this kit is one of the best 20 gallon glass aquariums because it has a better quality equipment than other kits including the Marina led aquarium kit, Tetra whisper 20, and generic brand kits.

    The main difference between the Aqueon kit and the other competitors is the power filter. The Aqueon filter is a 3 stage filtration system that can tell you when it needs to be replaced, so there is no guesswork when to do maintenance. The hood is good for fish only tanks, but not good for planted tanks.

    The main separator between Aqueon’s offering and the others is the power filter. Aqueon’s filter is a true 3 stage filter and as a feature that tells you when you should change the filter cartridges. The hood is good, though not ideal for planted tanks. The water heater is decently made. I’ve personally used these heaters for either a hospital tank or quarantine tank and never had an issue, but the preset heater bit too hot if you want to keep your temperature lower than 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 Celsius).

    This package is perfect for those who want an easy and stress-free experience when selecting their fish tank kit. This is the best 20 gallon fish tank kit to buy if you want cheap, yet good equipment to start.

    Pros
    • Complete kit
    • Good price
    • Quality brand
    Cons
    • Rimmed tank
    • Okay heater

    Best For – Freshwater Tanks

    4. Red Sea Max Nano

    Best Nano Reef Tank!
    Red Sea Max Nano
    Red Sea Max Nano

    Editor’s Choice

    A high end plug and play reef system. Top shelf reef equipment and design

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    Red sea offers the best nano reef tank available starting at 20 gallons. It offers all the benefits of your classic red sea reefer, but in the small footprint of a 20 gallon fish tank.

    It offers ultra-clear glass with bevealed edges at the top and bottom for the best viewing experience you can get. The water pump provided offers 240 gallons per hour, which puts this at the 10 times turn over level you want for many desirable corals in the hobby. It’s designed to be adjusted to ensure there aren’t any dead spots in your aquarium.

    The filtration system is powered by a micron filter bad and a protein skimmer can be detached from the fish tank. This is the only nano reef tank package I have seen that offers a protein skimmer out of the box – and the protein skimmer is actually pretty good. You also get a media shelf to place any chemical or biological media you want. The system also comes with an auto-top off system that has a has a built in reservoir that supply 3 days worth of freshwater.

    The led lighting system is designed for reef tanks. The kit comes with a ReefLED 50, which Red Sea’s competitor to the AI Prime and AI LED lighting units. It’s a great light for corals. The light is powered by the ReefBeat App, which connects all your red sea devices together.

    This is bar none the best nano reef tank you can buy today, but it comes with a big price. As the most expensive tank kit on this list, it’s not for everyone. However, this is a premium quality fish tank kit for reef setups. If you are looking for a high quality setup with the guess work taken out of it, look no further!

    Pros
    • Great brand
    • Built in filtration
    • Premium quality
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Designed only for reef tanks

    Best For – Nano Reef Tanks

    5. Innovative Marine Fusion Pro 20

    Best Value
    Innovative Marine Nuvo Fusion PRO
    Innovative Marine Nuvo Fusion PRO

    Best Value

    Complete with pump and filter, this rimless nano tank screams value

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    Innovative marine is the originator of the modern all in one nano aquariums you see in the saltwater tank hobby. This Fusion Pro 20 is their latest line of aquariums and really comes in offering premium features. This extraordinary fish tank kit comes with a mesh lid and micro glass cleaner to keep your favorite dweller from jumping out, plus it has an algae scrapper for removing unwanted algae.

    The Innovative Mighty Jet DC water pump is a great option for any nano reef tank. It’s got adjustable flow rates so you can customize it to your needs, no matter what type of corals are going into the aquarium!

    Innovative is a company that has been making stellar aquariums for years. Their products are worth every penny and they’re one of our favorite brands!

    Pros
    • Great brand
    • Built in filtration
    • Peninsula style
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Best For – Nano Reef Tanks

    6. Aqueon NeoGlow Tank

    Aqueon NeoGlow LED
    Aqueon NeoGlow LED

    A 20 gallon aquarium kit that is specially designed for Glofish.

    Buy On Amazon Buy On Petco

    Want something really unique? Try Glofish. This aquarium is a kit that is specially designed for Glofish in mind.

    What are Glofish? Glofish are a specialized type of fish that have a fluorescent glow to them. These fish are not injected like the old painted glass fish we used to see 20 years ago. These fish are specially bred. Their colors are hereditary traits that are passed down from generation to generation. Their breeding has helped us understand cellular disease and development1.

    What you get here is a 20 gallon fish tank, a Aqueon power filter, a specialized LED lighting system and hood, artificial plants, rocks, and gravel that all show well in fluorescent lighting.

    There are many Glofish fish species available these days including:

    The price is not too shabby with everything that’s included here. If you want something unique, then this Glofish fish tank kit might just be what you need!

    Pros
    • Good value
    • Designed for GloFish
    • Multiple color options
    Cons
    • Limited setup use
    • Rimmed aquarium

    Best For – GloFish Tanks

    7. Aqueon 20 Gallon Long Tank

    Aqueon 20 Gallon Tank
    Aqueon 20 Gallon Tank

    A classic 20 gallon aquarium in its 30 inch long variant. A very popular aquarium.

    Buy On Petco Buy On Amazon

    The Aqueon 20 gallon long is a great glass tank for getting length at a cheap price. While the price may seem great at first impression, it can actually end up costing more than an Aqueon glass kit to build out your system – not that there’s anything wrong doing this!

    I included the links to go purchase this if you want. It’s an affordable 20 gallon fish tank and will last a long time. It’s just not my first choice, as I prefer to work with rimless aquariums these days or all-in-one systems for smaller aquariums. If you want a rimless or an all in one system, consider the other aquariums on this list.

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • Long format
    • Easy to find
    Cons
    • Not ideal for aquascaping
    • Rimmed aquarium

    Best For – Freshwater Tanks

    What Fish Can I Get For This Size of Tank?

    Nano fish are the best choice for new aquarium keepers. They’re small, colorful and adorable! Some common nano fish species options include:

    Nano reef tanks are great-looking and challenging tanks to keep. You need to be mindful when selecting freshwater fish species that will get along in a small tank like this. Here are a few options:

    The clownfish and the damselfish are the two riskiest fish species of the bunch. Clownfish are iffy trying to pair at this size as a non-paired couple will fight it out until one of them submits. With the damselfish, their aggression might be too much for many on this list. If you are going to attempt a damselfish and clownfish, it’s best to pair them together as the clownfish and damsel can work through their aggression – while most other fish will be harassed to death.

    Setup Guide

    Setting up a 20 gallon fish tank can be stressful if it is the first time for you. Luckily, it’s easier than you think if you are guided.

    I go for planted tanks or reef tanks. Here is a good video from Shawn Hineidi that shows a simple aquascape that can be installed in a 20 gallon fish tank. Check it out below:

    To start building your own aquarium from scratch, you will need the following:

    • Filter
    • Heater (if going with tropical fish or marine fish)
    • Lighting
    • Decorations
    • Live Plants or Corals

    Aquarium Filtration for The Tanks

    There are a ton of options when it comes to 20 gallon fish tanks. If you want to go with a canister filter, I would recommend the OASE Biomaster 350. This is the smaller version of the Biomaster 600. It’s great for a 20 gallon fish tank. If you are looking for a pro level 20 gallon planted tank, you might want to consider upgrading to the 600 model.

    You can try power filters, which are a great choice. My go to for power filters are Hagen Aquaclears. In my mind, the aquaclear is the best power filter you can purchase in the hobby.

    Editor’s Choice
    Hagen AquaClear
    Hagen AquaClear

    The Best Aquarium Power Filter

    The worlds best selling and most reliable power filter on the market. Unchanged for years because it’s so reliable and versatile

    Buy On Amazon Click For Best Price

    Aquarium Heaters

    You want to have a quality heater in order to keep your tank temperatures stable. it’s important to consider a brand like Eheim when shopping around. The heaters that come with OASE filters and controllers are also excellent choices – you’ll have no problem getting the job done!

    Hooking up your heater to a controller is the best way for added safety. Inkbird has great controllers with wifi capability, and they even have an app on you phone that you can download that will send you alerts.

    Protects Against Heater Failure!
    Inkbird Heater Controller
    Inkbird Heater Controller

    Protect your investment with this heater controller. An excellent choice for small tanks. WiFi models now available!

    Buy On Amazon Click For Best Price

    Aquarium Lighting

    The range of led light options is as vast and diverse, from basic to advanced. You have the option of two great choices at this size whether you want to go with a freshwater planted tank or a saltwater reef tank.

    The freshwater Serene RGB Pros have a variety of led light features that will help you grow your favorite live plants. They come with an easy-to control and adjustable controller, making this led light perfect for anyone looking to add some lushness into their aquarium!

    Best Value
    Serene RGB Pro LED
    Serene RGB Pro LED

    Current USA’s offering into aquascaping is an incredible value. Spectrum, spread, easy to program and great PAR output.

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    For saltwater aquariums, the AI Prime is the best led light you can purchase for nano reef tanks. With the AI Prime, you can grow just about anything short of hardcore SPS corals. They work amazing for Zoas – a very popular beginner coral that’s great in Nano reef tanks! This led light is good for 24×24 footprints. You may have to plan a different led light if you go with a 20 gallon long. For 20 gallon longs, I would recommend the Current USA IC Pros.

    Great For Zoas
    AquaIllumination AI Prime
    AquaIllumination AI Prime

    The AI Prime is a great overall all light for Zoas. It contains the correct, PAR, spectrum, and spread needed to get you going with growing your own Zoa colony!

    Buy On Amazon Click For Best Price

    Decorations

    Driftwood make a solid decorative piece for 20 gallon aquariums, but you can use any type of decoration that suits your needs. Some people prefer driftwood with low tannins and others like those made from manzanita. Manzanita are reasonably placed and easy to place in an aquarium.

    Editor’s Choice
    Manzanita Driftwood
    Manzanita Driftwood

    Editor’s Choice

    Manzanita offers it all. Great shape, low tannins, quick to water log and reasonably priced. It’s the ultimate driftwood!

    Click For Best Price Click For Branch Pieces

    For saltwater tanks, I would recommend purchasing live rock at your local fish store. These are so small you really don’t need much to get started! A couple pounds is plenty – 7-10 lbs should do it for starters. Fill the rest of the aquarium up with dry rock.

    Live Plants or Corals

    If you’re just getting started with keeping fish, it’s best to start off by adding some beginner plants. There are many different types that will thrive in a 20 gallon tank and they can make fish’s home look more appealing too! Some great options include:

    All of these live plants feeds off the aquarium water column, so you can glue them to driftwood. If your looking for a high-quality live plant seller consider buying from an online retailer like Buce Plant

    My Pick
    Buce Plant
    Buce Plant

    Buce Plant offers a wide variety of aquatic plants for sale. With one of the largest selections in the US, you will find what you need here. They are also a great source for freshwater shrimp!

    Click For More Info

    FAQs

    What Fish Are Good In A 20-Gallon Tank?

    Guppies, rasboras and danios all make excellent choices for aquariums of this size. Small tetras are another great addition if you want something with more color! Corydoras catfish can’t be beat either- they’re easy to care for and require very little maintenance once established in their tank or pond surroundings. A betta sonority is also a great option.

    On the saltwater side, nano reef fish like firefish gobies, clown goby, clownfish, or an azure damsel would work. Aggression is a major factor with tanks these small. Clownfish and azure damsels will be too aggressive for timid fish like fishfish.

    How many can this size of tank support?

    The smaller the fish, the more you’ll want to house them in a tank of their own. 10-16 small schooling freshwater fish can live together with proper filtration and decoration (or even better: live plants) for company!

    Is This Size of Tank Good?

    A 20 gallon tank is a great first timer’s fish tank if it is setup as a freshwater aquarium and the filtration system is of good quality. It is sizable enough to build a good filtration system and not as maintenance heavy as a 40 or 55 gallon tank.

    On the saltwater side, a 20 gallon tank is considered at the moderate end of a nano reef tank. These tanks can be a challenge to maintain and keep stable. A 40 or 60 gallon breeder are the best first time saltwater tanks to start with.

    Is This Sizze of Tank Hard To Maintain?

    No. The ease of maintenance for a 20 gallon tank is one reason it’s so popular. You can keep your stocking reasonable while still having enough space to grow plants without worrying about maintenance issues that come with larger tanks- which means you won’t be spending as much time monitoring water quality or trimming plants!

    If you plan on a heavily planted tank, the trimming and water changes and add up to a lot of maintenance time for some aquarists.

    Is This Tank Big?

    20 gallon tanks aren’t that big in size. The 20 gallon tank is a great size for home or office use. The standard dimensions of this type are 24″ x 13″, and they can easily be found in most stores! The 20 gallon tank is a great size for home or office use. It’s not too big, but it can hold enough water and fish to make your space feel more complete!

    How much would a tank this size cost?

    A basic 20-gallon tank will be about $20-$25 per gallon or $400-$500 to set up for a freshwater glass tank. For a saltwater tank, expect to pay $40-$60 per gallon or $800-$1200. You can definitely pay less than what I’m suggesting, however, keep in my the ranges I throw out are for higher-quality setups not discount store kits which tend to have low-quality equipment that will not last. A glass tank will also be cheaper than an acrylic tank in most cases.

    Closing Thoughts

    Whichever tank you choose, it will be a great addition to your home and provide an excellent living space for small fish. These 20-gallon tanks are perfect if thatโ€™s what suits YOU best! If there’s anything else on this list of aquarium options but isn’t quite right (maybe too big or small), leave us questions below – we’re here everyday ready talk through any issues

    ๐Ÿ”ง Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Aquarium Equipment & Gear Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for filters, heaters, lights, pumps, tanks, and more.

  • 10 Best Red Aquarium Plants โ€“ Care Tips From a Planted Tank Keeper

    10 Best Red Aquarium Plants โ€“ Care Tips From a Planted Tank Keeper

    Red aquarium plants have always been one of my favorite ways to add contrast and depth to a planted tank. When I set up my 65-gallon community planted tank, I made sure to include reds throughout to create that pop against the greens. The challenge with red plants is that they demand more light and often stronger nutrients than green plants, and I’ve learned through trial and error exactly what they need to thrive. This guide covers my top picks and the key things you need to know to actually keep them vibrant โ€” not just alive.

    Why Grow Red Aquarium Plants?

    We got a video for you from our YouTube Channel you can check out all about Red Plants. We go into more detail in the blog post below. Sub to our YouTube channel for more content as we post new videos every week.

    If you’ve ever seen an aquascape aquarium with bright and colorful red plants in it, you’ll know what all the fuss is about. Of course, bright green plants are beautiful too, but there’s something special about dramatic rosy foliage that really catches the eye.

    Growing healthy red plants can be a little bit challenging for beginners, but with the right equipment and know-how, it is a fascinating side of the planted tank hobby that any aquarist can succeed at!

    10 Best Red Aquarium Plants

    In a hurry? Check out red plants sold at Buce Plant!

    Here we go folks, it’s time to introduce 10 amazing red aquarium plants that you can use in your own aquascape! For each plant, I’ll be providing important information like:

    • The plant’s average size
    • The recommended placement in the tank
    • pH
    • Care level
    • Light requirements
    • CO2 requirement
    • Method for propagating new plants

    1. Ludwigia natans ‘Super Red’

    Editor’s Choice
    Ludwigia Natans Super Red
    Ludwigia Natans Super Red

    An amazing red aquarium plant that is easy to grow! A fast growing plant.

    Click For Best Price Buy On Glass Aqua
    • Size: 6-20 inches
    • Tank Placement: Mid ground, Background
    • Origin: North America
    • pH: 6-7
    • Care level: Easy
    • Lighting: Medium
    • CO2 requirement: No, recommended
    • Propagation: Rooted cuttings

    Ludwigia natans ‘Super Red’ is a great plant to start out with. This fast-growing stem plant for freshwater aquariums is an easy plant to care for but will develop its best color with proper lighting and CO2 injection.

    It is a tall, narrow plant when grown singly, but being soft and delicate, it shows great movement when a few stems are planted together in groups.

    2. Alternanthera reineckii ‘Mini’

    Alternanthera Reineckii
    Alternanthera Reineckii

    A challenging, but rewarding red aquarium plant. Grows in all placements

    Click For Best Price Buy On Glass Aqua
    • Size: 3-12 inches
    • Tank Placement: Foreground, Mid ground, Background
    • Origin: South America
    • pH: 5-7
    • Care level: Moderate
    • Lighting: Medium-High
    • CO2 requirement: Yes
    • Propagation: Rooted cuttings

    Alternanthera reineckii is a very popular aquarium plant that is commonly referred to as AR for short. It is a beautiful but fragile plant that is available in many amazing varieties. AR ‘Mini’ is a relatively compact and slow-growing stem plant with amazing color.

    Being a slow-growing plant, it can be prone to algae growth on its broad leaf surfaces. Give this plant stable water parameters and regular tank maintenance and it will provide you with incredible foliage and color.

    3. Alternanthera reineckii ‘Rosanervig’

    Alternanthera Rosanervig
    Alternanthera Rosanervig

    A taller red plant that is great for larger aquariums. A moderately difficult plant to keep

    Click For Best Price Buy On Glass Aqua
    • Size: 4-12 inches
    • Tank Placement: Mid ground, Background
    • Origin: South & Central America
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Care level: Moderate
    • Lighting: Medium-high
    • CO2 requirement: Yes
    • Propagation: Rooted cuttings

    AR ‘Rosanervig’ is a taller variety that makes a great midground plant for larger aquariums. It can even be used as an effective background in small tanks. This gorgeous plant has reddish-green foliage with brilliant pink veins.

    4. Rotala rotundifolia ‘Red’

    Rotala Rotundifolia Red
    Rotala Rotundifolia Red

    An easy to grow stem plant with red colors. Easy to trim and propagate

    Click For Best Price Buy On Glass Aqua
    • Size: 8+ inches
    • Tank Placement: Background
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Care level: Easy
    • Lighting: High
    • CO2 requirement: Yes
    • Propagation: Rooted cuttings

    Rotala rotundifolia ‘Red’is an easy-to-grow stem plant that can add amazing color to your aquarium. This fast-growing aquatic plant produces its best colors when nitrogen is limited in the tank. It is easy to trim and propagate, which makes it an excellent choice for aquascaping.

    5. Rotala macrandra ‘Mini’

    Rotala Macrandra Mini
    Rotala Macrandra Mini

    A fast growing red plan that requires intense lighting and correct nutrient balance

    Click For Best Price Buy on Glass Aqua
    • Size: 8-11 inches
    • Tank Placement: Background, Mid ground
    • Origin: India
    • pH: 5-7.5
    • Care level: Advanced
    • Lighting: High
    • CO2 requirement: Yes
    • Propagation: Root cut side shoots in substrate

    Rotala macranda ‘Mini’ is a spectacular but challenging aquatic plant for more experienced aquarists. These stem plants grow quickly with the right care, but need intense lighting and the correct nutrient balance to thrive.

    This plant also needs limited nitrates to develop its red coloration, just like the previous species. Furthermore, it also needs acidic, soft water and increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Are you ready for the challenge of growing this striking plant?

    6. Nymphaea zenkeri – Tiger Lotus

    • Size: 4-30 inches
    • Tank Placement: Floating plant, midground
    • Origin: Africa
    • pH: 6-7.5
    • Care level: Easy
    • Lighting: Moderate
    • CO2 requirement: Recommended
    • Propagation: Root side shoots

    The red tiger lotus (video source from Tropica) is a bold aquatic aquarium plant that can be used as a centerpiece plant for the mid-ground. This hardy plant species is almost a combination of a stem plant and a floating plant in that it grow its root system in the substrate while producing large, flat, floating leaves on the water surface.

    The Red tiger lotus plant is easy to grow but will show its best red color if provided with high-intensity lighting system, additional carbon dioxide, and enough nutrients.

    7. Ludwigia peruensis

    Ludwigia Peruensis
    Ludwigia Peruensis

    A two tone foliage plant. Needs intense lighting and balanced nutrient levels

    Click For Best Price
    • Size: 18 inches
    • Tank Placement: Midground, Background
    • Origin: North America
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Care level: Moderate
    • Lighting: High
    • CO2 requirement: Yes
    • Propagation: Rooted cuttings

    This Ludwigia species is very popular for its two-tone foliage. Each amazing leaf is green above and red below. It makes a fine background plant for small aquariums or can be used in the midground of larger tanks.

    8. Alternanthera Lilacina

    Alternanthera Lilacina
    Alternanthera Lilacina

    Provides deep reds and purples in an aquarium. A great choice for dutch style aquascapes

    Click For Best price Buy On Glass Aqua
    • Size: 4-12+ inches
    • Tank Placement: Midground, Background
    • Origin: South America
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Care level: Easy-Moderate
    • Lighting: Medium-high
    • CO2 requirement: Yes
    • Propagation: Rooted cuttings

    This colorful AR variety is popular for its deep red stems and pink to red young growth. The undersides of the leaves are often a striking purple color.

    It is a pretty undemanding plant that has a moderate growth rate under bright lighting. This is an excellent plant for dutch style planted aquarium, providing intense color.

    9. Alternanthera reineckii ‘Rosaefolia Mini’

    Alternanthera Reineckii Rosaefolia Mini
    Alternanthera Reineckii Rosaefolia Mini

    The smallest variant of the AR Rosaefolias. Requires medium to intense lighting and CO2 injection

    Click For Best Price Buy On Glass Aqua
    • Size: 8 inches
    • Tank Placement: Midground
    • Origin: South America
    • pH: 5-7
    • Care level: Moderate
    • Lighting: Medium-High
    • CO2 requirement: Yes
    • Propagation: Rooted cuttings

    AR ‘Roseafolia Mini’ is a small plant that has a big presence in any planted fish tank. Its stems and foliage can be seen in a variety of reddish hues from pink, through red, to purple with intense lighting.

    This versatile plant is a great size for the midground of most aquaria, and can even be trimmed down to create a lush red carpet effect in a large aquarium.

    10. Phyllanthus fluitans – Red Root Floater

    Phyllanthus Fluitans
    Phyllanthus Fluitans

    A floating red plant with red coloration. Great for low tech tanks and paludariums 

    Click For Best Price Buy On Glass Aqua
    • Size: 1 inch
    • Tank Placement: Floating plant
    • Origin: South America
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • Care level: Easy
    • Lighting: Medium-High
    • CO2 requirement: No
    • Propagation: Side-shoot division

    Unlike the other plants in this list, the red root floater is not rooted in the substrate. In fact, these stunning plants float at the water’s surface just like water lilies. Their tiny roots trail down into the water creating an enchanting underwater scene.

    As the name suggests, these popular floating aquarium plants are best known for their bright red roots. The leaves themselves will also be a beautiful red shade if grown under bright light.

    Tank setup

    Now that you’ve learned about ten great plants that you can grow in your fish tank, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to grow healthy red aquarium plants.

    Substrate

    You should select a nutrient rich substrate for most popular aquatic plants that are rooted. The exceptions, of course, are floating plants like the red root floater and some epiphytes.

    Aquasoils are a soil-based nutrient rich substrate designed specifically for planted tanks. There are many great options on the market, including popular varieties like:

    Editor’s Choice!
    ADA Aqua Soil
    ADA Aqua Soil

    The Best Planted Tank Substrate

    The world’s standard in active substrates for planted tanks. Created by brand that founded modern aquascaping

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    Lighting

    Providing strong enough light intensity is the number one requirement for vibrant red aquarium plants. Many plants will grow quite happily in low light but remain green or just lack that wow factor that we want from the red plant species.

    It is important to remember that light intensity diminishes quickly with depth. This means that low-growing plants will be getting a lot less light than taller plants. For this reason, deeper aquariums will also need stronger lighting, even if they hold the same volume of water.

    A PAR level of about 100 umols measured at the bottom of the tank is a good value to aim for. This will bring out great color in most of the red aquatic plants

    The Light Spectrum

    When considering the needs of an aquatic plant, not just any bright light will do.

    Lighting that is turned up in the blue and red spectrum is ideal, but only so much as to maintain a natural and visually pleasing look. The red spectrum not only makes red aquarium plants appear redder but also helps them develop their color.

    Editor’s Choice
    Twinstar LED
    Twinstar LED

    The Best LED for Planted Tanks

    Twinstar nails the spectrum, has the proper spread and comes with a sleek design. Perfect for aquascapers

    Buy On Buce Plant Buy On Glass Aqua

    Filtration

    When selecting a filtration system, opt for a model that provides a good flow and a high water turnover. A turnover rate of 5 times the volume of your aquarium per hour is a good place to start.

    You can use an internal power filter or a hang-on back design to filter your aquarium, but external filters are best for creating beautiful display tanks. This is because canister filters are housed outside of the aquarium, so you won’t have to hide any hardware. OASE makes the best canister filters on the market. They are the top choice for planted aquarium owners today.

    Editor’s Choice!
    OASE Biomaster Thermo
    OASE Biomaster Thermo

    The Pro’s Choice

    The top choice among professional aquascapers. German engineering and equipped with an intregrated heater.

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    How To Grow These Tank Plants

    Maintaining healthy aquatic plants of any color requires an understanding of the basics of plant care. Put simply, plants need:

    • Light
    • Water
    • Carbon dioxide
    • Nutrients

    That’s not all that aquatic plants need, however. You should also provide the following:

    • A suitable rich substrate
    • The correct temperature range
    • Suitable parameters like water hardness and pH
    • Healthy water flow
    • Good plant spacing and trimming

    With this in mind, let’s take a look at the specifics you need to know for growing red plants in particular.

    Growing With CO2 Supplementation

    Carbon dioxide is absolutely necessary for healthy plant growth, and red plants species are no exception. Although this gas is present in all aquariums, you will need to provide an increased concentration to really see your plants flourish.

    The fact is, your aquarium plants simply can’t make use of bright light without elevated CO2 levels. In fact, intense light without CO2 will probably just grow you a whole lot of algae!

    CO2 Injection Systems

    CO2 supplementation might be the secret ingredient for amazing plant growth, but this gas has a dark side too. It is lethal in high concentrations (above 30ppm), which is a huge problem if you keep any fish or live animals in your aquarium.

    Fortunately, there are some amazing products and systems available to the modern hobbyist that make running CO2 safely pretty simple. An example of a great CO2 system includes the following components:

    • Pressurized CO2 canister
    • Co2 regulator
    • Diffuser
    • Bubble counter
    • Drop checker and solution
    • Timer
    The Ultimate CO2 Kit
    CO2Art Pro Elite Series Bundle
    CO2Art Pro Elite Series Bundle

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    The highest end offering by CO2Art. This package includes everything you need to perform consistent and the highest quality CO2 injection in the industry!

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    Using this kind of setup, you can set your injection system to provide dissolved carbon dioxide levels between 15 and 30ppm exactly when the plants need it.

    Since plants need light to use CO2, you’ll want to set your timer to fire up an hour or two before the lights go on, and then switch off at the same time as the lights go out.

    Maintaining Good Water Quality

    Creating an amazing underwater garden requires regular maintenance. Here’s what you’ll need to do to keep your red plants healthy and looking great:

    • Vacuum your gravel and carpet plants with a gravel vacuum to remove physical waste and uneaten fish food
    • Keep your glass clean with an algae scraper
    • Trim plants that are growing too large and shading out other plants. Use a sharp pair of aquascaping scissors for this task
    • Remove all trimmings and dead plant material from the tank
    • Rinse out your filter media or replace cartridges when necessary
    • Perform a weekly water changes. Start with about 25%, but measure your nitrate levels to fine-tune your routine

    Testing

    A good test kit is an essential tool for maintaining a healthy aquarium and one of the best purchases you will ever make. A test kit allows you to determine whether your tank is cycled, measure the parameters of your tap water, and monitor the nitrate levels in your aquarium.

    Supplements And Feeding

    Your aquarium plants require regular feeding of aquarium fertilizers to keep up with the demands of growth under high light and increased CO2 levels.

    A product like APT Zero from the 2Hr Aquarist is an ideal all-in-one solution for amazing growth for a planted fish tank. This formula lacks nitrate, which is great for keeping nitrogen levels down and boosting red colors while minimizing algae growth.

    Great For Red Plants
    APT Zero
    APT Zero

    Use Discount Code ASDComplete

    APT zero offers a the great supplementation of APT Complete, but want to control nitrate loads with dosing. For heavily planted dutch style tanks, go with APT Estimative Index

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    Nitrogen Limitation

    Many red plants look their best and develop their most intense coloration in a low nitrogen environment. That’s why reducing the nitrates in the water through regular water changes can be so important.

    This technique does not work for all red plants, however, but species like Rotala rotundifolia certainly do respond best to low nitrate levels. It is not realistic to maintain zero nitrates in the long term, especially if you keep fish. Of course, plants need some nitrogen to grow, so a prolonged absence of this important element will stunt and even kill plants.

    It is feasible to aim for nitrate levels below 5ppm, however, especially as a temporary method to bring out the best colors for a photo shoot for example.

    Pests and other problems

    The most common issues with red plants are poor color, and we know this is often a result of incorrect light, CO2 supplementation, and nutrient levels. Let’s take a look at some of the problems you may encounter.

    Unwelcome Guests

    Pests like snails and planaria are often introduced to aquariums as stow-aways on new aquarium plants. These animals don’t typically affect the plants themselves, but can be a major headache for other reasons. The best way to avoid introducing these pests is to grow tissue culture plants that are produced in sterile conditions.

    Hungry Herbivores

    Some common aquarium fish will feast on your red plants too. The following species are the usual suspects:

    Instability And Melting

    Aquarium plants can die back pretty alarmingly when they are moved into different environments. This phenomenon is known as melting, and it is very common.

    Often, the plants you buy were grown emersed (out of water), and being submerged underwater is a huge shock. The plant responds by getting rid of its old air-loving leaves and replacing them with new ones that are ready for life underwater. Most plants will bounce back pretty quickly, and all you need to do is remove all the dead, brown or dying leaves before it rots in your fish tank.

    Another potential cause for melt is unstable parameters and poor water quality. Keeping up with regular aquarium maintenance is the best way to avoid this problem.

    Algae

    Algae often thrive under the intense lighting needed to create a vibrant red aquarium plant. Balancing your light, nutrients, and carbon dioxide (CO2) is the best way to manage this problem, but there are some other options too.

    One of the best ways to combat algae is to have plenty of healthy, fast-growing plants to outcompete this common aquarium villain. If your planted aquarium is still young and growing, there are some other options too.

    Algae-eating aquarium animals can do an awesome job of keeping your tank clean, and what’s more, they are amazing creatures in their own right! Fish like Otocinclus catfish, and inverts like Amano shrimp and nerite snails are the first species that come to mind, but check out my article on aquarium algae eaters for even more great options.

    If you prefer to keep plants only, there are some great products available for managing the algae in your tank. The APT Fix algae treatment is ideal for spot treating any algae in the tank before it can grow into a headache.

    Great For Planted Tanks!
    APT Fix
    APT Fix

    Use Coupon Code ASDComplete

    APT Fix is a spot dosage treatment that works great for planted tanks. Effective and easy to use. Won’t hurt plants or livestock

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    Where To Buy

    Your local fish store is always worth checking out for aquarium plants. Always make certain, however, that the plants are correctly labeled.

    For the most part, the best place to shop for a wide variety of red plants is online. Buceplant.com is one of the most trusted online aquarium plant retailers, and they stock an amazing range of the best red aquarium plants for your fish tank.

    FAQs

    Do you need CO2 for these types of Tank plants?

    Not all red aquarium plants need injected CO2 to grow in the home aquarium. However, all of them will benefit from increased carbon dioxide, with faster and more robust growth.

    Do they need more light?

    Yes, most red aquarium plants need high lighting to look their best. There are always exceptions, but most species will require high, or at least moderate light to look their best.

    How do you keep these a vibrant color?

    To keep red aquarium plants red you will need to provide them sufficient light, nutrients, and carbon dioxide. Some plants also respond to very low nitrate levels by turning red.

    What does red-light do for Tank greenery?

    Red light can make red plants look even redder. The red part of the light spectrum helps plants grow tall and even is also known to stimulate flowering. On the other hand, too much red light can look unnatural, and even cause increased algae growth.

    Do they need iron?

    Red aquatic plants certainly need iron to grow healthy. Iron is one of the trace elements that all plants need, however, and it does not increase the red color in plants.

    Final Thoughts

    Red aquatic plants are often that X-factor that makes a good aquascape greatSure, they are an eye catching plant and can be a little needier than a green plant, but the results are worth it!

    Do you love red plants as much as I do? If so, share your favorite red plant below. Happy aquascaping!

    ๐ŸŒฟ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Planted Tank & Aquascaping Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for aquarium plants, aquascaping styles, substrates, and more.

  • Saltwater Fish for Beginners: 10 Hardy Species (and 3 to Avoid)

    Saltwater Fish for Beginners: 10 Hardy Species (and 3 to Avoid)

    The saltwater hobby has a reputation for being brutally difficult, and that reputation was earned โ€” twenty years ago. Today, with captive-bred fish widely available, better affordable equipment, and the collective knowledge of online communities, it’s far more accessible than people think. The biggest mistake beginners make isn’t water chemistry or filtration โ€” it’s fish selection. Walk into any fish store and you’ll find gorgeous, exotic species that are genuinely unsuitable for a new tank: mandarin dragonets that only eat live copepods, moorish idols that almost never acclimate to captivity, and powder blue tangs that need expert-level water quality to survive. In my 125-gallon reef, I started with forgiving species and worked up to harder ones over years. That progression is what this guide is about โ€” the fish that actually give beginners a fighting chance.

    Are you new to reef tanks? Thinking of setting one up and don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing fish? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’re going to take a look at 10 saltwater fish that are perfect for beginners โ€“ and 3 that you should avoid at all costs. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be armed with all the information you need to make the right choices for your tank. So let’s get started!

    Saltwater For Beginners

    Before considering which fish to get for your new saltwater aquarium, make a checklist and be prepared as best as possible for beginner mistakes and errors.

    The saltwater hobby is said to be more difficult than the freshwater side. This is true to some extent–and saltwater is definitely much more expensive–but if done right, it doesn’t have to be a challenge. Instead, make sure that your tank is fully set up and ready to accommodate an ecosystem:

    1. Allow the tank to fully cycle.
    2. Compile a stocking list with respect to space and aggression.
    3. Add beginner saltwater fish slowly and test water parameters regularly.
    4. Continue regular tank maintenance.

    Keep in mind that cycling a saltwater aquarium can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks and cannot be rushed. Also, remember that saltwater fish require much more space than freshwater ones, which can greatly impact the vision you originally had for your tank.

    But how hard are saltwater fish for beginners and how can you make sure you’re stocking your tank correctly?

    How Hard Is It To Keep This Type for a Pet?

    The truth is that many popular saltwater fish are incredibly hardy and forgiving of beginner mistakes. Popular species, like damselfish, are some of the hardiest fish available and can make the transition from freshwater to saltwater seamless.

    Saltwater tanks aren’t difficult to keep and beginner saltwater fish adapt quickly. The most challenging aspect of keeping a marine ecosystem is balancing parameters, regulating algae, and not getting discouraged when things go wrong.

    The new parameter relevant to saltwater is salinity, which needs to remain around 1.020-1.025. Saltwater aquariums evaporate very quickly, especially if rimless. Unlike freshwater that can easily be topped off, evaporation causes salinity to increase. This requires some calculations as to how much freshwater needs to be added in order to maintain a constant salinity. An auto top off system and help take the guess work away.

    Algae can also be much more difficult to remove in the saltwater aquarium. Various aspects, like marine salt mix, source water, and lighting, can all affect how phosphates and nitrates enter the system and subsequently influence algae growth. It will take a few months for a new tank to move past its ugly stage and even longer for hobbyists to understand how nutrients are moving through their systems.

    Lastly, and probably the most challenging step, is to not get discouraged. Saltwater is expensive and losing a fish hurts. Hobbyists quickly learn to use a quarantine system to their advantage and have various medications on hand for immediate response.

    It is also very common to experience a complete tank crash at least once. This can be due to malfunctioning equipment, power outages, aggressive fish, marine fish diseases, or even invertebrates that expel toxins into the water column overnight. Sadly, there is no absolute way to prevent a crash, though you will get better at damage control.

    It will take some time to understand how to regulate and correct mistakes and irregularities in your system. Once your fish are established though, the payoff definitely becomes worth it.

    Is This Species High Maintenance?

    Saltwater fish tanks can be high maintenance, but routine makes it easy.

    In the beginning stages of your tank, you may need to perform more regular water changes and test water parameters more often. During this time, the tank is becoming established, growing beneficial bacteria and balancing with the added bioload of new fish and invertebrates.

    Once the tank has matured and all livestock has been added, then maintenance becomes routine. Most hobbyists only need to spend an hour or two with their tanks every week for weekly or biweekly water changes and freshwater top-offs.

    It should be noted that this time range can change dramatically depending on the size and stocking of the system. A small polyp stony (SPS) coral-dominant tank will require much more trial and error and general maintenance than a basic fish only (FO) setup.

    How much time you’re willing to put in will have direct effects on the appearance and health of the ecosystem. That being said, you might be wondering which size tanks take the least time but offer the biggest reward. Again, this will largely depend on the budget allowed and the type of system desired.

    What Is The Best Tank Size For Newbies?

    In general, a 40 gallon breeder or 60 gallon breeder tank (which replaced the 55 gallon tank) are recommended as the best tanks for beginners. Both of these tanks are standard in size, keeping equipment relatively inexpensive and easy to find. These sizes also have decent water volume, which can make fluctuations and imperfections in water parameters easier to manage. Lastly, they don’t take up too much space but can still hold a decent amount of livestock.

    Great Beginner SW Tank
    Aqueon 60 Gallon Breeder
    Aqueon 60 Gallon Breeder

    This new 60 gallon breeder by Aqueon has the length and width of a 75 gallon tank, but at a shorter height. This is the most economical and effective 4 foot gallon tank for the saltwater hobby now.

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    While these are the recommended sizes, both larger and smaller setups are completely in reach of beginner’s capabilities. Larger setups generally require a larger budget and more equipment but allow for much more life. Smaller setups need more consistency through testing and maintenance and don’t allow as much biodiversity, but are much less expensive and more compact.

    10 Best Winners

    Though saltwater aquarium fish are easier than they might seem, there are some species that are considerably easier than others and more suited for beginners. Below is our YouTube video from our channel if you want a visual. We’ll go into further detail below in the blog.

    Don’t be fooled, though! This doesn’t make these fish any less beautiful and many are staples for the home aquarium.

    1. Clownfish

    Editor’s Choice
    Tank Raised Clownfish
    Tank Raised Clownfish

    Best Choice For Reef Tanks!

    Clownfish are hardy, full of personality, and are safe for all corals. They are an icon for any saltwater tank

    Click For Best Price Purchase ORA Clownfish
    • Genera: Amphiprion and Premnas
    • Size: 3-6 inches
    • Origin: Indo-Pacific
    • Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Available

    Clownfish are one of the most recognizable saltwater aquarium fish available. But did you know that there are about 30 different species of this orange and white striped marine fish with even more variations available?

    The ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris), also known as the false percula clown, is the most common species to come across and is an ideal tank mate for smaller community tanks. More aggressive types and larger clownfish, like the maroon clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus), can easily fit into bigger reefs and more involved ecosystems.

    2. Royal Gramma

    Royal Gramma
    Royal Gramma

    The Royal Gramma is a great looking fish with personality. Reef safe and will get along with most fish.

    Click For Best Price
    • Species Type: Gramma
    • Scientific Name: Gramma loreto
    • Size: 3 inches
    • Origin: Western Central Atlantic Ocean
    • Tank Size: 30 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Rare

    The royal gramma is another popular addition to the saltwater aquarium. This half-yellow and purple fish is appealing for beginner hobbyists due to its small size and bright colors.

    Though colorful and inexpensive, these beginner saltwater fish can become aggressive towards other fish in the aquarium, especially similar-looking species that were added afterward. Royal gramma are extremely hardy fish and definitely have a lot of character to bring to the home saltwater aquarium, but aggression will need to be monitored as the fish becomes more confident in its environment.

    3. Bangaii Cardinalfish

    Banggai Cardinal
    Banggai Cardinal

    Peaceful great in pairs, these cardinalfish are great tankmates, hardy, and breed in saltwater tanks. Completely reef safe.

    Click For Best Price
    • Species Type: Pterapogon
    • Scientific Name: Pterapogon kauderni
    • Size: 3 inches
    • Origin: Banggai Islands, Indonesia
    • Tank Size: 30 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Available

    Bangaii cardinalfish, or Kaudern’s cardinalfish, are a little more desirable than the related pajama cardinal (Sphaeramia nematoptera). These small, black and white mouthbrooding fish have also been known to successfully breed in the aquarium, making them a fun challenge for more experienced hobbyists.

    Bangaii cardinalfish are only native to the Banggai Islands in Indonesia and some surrounding islands, making them a rare fish to come across in the wild. As a result, most of the Bangaii cardinalfish available in the aquarium hobby have been aquacultured.

    4. Chalk Bass

    Chalk Bass in Reef Tank
    • Species Type: Serranus
    • Scientific Name: Serranus tortugarum
    • Size: 3 inches
    • Origin: Western Atlantic Ocean
    • Tank Size: 30 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Available

    If you’re looking for a marine fish that isn’t commonly found in beginner aquariums, then the chalk bass might be right for you. These fish are relatively plain in color, with a bluish-white base coat and overlaying red stripes at the top of their dorsal.

    Chalk bass are very hardy and fit perfectly into the community reef tank. In fact, these beginner saltwater fish are commonly kept together in small groups, though they might not always exhibit schooling behaviors. They can be shy at first but will swim in the open given the correct conditions.

    5. Yellow Coris Wrasse

    Yellow Coris Wrasse - A Great Addition for Pest Control
    • Species Type: Halichoere
    • Scientific Name: Halichoeres chrysus
    • Size: 5 inches
    • Origin: Eastern Indian Ocean
    • Tank Size: 50 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Rare

    The yellow coris wrasse is bright yellow and difficult to pass over when shopping for new saltwater aquarium fish. Due to the size and activity of this beginner saltwater fish, yellow coris wrasses need more space than the other fish on this list.

    These fish are one of the hardiest species of wrasse and like to be around other wrasses. They won’t touch corals in a reef tank, but they are likely to eat other small invertebrates available in and around the rock.

    6. Tank Raised Coral Beauty Angelfish

    Coral Beauty Angelfish
    • Species Type: Centropyge
    • Scientific Name: Centropyge bispinosa
    • Size: 4 inches
    • Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
    • Tank Size: 70 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Available

    For a long time, coral beauty angelfish were shoved into nano tanks. Just recently, hobbyists have started appreciating them as the fish that they are and housing them in the large tank setups they deserve. Though relatively small, coral beauties need room to swim and algae to graze on.

    Coral beauty angelfish are relatively peaceful, but have been known to be aggressive towards similar species, like the flame angelfish (Centropyge loricula). It is believed that coral beauties are more reef-safe than their flame counterparts, but it is still possible for them to nip at corals. They are available as tank bred now. These tank bred varieties are hardier and establish better in home aquariums than their wild caught counterparts.

    7. Azure Damselfish

    Azure Damselfish
    • Species Type: Chrysiptera
    • Scientific Name: Chrysiptera hemicyanea
    • Size: 3 inches
    • Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
    • Tank Size: 30 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Available

    In addition to clownfish, other species of damselfish are very popular saltwater fish for beginners. However, they’re not always the best choice.

    In general, damselfish are very aggressive fish; though cheap and small, beginners often make the mistake of adding these beginner saltwater fish to their aquariums and having other fish be terrorized by them.

    Luckily, the azure damsel is one of the least aggressive species of damselfish though there’s still the possibility that they’ll establish strict territories and attack tank mates.

    8. Yellow Watchman Goby

    Watchman Goby in Reef
    • Species Type: Cryptocentrus
    • Scientific Name: Cryptocentrus cinctus
    • Size: 4 inches
    • Origin: Western Pacific Ocean
    • Tank Size: 20 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Available

    The yellow watchman goby is a very fun fish to have, especially if you pair it with a symbiotic species of pistol shrimp, like the tiger pistol shrimp (Alpheus bellulus); this pairing is especially popular in nano setups. Otherwise, these beginner saltwater fish are bright yellow and can bring activity to the bottom of any tank.

    Yellow watchman gobies can be timid fish at first. They will burrow into the substrate and underneath rock to form tunnels, which can help be maintained by a pistol shrimp. Though these gobies won’t stray far from their burrows, they’ll come out for food and constantly try to make their home better.

    9. Tank Raised Yellow Tang

    Yellow Tang In Reef Tank
    • Species Type: Zebrasoma
    • Scientific Name: Zebrasoma flavescens
    • Size: 8 inches
    • Origin: Pacific Ocean
    • Tank Size: 125 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Available

    Yes, yellow tangs can be a great beginner saltwater fish given that conditions are right. Hobbyists interested in getting a yellow tang for their tank need to understand that these fish are active swimmers and active grazers; they need a lot of open swimming space but they also need a lot of rock to pick at algae and other microflora.

    Many yellow tangs originated from Hawaii. Unfortunately, these ecosystems have been affected by overharvesting and Hawaiiโ€™s Department of Land and Natural Resources has needed to intervene. In early 2021, harvesting permits could not be renewed and all current permits became invalid.

    Luckily, the yellow tang is commonly bred in captivity so that their delicate Hawaiin ecosystems can be repaired. This tank bred yellow tangs are hardy and adapt easily to aquarium life.

    10. Firefish Goby

    Firefish
    • Species Type: Nemateleotris
    • Scientific Name: Nemateleotris magnifica
    • Size: 3 inches
    • Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
    • Tank Size: 10 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Available

    Firefish goby are cheap, small, and unique looking, but they can quickly disappear from a saltwater tank. Unfortunately, these fish have a bad habit of jumping out of aquariums or disappearing behind rocks. This can dissuade some hobbyists, thinking they’ve done something wrong to kill the fish when actually these fish are just notorious for being difficult!

    If you’re looking for something a little more colorful but with the same personality as the firefish, then a purple firefish (Nemateleotris decora) might be what you’re looking for! Make sure to use a tight-fitting lid.

    Top 3 Types To Avoid

    Before going out and picking up a fish for your new aquarium, there are some saltwater fish species you should actively try to avoid. Here’s another video by yours truly. I’ll provide details below in the blog post.

    Though saltwater isn’t much more difficult than freshwater in the basic sense, there are some saltwater fish you will want to avoid as a beginner. Some other fish species can be sensitive to water parameters, prone to illness, or demanding when it comes to tank size and diet. These fish require extra time, consideration, and budget.

    1. Hippo Tang (Blue Tang AKA Dory)

    Blue Tang
    • Species Type: Paracanthurus
    • Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus
    • Size: 12 inches
    • Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
    • Tank Size: 180 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Available

    The hippo tang goes by a few names including blue tang, hepatus tang, regal tang, and Dory fish. The fame from the movie has made this a very popular saltwater aquarium fish. Unfortunately, they are rarely kept in the conditions they need to thrive, though.

    The hippo tang is not the best beginner saltwater fish due to its size, high activity levels, and sensitivity to water parameters and diseases. These fish are sold while they are only a few inches long, making them seem attainable by the average hobbyist. Within a year, they can grow to be several inches, causing many unaware hobbyists to have to find new homes for their tang.

    2. Mandarin Goby

    Healthy Mandarin Goby
    • Species Type: Synchiropus
    • Scientific Name: Synchiropus splendidus
    • Size: 3 inches
    • Origin: Western Pacific Ocean
    • Tank Size: 30 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Rare

    Mandarin gobies are probably the most beautiful saltwater fish available but are actually one of the worst fish to have for anyone lacking experience.

    These fish need a constant supply of copepods and other small invertebrates. Not only does this mean that the tank should naturally be mature with a stable ecosystem, but it may also involve setting up another system just to harvest food. Even then, these fish have been known to reject food and starve.

    3. Copperband Butterflyfish

    • Species Type: Chelmon
    • Scientific Name: Chelmon rostratus
    • Size: 8 inches
    • Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
    • Tank Size: 125 gallons
    • Available As Tank Bred: Rare

    The copper band butterflyfish is another beautiful yet difficult-to-keep saltwater fish. Like mandarin gobies, copperband butterflies rely heavily on live rock and supplemental feedings for their invertebrate-based diet. In addition, the copperband butterfly can grow to be relatively large and is an active swimmer.

    These fish also fail to thrive when there are other larger, more active fish in the reef aquarium so some stocking consideration is needed. If you want to see how a healthy establish copper band butterfly behaves, check out Aaron’s video above. They need a well-established reef aquarium to thrive.

    FAQs

    What Is The Most Peaceful Types?

    If you’re looking to set up a community reef tank, then you’ll want fish that are fully compatible with each other. This is definitely more difficult in the saltwater setting than for a freshwater aquarium, but there are still many options available.

    Many of the species on our list of the best saltwater fish for beginners are compatible with one another. This extends to other species of tang, goby, blenny, butterflyfish, and angelfish. For the most part, these fish will happily live alongside one another; it should be noted that some species cannot be kept with similar-looking species, so caution is needed.

    What Is The Most Aggressive?

    Instead of the traditional reef tank, some saltwater hobbyists choose to set up a predatory tank. These can be popular among beginner hobbyists who are more attracted to statement fish, like pufferfish and triggerfish.

    It can be difficult to tell which saltwater fish are aggressive, though. Of course, the ones with noticeable spikes or protruding teeth should be avoided if planning on setting up a community tank. However, some damselfish can be even more aggressive than predatory fish and every individual fish will have its own personality and behavior in the tank.

    Because of this, it’s important to have a back up plan if suddenly one of your peaceful fish becomes aggressive overnight–yes, this does happen! This might include being able to return the fish to a local pet store or rehoming it to another hobbyist.

    What Is The Easiest Type To Keep?

    Tank raised clownfish are the overall easiest saltwater fish to keep in the trade. There are many varieties available and they are tolerate of many beginner mistakes. For smaller tanks, tank raised gobies can be a good option.

    Are They High Maintenance?

    No, saltwater fish are not high maintenance if you select the right ones. However, there are more factors to consider with saltwater fish than with freshwater fish. Marine fish require more water prep, and more expensive equipment, and diseases are more prevalent. All these factors make them more difficult to keep than most freshwater fish.

    Final Thoughts

    The world of saltwater can be scary, but also incredibly exciting! There are tons of popular fish species to pick from and the options might seem limitless.

    If you’re just starting out though, there are definitely some beginner saltwater fish that are easier to keep than others. Once you feel confident in keeping those, then you can move on to the more challenging and expensive species.

    Until then, maintain your water parameters and make your fish as happy as they can be!

  • 7 Best 10 Gallon Fish Tanks โ€“ Reviews From a 25-Year Hobbyist

    7 Best 10 Gallon Fish Tanks โ€“ Reviews From a 25-Year Hobbyist

    The 10 gallon is probably the most popular beginner tank size in the hobby โ€” it’s widely available, affordable, and gives you just enough room to create something interesting. I’ve owned 10 gallon tanks at various points over 25 years and have watched the quality of all-in-one kits improve dramatically. They work great for bettas, small community setups, shrimp, and easy planted tanks. The main thing to know is that not all 10 gallon tanks are equal โ€” filtration quality and build durability vary a lot between the budget options and the better kits.

    What Is The Best 10 Gallon Aquarium (Our Criteria)

    I’ve owned 10 gallon aquariums and see the evolution in the industry. There are simple aquariums and fully decked out all in one systems. Here is what I used to determine the best.

    Aquarium Layout

    Everyone wants a rimless aquarium. I’m primarily going to be looking at this style of fish tank because you can rimless tanks at this size at an affordable price. It’s way too easy to point out a discount fish tank kit. You didn’t come here for that, you came here for high quality and style.

    Filtration

    Several of these aquariums are going to be all in one tanks compete with a 3 stage filtration system. For kits, I want to make sure I find a glass aquarium kit with a decent starter filter that you won’t outgrow or will fall apart on you. If it is a basic fish tank, I want to make sure it’s the right dimensions to allow for multiple filter setups.

    Lighting

    Some of these aquariums will come with lighting systems. If they do, I want to lean on systems that can support low light aquarium plants if they are designed for freshwater tanks or soft corals if they are designed for saltwater.

    Price

    Price is always a factor in any aquarium build. I’m looking at a price of aquariums here from high end to the most basic. If it’s priced high, I want to make sure it has premium features like being rimless or including a good light. If it is priced low, I want to make the aquarium will last.

    The 10 Gallon Aquarium Candidates

    Below is the list of aquariums that made the cut. They are from various price ranges and cover both freshwater and saltwater tanks. I’ll go over each one in detail.

    In a hurry? I recommend Serene Aquariums!

    PictureNameFeaturesLink
    Editor’s Choice
    Serene Aquarium     		Serene Aquarium
    • Comes with light
    • Frosted background
    • Rimless
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    Best Value
    Waterbox 10 CLEAR Mini     		Waterbox 10 CLEAR Mini
    • Rimless
    • Great Value
    		Click For Best Price
    Budget Option
    Aqueon 10 Gallon Aquarium Kit     		Aqueon 10 Gallon Aquarium Kit
    • All In One Kit
    • Price
    		Buy On AmazonBuy On Chewy
    Water Box Nano Water Box Nano
    • Built In Filtration
    • Great For Nano Reefs
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    Fusion Pro 10 Fusion Pro 10
    • All In One Aquarium
    • Rimless
    • Great For Nano Reefs
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    Dennerle 10G Shrimp Tank Dennerle 10G Shrimp Tank
    • Gentle Filter
    • Shrimp Tanks
    		Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon
    Aqueon 10 Gallon Tank Aqueon 10 Gallon Tank
    • Cheap
    • Easy to Find
    		Buy On PetcoBuy On Amazon

    The 7 Best (2023 Reviews)

    You have seen the list, now it’s time to learn more about each fish tank. Let’s look at each one below.

    1. Serene Aquariums

    Serene Aquarium
    Serene Aquarium

    ๏ปฟThe perfect first time aquascaper tank. Comes with dragonstone rock. Just add filtration and plants!

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    Current USA’s Serene aquariums are a new entrant into rimless aquariums, but it’s one of the best freshwater focused kits you can buy today. What I love the most about this aquarium is they design it so you can have a low maintenance tank. It comes with a frosted background that is backlit. This is a feature you don’t get with any fish tank manufacturer. In fact, to get similar, you would have to purchase a background and lighting system from ADA, which is as much as this tank! The frosted background is the perfect color for freshwater aquascapes.

    The light that comes with this aquarium is Current USA’s Serene line. While it is not the Pro RBG light, it is still good enough to grow lots of low light plants. The Serene light has a ton of features. See the video below from Current USA to see some of the features below.

    This is a rimless aquarium with a very good price. You get a 13 gallon fish tank (yes, it’s slightly better than 10 gallons, but I felt it’s close enough to be on this list), the Serene light, a frost background, and you even get some decorations. This aquarium is a stand-alone tank that is a better quality offering than some of the all-in-one aquariums you will see like the Waterbox or Innovative Marine. It is also designed for freshwater aquascaping versus reef tanks.

    Current USA has several aquascaping packages to choose from. The one I linked to is the dragonstone package. They also have a Manzanita and a planted package. You can chose these other packages and get the aquascaped look without live plants.

    The main cons with this package is the price. It is on the pricey side, but there also is a nice 15% offer you can get from me to help with the price (use offer code ASD15).It is also missing a filtration unit. I would either use a canister filter or opt with OASE’s Bioplus Thermo. It’s a great buy and highly recommended!

    Best For – Freshwater Tanks, Aquascapes

    Pros
    • Comes with light
    • Frosted background
    • Comes with decor
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Light is best for low light plants

    2. Waterbox 10 CLEAR Mini

    Best Value
    Waterbox 10 Mini
    Waterbox 10 Mini

    The Waterbox 10 Mini offers a great rimless tank at a great price. Perfect for a mini aquascape!

    Click For Best Price

    When you are looking for a rimless aquarium only, the Waterbox 10 Mini offers an excellent price to get into a high clarity fish tank. Waterbox is really putting in efforts to penetrate the freshwater hobby with this well priced package. They are well known for their great all in one aquariums that comes with aquarium sumps and easy to install plumbing.

    The CLEAR aquarium is roughly the same dimensions as your standard 10 gallon tank. The straight edged silicone gives the glass aquarium a seamless look. You won’t see ugly silicone on the edges of your aquarium or a plastic rim. The aquarium comes with a self leveling mat, so you do not need to purchase your own. Waterbox also offers cabinets, though they pretty expensive. The Serene offers more equipment, a background, and decorations, but the CLEAR is cheaper and gives you the freedom to buy your own gear.

    In looking at the Clear aquarium, I like the design and simplicity. I prefer this name brand over similar offerings I’ve found on Amazon, and the customer support with Waterbox is pretty responsive in my opinion.

    If you are looking for a pure rimless aquarium with a great brand behind it, this is the aquarium to get. It is more expensive as a traditional rimmed tank, but it looks a lot better and well suited for planted tanks.

    Pros
    • Rimless
    • Good price
    • Quality brand
    Cons
    • Tank only
    • No background

    Best For – Freshwater Tanks, Aquascapes

    3. Aqueon 10 Gallon Aquarium Kit

    It would be really easy for me to place Aqueon’s standard 10 gallon tank as the budget pick here, but I felt Aqueon’s aquarium starter kit is a great budget option. This is because Aqueon takes the guesswork away from select equipment and most of the equipment they offer in the package is pretty good.

    The package comes with the standard fish tank, a hood with standard LED light, Aqueon’s power filter, a heater, a fish net, themometer, water conditioner, and some sample fish food. You save a bit of money purchasing this package over buying everything separately. I feel the overall quality of the package is better than most other 10 gallon glass aquarium kits, including the Marina led aquarium kit, Tetra’s, and generic brand competitors.

    The main separator between Aqueon’s offering and the others is the power filter. Aqueon’s filter is a true 3 stage filter and as a feature that tells you when you should change the filter cartridge. The hood is good, though not ideal for planted tanks. The heater is decent in quality. I’ve personally used these heaters for quarantine tanks and never had an issue. The main thing I don’t like about the preset heater is that you can’t adjust it – it is designed to keep temperatures at 78 degrees.

    Overall, this is a great fish only starter package if you are looking for good equipment and stress free selection.

    Pros
    • Complete kit
    • Good price
    • Quality brand
    Cons
    • Rimmed tank
    • Okay heater

    Best For – Freshwater Tanks

    4. Water Box Nano

    Waterbox Nano
    Waterbox Nano

    A classy rimless nano reef tank that won’t break the bank! Great design with a well design all in one chamber

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    Are you looking for a nano reef tank? If so, The Water Box Nano is an excellent choice at the 10 gallon aquarium size. This all-in-one fish tank offers a built in filtration system, return pump, black background, and rimless style aquarium.

    The cubed dimensions of this aquarium allow for more aquascaping space then a regular 10 gallon. The built in filtration unit is large enough to house an auto top off system and aquarium heater. In my personal experience with dealing with this tank, they are prefer for softy nano reef setups. The filtration is basic enough for them and a simple lighting fixture is all you need.

    There are a few things here that could be improved. The return pump isn’t that great and the price is on the higher end. However, if you want a better return pump, you can opt for the next option below.

    Pros
    • Great all in one filter
    • Rimless
    • Built for nano reefs
    Cons
    • Okay return pump
    • Expensive

    Best For – Nano Reef Tanks

    5. Innovative Marine Fusion Pro 10

    Fusion Pro 10
    Fusion Pro 10

    A great all in one tank designed for saltwater. Comes with a high quality DC return pump

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    Innovative marine is the originator of the modern all in one nano aquariums you see in the saltwater tank hobby. This Fusion Mini is their latest line of aquariums and really comes in offering premium features. It comes with a mesh lid and micro glass cleaner to keep your fish from jumping and algae a breeze to scrape. It has superior features, build quality, and a higher price compared to the Waterbox.

    The return pump included is Innovative’s Might Jet DC pump. This DC pump is one of the best DC pumps you can put into a nano reef tank. With its adjustable features, you can adjust the flow to suit whatever corals you plan to keep.

    This package is what I call a premium package and commands a premium price. It’s the most expensive fish tank on this list. If you are looking or the best nano reef tank at this size, this is the aquarium to purchase. My personal recommendation is purchase this over the Waterbox if you want more than soft corals. I’ve worked on LPS and mixed reef tanks from this line and seen plenty of successful setups.

    Pros
    • Manufacturer designs upgrades for tank
    • Rimless
    • Built for nano reefs
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Best For – Nano Reef Tanks

    6. Dennerle Shrimp Aquarium

    Dennerle 10G Shrimp Tank
    Dennerle 10G Shrimp Tank

    A great shrimp tank package. One of the few shrimp tanks equipped with a power filter!

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    Looking for a freshwater shrimp tank? If so, this 10 gallon tank by Dennerle is a great option for a larger shrimp tank. This is aquarium is built for the purpose of keeping shrimp. Starting with the Eckfilter internal filter, this gentle filter can keep your fish tank clean while keeping your shrimp safe. The filter is simple, making it easy to clean and maintain. It also comes with a LED light with a color output of 6500K. While it is not the best-planted tank LED, it is adequate for low-light plants.

    The aquarium itself is a rimless tank that is a bit wider than your standard ten-gallon aquarium. This allows you to play with the depth space and give your shrimp more space to run around in. The aquarium is built as a curved corner glass tank. Keep this in mind as this can give an odd look when looking at the corners.

    My affiliate partner, Flip Aquatics loves these tanks for his customers. It offers a simple yet effective setup. This is a great tank if you are looking for a shrimp-only tank. If you are looking to build a community tank that includes freshwater shrimp, consider the Serene instead. They are more expensive to set up over the Dennerle, but you get a higher-quality glass tank and the option of installing better filtration.

    Overall, the Dennerle, with its Eckfilter and LED lights great option for shrimps and offers a great overall value for everything it comes with. It has the functionality, is built for shrimps, and has better looks than rimmed glass aquariums. It’s a great first shrimp tank.

    Pros
    • Built for freshwater shrimp
    • Gentle filter
    • Good price
    Cons
    • Not good for community tanks
    • Expensive

    Best For – Freshwater Shrimp Tanks

    7. Aqueon Ten-Gallon Aquarium

    Aqueon 10 Gallon Tank
    Aqueon 10 Gallon Tank

    Your standard 10 gallon tank. Goes on sale at local Petcos for cheap

    Buy On Petco Buy On Amazon

    I left this aquarium for last. This is the aquarium you will typically see when you go to Petco or Petsmart’s dollar-per-gallon sale. While the price may be great at first impression, you can actually end up spending more than the Aqueon glass aquarium kit to build out a suitable system.

    I included the links to go purchase this if you want. It’s cheap and Aqueon aquariums should last a long time. It is longer than most all-in-one aquariums (20โ€ L x 10โ€ W x 12โ€ H).

    It’s just not my first choice when it comes to building out a good-looking display tank. If you are looking for a classy rimless tank or want to do a premium setup, consider going with the other tanks on the list.

    That’s not to say you can’t build a great-looking setup with this over the Serene tank. I’ve built plenty of great 10 gallon setups using these tanks from aqueon including community fish and betta fish tanks.

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • Easy to Find
    • Standard Dimensions
    Cons
    • Rimmed Tank
    • Bare bones

    Best For – Freshwater Tanks

    What Fish Can I Get For A 10 Gallon Fish Tank?

    A common question when purchasing an aquarium at this size is what type of fish species can you put in these tanks. The preferred options would be nano fish like the following:

    If you want the most stunning fish you can buy at 10 gallon aquariums, I would recommend a betta fish. The link below is from Glass Aqua, which favors Plakat Betta fish. These types of betta are the best to purchase for larger tanks because they are more active, hardy, and can compete for fish food from other fish tank mates.

    WYSIWYG Available!
    Betta Fish
    Betta Fish

    Use Coupon Code ASDFISH at Checkout

    Betta Fish are one of the most beautiful varieties of freshwater fish available in the hobby. Easy to care for with plenty of varieties!

    Buy Premium Varieties Buy On Petco Online

    If you are looking at a nano reef tank, your options are going to be limited. The best fish to buy at 10 gallons would be:

    • Firefish Gobies
    • Clown Goby
    • Single Azure Damsel

    Check out my full list of the best fish for 10 gallon tanks here.

    How to Setup a 10 Gallon Fish Tank

    Setting up a 10 gallon fish tank can be stressful if it is the first time for you. Luckily, it’s easier than you think if you are guided. For those of you who are video inclined, I provided a video below from Waterbox that explains their process of setting up their mini aquariums. I’ll go in more detail below.

    Assuming you building everything with just an aquarium to start, you will need the follow to setup:

    • Filter
    • Heater (if going with tropical fish or marine fish)
    • Lighting
    • Decorations
    • Live Plants or Corals

    Aquarium Filtration for 10 Gallon Fish Tanks

    There are a ton of options when it comes to 10 gallon fish tanks. If you want to go with a canister filter, I would recommend the OASE Filtosmart 100. This is a mini version of their Biomaster Thermo, but small enough not to be over kill for this size.

    You can try power filters, which are a great choice. My go to for power filters are Hagen Aquaclears. They do not display very well in rimless aquariums though.

    Editor’s Choice
    Hagen AquaClear
    Hagen AquaClear

    The Best Aquarium Power Filter

    The worlds best selling and most reliable power filter on the market. Unchanged for years because it’s so reliable and versatile

    Buy On Amazon Click For Best Price

    For rimless aquarium options, I would consider an OASE BioPlus Internal Filter or Filtosmart 100. Either filtration system will get the job done.

    Aquarium Heaters for 10 Gallon Aquariums

    You want to have a quality heater in order to keep your tank temperatures stable. Consider a high quality brand like Eheim when shopping around. The heaters that come with OASE filters are also excellent choices. You can hook up your heater to a heater controller for added safety. Inkbird has a great line of controllers that have wifi capability. The controller comes with an app that you can download on your phone that sends you alerts.

    Protects Against Heater Failure!
    Inkbird Heater Controller
    Inkbird Heater Controller

    Protect your investment with this heater controller. An excellent choice for small tanks. WiFi models now available!

    Buy On Amazon Click For Best Price

    Aquarium Lighting for 10 Gallon Aquariums

    Lighting can be basic or advanced depending on what you are looking for. The great thing is at this size there are two great choice depending on whether you go freshwater or saltwater. More options are led lighting systems.

    For freshwater, the Serene RGB Pros are a great value and will grow just about any freshwater plant available in the hobby. It comes with a great controller and adjustable features

    Best Value
    Serene RGB Pro LED
    Serene RGB Pro LED

    Current USA’s offering into aquascaping is an incredible value. Spectrum, spread, easy to program and great PAR output.

    Click For Best Price Buy On Amazon

    For saltwater aquariums, the AI Prime is the best light you can purchase for nano reef tanks. Just buy this light and you can grow just about anything short of hardcore SPS corals. They work amazing for Zoas, a very popular beginner coral.

    Great For Zoas
    AquaIllumination AI Prime
    AquaIllumination AI Prime

    The AI Prime is a great overall all light for Zoas. It contains the correct, PAR, spectrum, and spread needed to get you going with growing your own Zoa colony!

    Buy On Amazon Click For Best Price

    Decorations for 10 Gallon Aquariums

    For a 10 gallon aquarium. I prefer to go with a solid piece of driftwood and decorate from there. Manzanita driftwood offers a great value, has low tannins, and has a reasonable price. You can also use plastic plants or silk plants if you want to use artificial plants as decorations.

    Editor’s Choice
    Manzanita Driftwood
    Manzanita Driftwood

    Editor’s Choice

    Manzanita offers it all. Great shape, low tannins, quick to water log and reasonably priced. It’s the ultimate driftwood!

    Click For Best Price Click For Branch Pieces

    For saltwater tanks, I would consider purchase live rock at your local fish store. These tanks are so small you really don’t need much to get started. A 5 to 7 pound rock is all you need. Fill the rest up with dry rock.

    Live Plants or Corals for 10 Gallon Fish Tanks

    Beginner plants are the best plants to add for a 10 gallon fish tank. The following are great plants you can add to your tropical fish tank:

    All the plants above feed off the aquarium water column, so you can glue them to driftwood. If you are looking for a quality live plant seller, considering buying from an online retailer like Buce Plant.

    My Pick
    Buce Plant
    Buce Plant

    Buce Plant offers a wide variety of aquatic plants for sale. With one of the largest selections in the US, you will find what you need here. They are also a great source for freshwater shrimp!

    Click For More Info

    FAQs

    What Fish Are Good In A 10 Gallon Tank?

    On the freshwater side, nano fish like guppies, rasboras, danios, small tetras, and corydoras catfish all make excellent choices. A single male betta is also a great choice.

    On the saltwater side, nano reef fish like firefish gobies, clown goby, or an azure damsel would work. Note for a 10 gallon tank, you will likely only be able to house 1 or 2 saltwater fish depending on the aggression levels of the fish. Clownfish are generally too large for 10 gallon fish tanks

    How many fish can a 10 gallon tank support?

    If the fish are small schooling fish, 4-6 small freshwater fish can be housed in a 10 gallon tank with proper filtration and shelter from decorations (or even better live plants)

    Is A 10 Gallon Tank Good?

    A 10 gallon tank is a great first timer’s fish tank if it is setup as a freshwater aquarium and the filtration system is of good quality. While not as stable as a 20 or 40 gallon tank, you can still enjoy success with this size tank.

    On the saltwater side, a 10 gallon tank is considered at the low end of a nano reef tank. These tanks can be a challenge to maintain and keep stable.

    Is A 10 Gallon Tank Hard To Maintain?

    Definitely not. A 10 gallon tank will have one of the lowest maintenance commitments due to its size. You sacrifice stability for maintenance time with small tanks. As long as you keep your stocking reasonable and

    Is A 10 gallon Fish Tank Big?

    10 gallon tanks aren’t that big in size. The standard dimensions of a 10 gallon tank is 20″ x 10″ x 12″. Most rimless and all in one aquariums will actually be built with shorter lengths to accommodate a smaller footprint on a desk or countertop. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place for it in your home or office.

    How much would a 10 gallon tank cost?

    A basic 10 gallon tank will be about $20-$25 per gallon or $200-$250 to setup for a freshwater tank. For a saltwater tank, expect to pay $40-$60 per gallon or $400-$600. You can definitely pay less than what I’m suggesting, however, keep in mind the ranges I throw out are for higher quality setups not discount store kits which tend to have low quality equipment that will not last.

    Closing Thoughts

    You can create beautiful 5 gallon fish tanks with any of the aquariums on this list. All these tanks are suitable for small fish and will get you going on your fishkeeping journey. I hoped I helped alleviate your buyerโ€™s anxiety with this roundup today. If you have any questions, leave a comment below and letโ€™s start a conversation! Thanks for reading!

    ๐Ÿ”ง Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Aquarium Equipment & Gear Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for filters, heaters, lights, pumps, tanks, and more.

  • 15 Best Fish for a 10 Gallon Tank: How Many Can You Actually Keep?

    15 Best Fish for a 10 Gallon Tank: How Many Can You Actually Keep?

    The 10-gallon tank is one of the most popular starter sizes in the hobby โ€” and one of the most commonly overstocked. After 25 years of keeping and recommending fish, I’ve seen this play out hundreds of times: someone grabs a 10-gallon kit, picks fish that look cool together, and a few months later wonders why things aren’t going well. The fix is simple but requires being honest about stocking numbers. In this guide I’m sharing 15 fish that genuinely work in a 10-gallon, with real numbers on how many you can keep and a clear-eyed look at which species are often oversold for this tank size.

    Top Picks

    Editor’s Choice
    Betta
    Betta
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    • Easy to care
    • Lot of breeds available
    Easiest To Care For
    White Cloud Minnow
    White Cloud Minnow
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    • No heater needed
    • Easy to care for
    Most Unique
    Pea Puffers
    Pea Puffers
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    • Species only
    • Personality

    Let’s get straight to the point and go with my top picks. Bettas are my top choice because there are so many varieties available, and they have a great centerpiece look to them. White cloud minnows are the easiest to care for of all the fish I’m listing on this post. They don’t require a heater, school and are very hardy. Finally, pea puffers are a great choice if you want something unique, but they are semi-aggressive and best housed with their own kind in a species only tank in a group for an aquarium this small.

    The 15 Best Fish For 10 Gallon Tank

    Now that you know a little more about my top picks for fish you can keep in a 10-gallon tank, it’s time to meet some of the other fish! For you visual learners, my video is above for you to view. Check out my YouTube channel here.

    For each species, I’ll be provided a quick rundown on the most important stats you need to know like:

    • Their scientific name
    • Size when fully grown
    • Care Level
    • Temperament
    • What they eat
    • Where do they come from
    • Temperature range
    • Swimming level in the tank

    Let’s begin!

    1. Betta

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    Betta Fish
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    Betta Fish are one of the most beautiful varieties of freshwater fish available in the hobby. Easy to care for with plenty of varieties!

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    • Scientific Name: Betta splendens
    • Adult Size: 2.5-3 inches
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Aggressive
    • Diet: Carnivorous, Feed live/frozen foods, flakes, and pellets
    • Origin: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand
    • Water Temperature: 75-80ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Top, Midwater

    The betta fish is surely the most popular nano fish for freshwater tanks of all time! These aggressive little fish prefer to be kept as the only fish in the aquarium. They are also known as Siamese fighting fish because males will fight to the death if kept together in a small aquarium.

    This means only a single male betta fish should be kept in a 10-gallon species-only tank. Don’t worry though, the tank won’t feel too empty because these colorful fish have plenty of personalities. Betta fish come in a huge range of colors and shapes, so there’s a type of betta out there to suit just about anyone. They do need warmer temperatures than most fish.

    2. Guppy

    Guppy Fish
    • Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
    • Adult Size: 1-2.5 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivorous, feed dried, frozen, and live foods
    • Origin: South America and the Caribbean
    • Water Temperature: 63-82ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    Guppies are another one of the most popular fish in the aquarium hobby. These colorful, peaceful community fish come in an amazing variety of colors and breeds known as fancy guppies.

    The fancy guppy is a hardy fish that does great in both community tanks and species-only tanks. They are livebearers, so if you would prefer not to breed them, make sure you don’t keep males and females in the same tank.

    Female fish may already be pregnant when you buy them so males tend to be the better bet. The males are also smaller, more colorful, and have longer fins.

    3. Rice

    Japanese Rice Fish
    Japanese Rice Fish

    Japanese rice fish are a commonly overlooked fish suitable for freshwater aquascapes. Very peaceful and hardy fish that color up with companions

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    • Scientific Name: Oryzias Latipes
    • Adult Size: 1-1.5 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivorous, feed dried, frozen, and live foods
    • Origin: Japan
    • Water Temperature: 72-80ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    Japanese Rice fish are an often overlooked, but extremely interesting and playful little fish. They have been raised for centuries in Asia due to their natural habitat being on rice patties across the continent! These curious creatures also go by many names including Medaka or Japanese killifish because they can be found naturally around these areas as well.

    Ricefish, known for their peaceful nature, should be housed in the aquarium with other tranquil fish and larger invertebrates. Ricefish do best when kept at numbers of 6 or more, as they show their finest coloration and behavior when around others for companionship. They have the potential to jump out of a tank so you will want to cover your tank with an appropriate hood or glass lid.

    4. Endler’s Livebearer

    Endler's Livebearer
    • Scientific Name: Poecilia wingei
    • Adult Size: 1-1.8 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivorous, feed dried, frozen, and live foods
    • Origin: Venezuela, South America
    • Water Temperature: 72-80ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: All levels

    Endler’s livebearers are the nano cousin of the common guppy. Like guppies and mollies, these fish breed very easily in the home aquarium. You can prevent breeding by keeping only specimens of a single-sex.

    Males are smaller and more colorful than females, just like guppies. These colorful little fish are very easy to care for and great fun to watch as they forage all over the tank. This is one nano fish that I would recommend to any beginner!

    5. Chili Rasbora

    • Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
    • Adult Size: 0.8 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Carnivorous, feed-dried, frozen, and live foods
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Water Temperature: 68-82ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Top, Midwater

    The Chili rasbora (video source) is a tiny fish that does great in a 10-gallon aquarium. They can be kept on their own or with other community fish and inverts.

    These bright orange fish captivate aquarists with interesting black markings on their sides and fins. Chili rasboras are schooling fish and you can keep as many as 20 of them in a planted 10-gallon tank with great filtration.

    6. White Cloud Minnow

    White Cloud Mountain Minnow
    White Cloud Mountain Minnow

    A very peaceful fish that does well in coldwater fish. Other minnow varieties are also available

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    • Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
    • Adult Size: 1.5 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Carnivorous, feed-dried, frozen, and live foods
    • Origin: China
    • Water Temperature: 58-72ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Midwater

    White cloud mountain minnows are beautiful and graceful schooling fish that are a great choice for a 10-gallon aquarium. They are not tropical fish like the other species in this list and are suitable for cool water tanks.

    White cloud minnows are available in some amazing varieties, with gold body color, or long flowing fins for example.

    7. Celestial Pearl Danio

    CELESTIAL PEARL DANIO
    • Scientific Name: Celestichthys margaritatus
    • Adult Size: 0.75 inches
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivorous, feed dried, frozen, and live foods
    • Origin: Thailand, Myanmar
    • Water Temperature: 68-78ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Midwater

    The celestial pearl danio is beautiful nano fish that is a wonderful choice for a 10-gallon aquarium. These small fish are most happy in a heavily planted tank. They can be kept with other peaceful fish, but they can be outcomhttps://aquariumstoredepot.com/blogs/news/small-freshwater-fishpeted by faster more aggressive feeders and bigger fish.

    Celestial pearl danios are small school fish, so be sure to pick up a group of at least 6 individuals.

    8. Neon Tetra

    Neon Tetra
    • Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
    • Adult Size: 1 inch
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivorous, feed dried, frozen, and live foods
    • Origin: South America
    • Water Temperature:70-77ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Midwater

    The neon tetra is a classic nano fish that will add amazing color to your 10-gallon tank.

    This is about the smallest tank size that neon tetras will thrive in, but with great filtration, you can easily keep small groups of 6 to 8. These popular tropical fish are easy to find at just about any pet store and are very easy to care for.

    9. Female Bettas

    Female Betta Group
    • Scientific Name: Betta splendens
    • Adult Size: 2-2.5 inches
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Diet: Carnivorous, Feed live/frozen foods, flakes, and pellets
    • Origin: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand
    • Water Temperature: 75-80ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Top, Midwater

    Female betta fish are often overlooked in the aquarium hobby because they don’t have as much color and fancy finnage as the males. The truth is that females still have great colors and personalities. They are not as aggressive as the males, which makes them a better option as tank mates for community tanks. You will have an easier time finding tank mates with females.

    A small group of female betta fish is known as a sorority. Experienced aquarists can keep a sorority in a 10-gallon tank, but a single female betta is usually the perfect fish for a tank of this size.

    10. Zebra Danio

    What Does A Zebra Danio Look Like
    • Scientific Name: Brachydanio rerio
    • Adult Size: 1.5-2 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Carnivorous, feed dried, frozen, and live foods
    • Origin: India
    • Water Temperature: 70-82ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Top, Midwater

    Zebra danios are very adaptable and hardy fish that can be housed in a 10-gallon aquarium. These active fish are great fun to watch as they zoom around the tank at high speed!

    Zebra danios are not always schooling fish, but a group of at least 5 or 6 danios should be kept in the same tank. These fish need plenty of swimming space, so make sure you leave a lot of space available.

    11. Dwarf Corydoras Catfish

    Pygmy Cory
    • Scientific Name: Corydoras hastatus
    • Adult Size: 1 inch
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivorous, feed dried, frozen, and live foods
    • Origin: South America
    • Water Temperature: 72-78ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Midwater

    The dwarf corydoras is a great little cory catfish that stays really small. These schooling catfish swim around actively in the midwater of the aquarium, unlike most other species of cory cats that are bottom dwellers.

    10 gallons is the minimum tank size that these cory catfish should be kept in and they do best in groups of at least 6. They are a great addition to community tanks with other community fish.

    12. Freshwater Pea Puffer

    Freshwater Pea Puffers
    Freshwater Pea Puffers

    At only an inch in length, this is the smallest pufferfish you can purchase in the aquarium hobby

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    • Scientific Name: Carinotetradon travancoricus
    • Adult Size: 1 inch
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Aggressive
    • Diet: Carnivorous, feed frozen and live foods
    • Origin: India
    • Water Temperature: 72-82ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Top, Midwater

    The freshwater pea puffer (video source) is a unique tropical fish species that has a larger-than-life personality. These tiny predators are aggressive fish that do best in a species-only tank.

    I would suggest keeping just one freshwater pea puffer in a 10-gallon tank. Some aquarists have had success keeping as many as 3 of these fascinating fish in this tank size, however.

    If you do plan on keeping more than one, make sure your tank is heavily planted. Adding plenty of structure like driftwood will also ensure that the fish are not constantly visible to one another. It can be difficult to house them with other fish successfully.

    13. Dwarf Gourami

    Dwarf Gourami in Aquarium
    • Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius
    • Adult Size: 2.5-3 inches
    • Care Level: Moderate
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Diet: Omnivorous, feed dried and frozen foods
    • Origin: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan
    • Water Temperature: 72-82ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Top, Midwater

    The dwarf gourami is an amazing little fish from the same family as the betta fish. They are the smallest gourami type and therefore the best option for small tanks.

    Due to their small size, a pair of these beautiful fish could be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium, as long as you have great filtration and plenty of live plants and hiding places. Dwarf gourami fish like dark, shady spots in the tank, and this will allow the female to get some alone time if the male is giving her too much attention.

    14. Freshwater Shrimp

    Freshwater Shrimp
    Freshwater Shrimp

    Freshwater aquarium shrimp are a great addition to small tanks and aquascapes. Peaceful, full of personality, and colorful. Many varieties are available.

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    • Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
    • Adult Size: 1-1.25 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivorous, Algae
    • Origin: Taiwan
    • Water Temperature: 60-82ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Bottom

    You don’t have to keep fish species to have a lively 10-gallon aquarium. Freshwater shrimp are another cool stocking option for nano aquariums. These useful inverts eat algae and leftover food from the bottom of the tank. There are many types of freshwater shrimp and great algae eaters available with the cherry shrimp being the one with the most utility in an aquarium.

    These cherry shrimp are relatively hardy and can be found in a great variety of different color morphs from cherry-red to deep blue. Baby are not safe with any fish species in the tank, but adults can be kept with some nano fish like dwarf corydoras.

    15. Nerite Snails

    Zebra Nerite
    Zebra Nerite

    Nerite snails are one of the best algae eating snails you can buy. Plant safe and do not reproduce in fresh water!

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    • Scientific Name: Clithon, Vittina, and Neritina spp.
    • Adult Size: 1-1.5 inches
    • Care Level: Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Algae
    • Origin: Africa and Asia
    • Water Temperature: 72-82ยฐF
    • Swimming Level: Bottom

    Many fishkeepers think of snails as unwanted pests. They’ve probably never kept nerite snails! These awesome algae eaters cannot breed in freshwater which means they never take over tanks.

    What’s more, they are great-looking animals and add very little bioload to a small tank. There are few species of nerites in the aquarium hobby, including the horned, tiger, zebra, and olive nerite snail. All of them are ideal for 10-gallon aquariums.

    What You Need to Know About Stocking For Your Aquarium

    The first thing to know when stocking a ten-gallon aquarium is that smaller doesn’t necessarily mean easier. The smaller the aquarium is, the less stable the water conditions will be.

    There is just something so special about a nano aquarium, however, that makes the challenge welcome. For me, there are 3 keys to success when keeping a 10-gallon fish tank:

    • Choosing the right fish
    • Providing good quality filtration
    • Keeping up with regular maintenance

    I’ll cover each of these factors in the article, so make sure you read until the end.

    Debunking the Inch-Per-Gallon Myth

    How many fish can comfortably inhabit a 10-gallon tank? Many fish keepers will automatically go to the inch-per-gallon rule when stocking an aquarium. This old rule states that you can keep 1 inch of fish for every gallon of water in your tank.

    In many cases, this can be good advice, but there are always exceptions to any rule! For example, ten 1-inch-long fish might sound just fine for a 10-gallon tank, but one 10-inch fish will obviously be too big for the same fish tank.

    Of course, you can keep more fish of a small species in a tank than the same number of larger fish. It is equally important to understand that not all fish have the same needs.

    Keeping too many fish in your tank creates a few different problems. The obvious issue is that the fish will feel cramped and not be able to behave naturally. Poor water quality problems are just as serious, if not more so!

    The more fish you have in a tank, the more waste they are going to produce. This waste can cause big problems if not managed, and the results can be tragic for your pets. Beefing up your filtration and maintenance, and growing plenty of live plants can increase the number of fish you can keep, but there are definitely limits.

    Aquariums Hold Less Water Than Youโ€™d Think

    Another important thing to remember is that a ten-gallon aquarium usually doesn’t hold a full 10 gallons of water. Your aquarium is never completely full either because you’ll want to leave just a little room to prevent spilling during feeding and maintenance.

    Along with the water, your aquarium will probably contain:

    • 1-3 inches of substrate
    • Hardware like the heater, filter, thermometer, etc.
    • Hardscape features like rocks and driftwood
    • Ornaments and decorations

    As you can tell, your ten-gallon tank will not be able to house 10 inches of fish if you follow the inch-per-gallon rule. In fact, you’d need to bump the number down to about 8 inches.

    The Characteristics of the Ideal Nano

    In the aquarium hobby, very small fish are generally known as nano fish. But what makes a good nano fish? The following factors are all important characteristics:

    Size

    Of course, a fish for small aquariums should not outgrow its tank. This is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make when choosing new fish at the pet store.

    90% of the fish you see in their tanks are juveniles, and have a whole lot of growing to do! Always make sure to research the adult size of a fish before taking it home.

    Hardiness

    The tank environment can be a lot less stable than the natural habitat of freshwater fish. This is especially true in small tanks like 10 gallons. The easiest nano fish are the hardy species that can survive fluctuations in water parameters and conditions.

    Behavior

    Size and hardiness are extremely important characteristics, but understanding the natural behavior of a fish species is just as crucial. Aggressive, territorial fish like male bettas can do great in small aquariums, but only if they are the only member of their species in the tank!

    Other awesome nano species like the freshwater pea puffer are less particular about who they’ll attack and they should only be kept with their own species, or on their own in smaller tanks.

    Finally, the ideal nano fish does not require too much swimming space, because there isn’t much room in a nano aquarium.

    How To Set Up the Aquarium

    After you’ve chosen the kind of fish you want to keep, the next step is to learn how to provide them with the perfect home.

    A great place to start is to look at the natural habitat of the fish you keep, whether you’re setting up a community tank or keeping just one fish species. In this section, I’ll give you a quick rundown of what you’ll need.

    Filtration

    An aquarium filter is a must-have for any 10-gallon tank. The only question is, which type of filter should you get? There are many different types of aquarium filters available on the market today, and you will need to select a model that suits your tank size, fish type, and budget.

    For the ultimate display tank, I suggest a small canister filter. These filters create a much more natural look by taking up no room in the tank (apart from the intake and outflow pipes, of course). Hang-on back and internal power filters are also great options, and even the humble sponge filter will provide great filtration, at a very reasonable price.

    Whichever type of filter you choose to run, make sure it is rated to at least 10 gallons. You can certainly use a filter designed for larger tanks too, the only consideration is that you do not want to blast your fish with an overly strong water flow!

    Heating

    Most of the aquarium fish and inverts in the hobby are tropical species, which means they are at home in warm temperatures. If you live in a tropical part of the world, you might be able to get away with an unheated tank.

    Using an aquarium heater is usually the best option no matter where you live, however, because it maintains stable temperatures. A small aquarium thermometer mounted somewhere in the tank is also very handy for monitoring the performance of the heaters in your fish tanks.

    Lighting

    Your choice of lighting is very broad unless you are going to be growing live plants. Even then, standard LED or fluorescent lighting will usually work just fine for low-light species like Java ferns. For plants that require moderate to high light, you’re going to need some good quality lights in the correct spectrum for live plants.

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    I recommend running your lights for 6-10 hours a day to provide your fish with a natural photoperiod. Setting your lights on a timer is the best way to keep the timing consistent.

    Maintenance

    Having a fully cycled aquarium with all the equipment and the perfect nano fish for your ten-gallon setup is not the only thing you need to maintain an awesome fish tank. You’ll also need to roll up your sleeves on a regular basis to keep your tank clean and your fish happy.

    Read on for a brief introduction to tank maintenance.

    Water Quality

    Water quality decreases over time as fish waste and uneaten food accumulate in the tank. Although your filter will go a long way towards maintaining good water quality, there’s no way to get around performing regular partial water changes.

    This is so important because nitrates will eventually build up to high enough levels to poison your pets. Physical waste will also accumulate on the substrate and hardscape in your tank, which doesn’t look so great.

    Testing

    A basic test kit is an absolute must-have for any aquarist. They are vital for testing to determine your pH, hardness, and other parameters, and to determine when your tank is cycled.

    You’ll also need to test your nitrate levels regularly to work out the ideal frequency and volume of water changes necessary for your setup.

    Keeping Your Aquarium Clean

    The best time to clean up your aquarium is while you are performing water changes. Since you will be siphoning water out of your tank, you may as well suck up all the waste on the substrate and hardscape with your gravel vacuum at the same time!

    Algae can be removed from the glass and hardscape with an algae scraper and a small brush. You will also need to rinse out your filter media from time to time.

    This should only be done with conditioned water or old water that you have taken out during a water change. This will keep your hard-working beneficial bacteria safe from the harmful chemicals in tap water.

    Growing Plants

    Growing live plants in your aquarium has a number of great benefits. In case you aren’t already convinced, here are 5 reasons to grow live plants in your ten-gallon aquarium:

    • Live plants provide your fish with a more natural habitat
    • Micro-organisms that grow on live plants are a great food source for small fish
    • Live plants oxygenate the water
    • Plants use nitrates as a fertilizer
    • Growing live plants is fun!

    Live plants do best with good lighting. Choose a light that is specifically designed for aquarium plants for the best growth. Once you’re a little more experienced, you may want to invest in a CO2 injection system for a densely planted tank with the most beautiful plants.

    Creating a ten-gallon aquascaped aquarium with amazing nano fish is a challenging but hugely rewarding goal for any aquarist!

    Where To Buy The Aquarium

    Most of the species in this list can be found at your local fish store. Trusted online fish dealers are another great place to find nano fish. Buying online also takes a lot of the hassle and stress out of transporting sensitive fish for longer distances.

    FAQs

    What fishes can the aquarium hold?

    Unfortunately, most aquarium fish are simply too large or need too much space to be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium. All the fish species in this list are great starting points for stocking a 10-gallon tank.

    What is the biggest type you can keep in this size aquarium?

    An adult male betta is probably the largest fish that can be kept comfortably in a 10-gallon tank.

    Can I have 8 fishes in this aquarium?

    You can definitely keep 8 fish in a 10-gallon tank. However, it’s important to avoid overstocking. The species of fish is very important, however. Nano-schooling fishing like ember tetras and chili rasboras, for example, are excellent fish choices for this tank size.

    How many can I have in this size of the aquarium?

    The number of fish you can keep depends on all kinds of different factors. Most fish species cannot be kept in a 10-gallon tank, but some species will even do fine in groups of as many as 20 or more.

    Final Thoughts

    A 10-gallon tank freshwater aquarium is a great size for your bedroom or even your desk at the office. Now that you’ve been introduced to different species of nano fish and inverts, which species will you choose?

    Let us know below, we’d love to hear from you! If you are looking for fish for a 20 gallon tank, check out this article.

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • 15 Axolotl Morphs: Colors, Rarity, and What to Look For

    15 Axolotl Morphs: Colors, Rarity, and What to Look For

    Axolotl morphs have become a serious collector’s niche โ€” and the variety available today is genuinely impressive. The leucistic (pink with dark eyes) is what most people picture when they think “axolotl,” but that’s just the starting point. Rare morphs like firefly, mosaic, and chimera command high prices and get serious attention from breeders. For most keepers, the common morphs are easier to find and just as rewarding to keep โ€” the care requirements are identical regardless of color. Here’s a rundown of the 15 most notable axolotl morphs and what sets each one apart visually.

    What are Axolotls?

    Axolotl in Aquarium

    Axolotls are unique species of salamanders, mainly found in the lakebeds of Mexico city. They are very easy to look after. However, unlike other salamanders species, such as the Tiger salamander, axolotls spend their entire lives underwater.

    Therefore, they require a larger tank (at least 20 gallons) with optimum temperature and water requirements.

    Axolotls are critically endangered species of salamanders that are almost extinct in the wild. However, they are bred in captivity in large numbers.

    One thing that should always consider before buying an axolotl is, it may require a special permit to keep an axolotl. So, to avoid any mishaps, always check with your state’s or country’s laws before getting your smiley pets.

    What Causes a Wide Variety of Axolotl Morphs?

    Let’s get technical. 

    The color variation of many aquatic animals, including axolotls is due to the pigment cells called chromatophores1. Three various types of chromatophores determine the color of your axolotl.

    1. Melanophores โ€“ having Eumelanin that causes a black or brown pigmentation
    2. Xanthophores โ€“ having Carotenoids and Pteridines that cause a yellow and red pigmentation
    3. Iridophores โ€“ having Crystalized Purines that cause a shiny soap-bubble type of pigmentation (Iridescence)

    These three types of pigment cells possess 14 pairs of chromosomes, each coming from a male and female. The creative brains behind these clever crossover activities produce such extremely rare varieties of axolotls that we’ll discuss now.

    Facts

    Here’s some quick facts about the Axolotl species before we dive into morphs. Note that all axolotls you purchase from stores are captive bred. Wild species are protected and endangered.

    Scientific NameAmbystoma mexicanum
    Common NamesAxolotl, Mexican salamander, Mexican walking fish
    Basic Animal GroupAmphibian
    Size6-18 inches
    Weight2.1-8.0 ounce
    Lifespan10 to 15 years
    DietCarnivore
    HabitatXochimilco Lake near Mexico City
    Wild PopulationLess than a hundred
    Current StatusCritically Endangered and Detrimental Aquatic Animals

    15 Different Types

    There are numerous types of axolotls in the wild and captivity. Sadly, the native axolotls are almost extinct and we only rely on the lab-created and breed created ones to fill our places with smiley pets.

    The different axolotl morphs are a result of genius genetics and thanks to genetic engineering, we can now pet some amazing axolotl morphs in our home aquariums.

    Even though there is no definite color variant for axolotls, I’m going to list 15 different exotic axolotl types with pictures.

    1. Leucistic

    Leucistic Axolotl

    At first glance, you might confuse Leucistic axolotls with albinos. However, they are a very different and unique breed.

    Leucistic morphs are pinkish-white in color with dark gray, dark brown, or black eyes with pink or red gills that make them unique pets. They usually display shiny gold flecks on a translucent body that shimmers while they swim.

    Leucistic axolotls are docile and cute pets that require a simple diet and regular upkeep. However, in the daytime, they might be shy. But they are more inclined to their owners if taken good care of.

    The cost of leucistic axolotls varies from $30 to $100 minus the tank accessories and food expenses.

    2. Golden Albino

    Golden Albino Axolotl

    As juveniles, golden albinos are almost indistinguishable from white albinos. Like white albinos, they are super sensitive to bright light. However, as they age, they change color from white to peach, yellow to orange, and ultimately gold. Hence, called Golden Albinos.

    The eyes of Golden albinos are usually white, pink, or yellow. And their bodies are adorned with reflective spots and speckles that shine like diamonds with peachy pink gills with a yellow hue.

    In captivity, golden albinos are common species that cost around $50 minus the tank and food expenses.

    3. Wild Type

    Wild Type Axolotl

    As the name suggests, the wild-type axolotls mimic the appearance of the native Axolotls found in the muddy lakebeds near Mexico city. This type of axolotl is dark grayish-green in color with black or olive mottling. They also showcase a pale abdomen and gold speckles on their body.

    The essence of this morphed axolotl lies in the purple gill filaments and dark eyes surrounded with golden irises. The cost of wild axolotls type ranges anywhere from $40 to $50, depending on the individual reptile and they are a very common axolotl morph in captivity.

    4. Piebald

    It is fairly easy to spot a piebald axolotl (video source) in an axolotl galore due to the pigmentation on the sides of the body. And just like other axolotl morphs, they are easy to care for and keep. A piebald axolotl has darker and thicker black spots than other axolotls morph.

    Piebald axolotls are white with red gills, which makes them identical to Leucistic. However, they have black eyes and black symmetrical patches on the back and face that make them easily distinguishable.

    Piebald axolotl morphs are rare. Hence, costs around $300. 

    5. Mosaic

    Talk about exotic morphs in exotic pets, and we get a mosaic axolotl!

    The mosaic axolotl is a product of wild type and leucistic morph colors that are spread all over the body. Mosaic axolotls are mottled with black and white colors and a hint of golden flecks on their body. They possess gills that are striped with red and purple colors and eyes that are multi-color, Imagine the beauty!

    However, if you plan to breed these species, chances are you’re going to fail. They are a result of beautiful accidents and cannot be bred. Hence, very rare and costlier than most morphed axolotls.

    6. Copper

    When we’re talking about copper axolotls (video source), we’re generally speaking about a special type of albino that comes in various copper axolotl colors. They range from light, medium, to dark copper colors with reddish eyes. Mostly, copper axolotls are divided into three groups:

    1. Light Coppers
    2. Coppers
    3. Het Coppers

    One way to distinguish a copper axolotl from any other morphed axolotl is by shining a flashlight at their eyes. When pupils reflect red color, know that you have an albino copper axolotl.

    Also, there’s the rarest breed of Copper axolotl namely Copper Melanoid axolotl, but one can get it only by luck!

    7. Lavender or Silver Dalmatian

    A very popular morph in the USA due to the cool color is a Lavender axolotl. This axolotl morph has light purple hints to its body with red gill filaments and black eyes. Usually, the body is covered in gray spots and that’s where they get their name from – Silver Dalmatian (Picture of breed is located here). 

    Sometimes, these lavender axolotl morphs change their color from purple to gray or green. However, mostly it remains the same.

    Lavender morphs are rare yet desirable due to their color and unique specks all over the body. The lavender morphs cost around $115 and are mostly sold in the U.S.A.

    8. Black Melanoid

    Black melanoids (video source) are usually known as Blue Axolotls. However, they are not blue at all. Due to different lighting, black melanoid axolotls might appear bluish, but they have a dark black body and alight, pale-colored stomach.

    Unlike most axolotl morphs, they don’t possess shiny spots on their bodies. Since they are dark in color, a black melanoid can usually be confused with the wild variety.

    If this confusion occurs, look closely at the eyes of your axolotl, if there is a shiny ring around the pupil, your axolotl is not a Black melanoid and a wild one instead.

    9. White Albino

    White albinos (video source) are a close relative of leucistic morphs that are pure white with red gill filaments. They also have light-colored eyes particularly, white or pink. On their gill stalks, there are flecks of gold. Due to the absence of pigments in their eyes, they are sensitive to light and may have poor vision.

    One distinctive feature of white albinos is their dark fingertips that appear dirty when the axolotl reaches maturity. They are usually bred in captivity and cost around $40. 

    10. Speckled Leucistic or Dirty Leucistic or Dirty Lucy

    Speckled leucistic (video source) is exactly the same as regular leucistic besides they have black, dark green, or brown spotting or specklings on the face and upper body. The black specklings on their body vary depending on the age of the axolotl and it is more prominent when the axolotl resides on a dark substrate.

    If you keep your dirty Lucy in clean water with fewer predators, the black spots will disappear.

    Fun Fact: The dirty black spots keep your dirty Lucy safe from predators by maintaining a camouflage. 

    11. Chimera

    Chimera is the result of two egg morphs when fused before hatching. And this is the reason you’ll rarely find Chimera in the wild but in captivity only.

    They are usually not considered true axolotl morph as they possess one morph on one side of their body and a different morph on the other. The axolotl morph is then split right down into the middle and right halves.

    Interestingly, depending upon the individual axolotl, one side of the morph can grow significantly at a slower pace than the other. Chimerism in axolotls is extremely rare, and they are not sold in the markets.

    Fun Fact: The chance of the birth and survival of Chimera is about 0.00001%!

    12. Heavily-Marked Melanoid

    Heavily-Marked Melanoid

    When we talk about melanoid, it is usually misunderstood that there are no axolotl colors. However, the literal definition of melanoid in the axolotl hall of fame is “the absence of iridophores (shiny patches).”

    Heavily-marked melanoid axolotls are a unique variation of black melanoid morph that is black with grayish purple spots.

    These color morphs are rare and there is little to no information available about them.

    The light green and yellow patches on their body make them highly distinguishable from a regular black melanoid. They are uncommon in the wild and captivity as well and sold for around $75.

    13. Green Fluorescent Protein

    Glow in the dark axolotl might be a stunning surprise for you. However, they are for real (video source).

    GFP or Green fluorescent protein radiates a bright neon green color under blacklight. But blacklight is detrimental to these adorable creatures, so they shouldn’t be exposed to it for more than a few seconds.

    You’ll experience some greenish tint on your GFP axolotls under a normal lighting and their eyes will radiate green color, even under normal room lighting.

    Originally, the green fluorescent protein was artificially introduced into the axolotl community by the Max Planck Institute in 2005 to give axolotls a glow-in-the-dark effect. However, now they may naturally occur in some species.

    The purpose of mutating this genetically modified axolotl morph was to research cancer and the regeneration process. On average, you will find GFP axolotls almost everywhere and they cost around $70.

    14. Firefly

    The genius brain behind Firefly axolotls is Lloyd Strohl II from Indiana USA in 2016, who artificially created this axolotl morphing through embryonic graphing to study limb regeneration. 

    The firefly axolotls have a lighter tale and a darker body or vice versa. Out of which, some have GFP tails that glow in the dark.

    Since this morphed axolotl was created in a lab, they are rarely found and sold. Since they possess a GFP tail, their tails are fluorescent under UV or black light and hence the name, “Firefly.”

    They are not easily found in captivity and cost around $250. 

    15. Enigma

    Enigma (picture source) is another artificially created axolotl morph for the sake of research by an American hobbyist. Therefore, they are sold only in the U.S.A.

    Enigma axolotls have a dark gray body with translucent underbelly and toes. They possess pale red gills and beautiful golden eyes.

    They often display a green-golden patch that grabs attention. Enigma axolotls are derived from the wild types.

    All in all, each axolotl morph is an endangered species that demand your attention. Therefore, breeders and keepers should play their part in keeping axolotl’s waters clean and their diet healthy.

    FAQs

    What is the rarest Color?

    The Lavender morph or Silver Dalmation is the rarest axolotl color as they can only be found in some parts of the U.S.A.

    What is the rarest type?

    The piebald axolotlย is by far the rarest axolotl morph, which is a leucistic axolotl morph with pigments in other parts of its body other than the face.

    What is the rarest in real life?

    Mosaicย andย Chimeraย axolotls are very rare in real life.

    Conclusion

    That’s all about exotic axolotl breeds for now. If you want one for yourself, I suggest that you check with your local breeders after getting the permit, and decide which one you’d like to get for your home aquariums.

    Whatever morph you get, be sure to provide it with enough space to roam around freely and feed nourishing live food (especially live earthworms) to keep them healthy and happy for the rest of their lives.

  • How to Set Up a Saltwater Aquarium: The Complete Beginner Guide

    How to Set Up a Saltwater Aquarium: The Complete Beginner Guide

    Setting up a saltwater aquarium is one of the most rewarding things you can do in this hobby โ€” and it’s far more approachable than most beginners assume. I’ve been in the saltwater side of the hobby for over 25 years, have run a 125-gallon reef of my own, and I’ve helped countless people get their first saltwater tank off the ground. The biggest mistake I see is people trying to do everything at once, or buying equipment before they understand what it’s actually for. In this guide I’m walking you through everything you need to know about setting up a saltwater aquarium the right way โ€” from choosing your tank and equipment to cycling, stocking, and maintaining it long-term.

    How Much Does It Cost To Set Up A Saltwater Aquarium?

    Before we dive into the specifics, you will want to know more about the financial investment you’re about to make.

    It is no secret that saltwater aquariums cost more to set up and maintain than freshwater aquariums, but by how much exactly? In general, it’s estimated that every gallon of saltwater costs $40-$60.

    This includes the original startup cost, water and electricity bills, equipment, and general maintenance. Most hobbyists spend between $1,000-$2,000 on building and starting their tank alone1.

    This is definitely a lot of money and it doesn’t get much cheaper the more involved you get. Luckily, many hobbyists sell used premium products, fish, and invertebrates at a discount to fellow hobbyists. There are even social media groups that exchange corals at no extra cost!

    The truth is that this side of the hobby is expensive no matter how you go about it. However, there’s nothing quite like adding a saltwater aquarium fish to a new tank for the first time ever.

    How Hard Is It To Assemble?

    Though more expensive, a saltwater aquarium isn’t necessarily more difficult to set up or maintain than a freshwater aquarium.

    Just like a freshwater aquarium, saltwater tanks need to go through the nitrogen cycle where ammonia is converted to nitrite and nitrate by beneficial bacteria. This process takes about 4-6 weeks, though it can be expedited with mature live rock and filter media.

    From there, a new saltwater aquarium will go through an ugly algae and/or diatom phase for the first couple of months. During this time, water parameters may swing, especially if the nitrogen cycle wasn’t allowed to fully finish. Because of this, it isn’t recommended to begin adding corals until the tank is at least 3 months old.

    One of the main differences between a freshwater and saltwater fish tank is that marine ecosystems are constantly changing. As corals grow, you will need to increase water flow and dose nutrients. As you add more fish, you might need to perform more water changes and change the settings on your protein skimmer.

    The difficult part about setting up a saltwater aquarium is finding what works best for your system. There are guidelines and recommendations, but only you will be able to tell where and when your saltwater tank does best.

    What Type of Saltwater Aquarium Setup Do You Want?

    That being said, there are a few types of saltwater aquarium setup you can try. It is important to decide which one you want at the beginning of the setup process as it can be difficult and expensive to change once the tank has been established.

    The three main saltwater aquarium setups are:

    • Fish only (FO)
    • Fish only with live rock (FOWLR)
    • Reef

    Within these three setups, there are also community and predatory fish options.

    Fish Only (FO)

    As the name implies, a fish only system will have only fish without any live rock or corals, very similar to how most freshwater setups work. A fish only tank can be simple in design, yet incredibly effective. They often use fake aquarium decorations and a plain substrate to accent the fish in the display.

    This option is especially popular for predatory setups but is common among beginner hobbyists as well. A fish only setup allows the hobbyist to focus only on the fish and their health and not on maintaining an entire ecosystem. As we’ll see, live rock can actually be very beneficial to the tank as a whole.

    Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR)

    A FOWLR system is the most popular saltwater tank setup and is relatively easy to convert to a reef system down the line.

    Live rock provides a healthy population of beneficial bacteria that can make water chemistry more stable while providing fish and invertebrates with food and shelter. However, it can also come with unwanted hitchhikers, algae, and other pests that beginner hobbyists might not know how to immediately treat.

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    Live rock can be intimidating at first. It can also be hard to come by and pretty expensive for what it is. Once live rock is established though, it can be used indefinitely to stabilize the system and even seed other marine systems with the necessary bacteria.

    Dry rock is more common these days, but I prefer to use a mix of live rock and dry rock to get proper diversity. Too little biodiversity in a reef tank combined with no nutrients leads to nuisance dinoflagellates.

    A FOWLR system can support a community or predatory ecosystem. These setups are also best if planning to keep saltwater fish species that are not entirely reef-safe, like angelfish, butterflyfish, or triggerfish.

    Reef Tank

    The truth is that many hobbyists end up with a reef tank at one point or another in their aquarium-keeping careers even if they never intended to; the coral bug eventually gets everyone.

    At the same time, reef tanks are believed to be unattainable for most. They’re thought to be expensive, difficult to maintain, and only suitable for expert hobbyists. They also limit saltwater fish stocking to only reef-safe, community species.

    While they’re certainly expensive, reef tanks don’t necessarily take more time or maintenance than FO or FOWLR systems and can definitely be kept by hobbyists at all levels. Reef tanks can be as simple or intricate as desired.

    In general, there are three reef tank setups:

    • Soft coral reef tank
    • Mixed coral reef tank
    • SPS coral reef tank

    Soft Coral Reef Tank

    Soft corals, like mushrooms and leathers, are relatively easy to keep. They adapt to changing and imperfect parameters and don’t demand much light or water flow. Some hobbyists have even had success keeping soft corals under stock lighting, without any additional maintenance or equipment.

    Soft corals are also usually mixed with macroalgae, which can create a beautiful, yet self-sufficient ecosystem.

    Mixed Coral Reef Tank

    Most hobbyists end up with a mixed coral reef tank. This includes soft corals, large polyp stony (LPS) corals, and small polyp stony (SPS) corals.

    Mixed reef tanks need slightly more care and time than soft coral tanks. These systems also need better lighting, water flow, and a good understanding of how nutrients move throughout the tank. Still, the overall requirements of the system do not differ much, especially if keeping easier coral species.

    SPS Coral Reef Tank

    On the other hand, there is a huge gap between mixed reefs and SPS reefs. SPS reefs are truly for experts only and demand top-of-the-line lighting, water flow, and mastery of water quality. Supplements will need to be dosed to keep up with nutrient uptake due to coral growth in addition to regular water changes.

    There is no denying that SPS reefs are some of the most spectacular aquariums around, though.

    All-in-One Tank Assembly vs. Build-Your-Own

    After deciding what kind of system you want to run, you will need to decide on the physical blueprint. If making the transition from freshwater to saltwater, this process can definitely be intimidating. At the end of the day, you want something that is guaranteed to hold water and comfortably house fish and corals.

    There are two main options available when shopping for aquariums: all-in-one aquariums or build-your-own aquariums.

    All-In-One Tank Set-ups

    All-in-one setups, often abbreviated as AIO, are convenient. They often include a pre-drilled tank with internal or external filtration, all necessary plumbing, an aquarium stand, and sometimes even a light. All that is left to add is substrate, rock, water, and some additional equipment.

    Marine AIO’s like Red Sea Reefers are often top-of-the-line with aesthetic designs and hefty price tags. On the other hand, there are also all-in-one freshwater setups that can be modified for saltwater purposes that are much less expensive, though more clunky in appearance.

    Red Sea Reefer
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    These freshwater AIO’s usually include a standard rectangular fish tank, hang-on-the-back filtration, a heater, an aquarium hood, food, and other accessories. If just starting out in the saltwater aquarium hobby, these packages can seem convenient and at a discount, but are actually more expensive than their individual parts.

    Build-Your-Own Tank

    The majority of hobbyists choose to build their own saltwater aquariums as there’s much more room for customizability. When setting up an aquarium, the most important factors are size and equipment.

    For both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, it’s often said that bigger is better. This is because imperfections are more diluted in bigger tanks, meaning that the tank is more stable overall. For saltwater especially, a larger fish tank will allow for more livestock options, which is what most hobbyists want.

    On the other hand, nano and pico tanks under 40 gallons can be just as rewarding as large systems, though they sometimes require more time and care. In order to know what size tank to get, make a preliminary stocking list and maintenance schedule. This will allow you to gauge how much space you actually need and how much time you’re willing to put into maintaining that ecosystem size.

    Once a size has been determined, equipment needs to be selected. When it comes to equipment, it can be very easy to cheap out and go with products that are good enough for the time being. In most instances, it is always recommended to go with a better quality product to avoid spending money on broken and inadequate equipment.

    This is especially true when choosing the lighting for your saltwater aquarium. It can be difficult to see the future of your tank. As mentioned before, many hobbyists do not intend to keep corals but often change their mind about a year into the hobby. If you have the slightest inclination towards keeping corals, then you should buy a light designed for keeping corals.

    Lighting can be especially expensive and most beginner hobbyists aren’t willing to take the jump at a several hundred-dollar lighting systems. However, money spent on low-tech lighting could have been put towards the end-goal high-tech lighting.

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    EcoTech Radion G5
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    This is also true for other necessary aquarium equipment, like filtration, heaters, protein skimmers, and powerheads/wavemakers.

    Acrylic vs. Glass Tanks

    One more consideration you need to make before buying your saltwater aquarium is what the tank is made from. Today, acrylic and glass aquariums are largely available and there are some noticeable differences between them.

    Most aquariums are made from glass. Many pet stores and aquarium stores carry standard-sized aquariums made from glass that are sealed together by silicone. For years, glass aquariums have been dependable, scratch-resistant, and affordable. However, they’re bulky, heavy, and limited in the shapes they can take on.

    On the other hand, acrylic is much more expensive, but a better alternative for larger tanks. Acrylic is proportionally stronger than glass and can be molded into various shapes and sizes for a more unique appearance. Acrylic is also incredibly lightweight, which starts to matter when you’re dealing with hundreds of gallons of water and weight.

    The problem with an acrylic tank is that it is very prone to scratches; it is not unheard of for beaked-fish to be able to scratch the sides of an acrylic aquarium. New acrylic also starts off completely transparent, giving a cleaner, more refined look into the saltwater aquarium. Though this is the best view you can get, acrylic tends to yellow and warp with time.

    In general, small and regularly-shaped tanks can be made from glass while large and irregularly-shaped tanks can be made from acrylic. Usually, higher-end all-in-one aquarium brands will be made from acrylic, so make sure you know what you’re ordering!

    A good compromise between glass vs acrylic is to purchase a rimless tank. Rimless aquariums offer high clarity and a clean look. They aren’t as clear as acrylic and heavy like traditional glass aquariums, but the look they provide is very clean. You will also see rimless tanks used in planted tanks.

    Equipment and Test Kits

    Saltwater fish tanks require much more equipment than freshwater aquariums.

    There are different types of filters, like hang-on-the-back filters, canisters filters, and sumps, which we’ll discuss in-depth later on. Each of these can be successful if they provide adequate mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. An aquarium heater is also necessary to keep the tank at tropical temperatures as most saltwater fish originate from warm waters near the equator.

    If you’re new to the saltwater world, then you may not understand the full importance of water flow in the saltwater aquarium. Not only are these tropical waters warm, but they’re shallow and easily influenced by tides and currents which exchange gases and deliver nutrients to animals below. Water flow becomes especially important when dealing with SPS corals found at the top of the reef.

    In short, saltwater aquarium setups need higher water flow for gas exchange and nutrient dispersion. The rate of water flow will largely depend on the types of corals being kept and their size.

    Underneath the tank, a protein skimmer is often recommended for hobbyists with larger displays. These machines help polish water of organic waste which would otherwise negatively affect corals. Other equipment, like sterilizers and reactors, may also be used to help maintain water quality.

    In addition to this equipment, water tests are necessary for a saltwater aquarium. Most hobbyists choose to mix their own saltwater with aquarium salt, which requires a refractometer for determining salinity. Reliable liquid test kits should also regularly be used for:

    • Ammonia
    • Nitrite
    • Nitrate
    • Alkalinity
    • pH
    • Calcium
    • Magnesium
    • Phosphate

    Not only will test kits let you know when the cycling process is done, but they are also necessary when keeping corals. As corals grow, they use nutrients available in the water column. These nutrients may sometimes be replaced by routine water changes but usually need to be supplemented. Testing allows for precise dosing with little room for error.

    Lastly, a reliable thermometer is needed. Some hobbyists use a digital thermometer that relays live information to their phones in case of emergency. Anything is better than external thermometers which have a tendency to read ambient temperature rather than tank temperature, though. These days, a temperature controller or aquarium controller are preferred to prevent heater failure tank crashes.

    Budget Option
    HYDROS Control 2
    HYDROS Control 2

    Budget Option

    The Hydros Control 2 kit is very simple to use. It allows you to program the controller without having any prior coding knowledge. 

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    Tank Sump Assembly

    Just like everything else in fishkeeping, saltwater aquarium filtration can be as simple or as complex as you make it. Members of the hobby have successfully run tanks with hang-on-the-back filters and canister filters, but most experienced hobbyists use sumps.

    Aquarium sumps are external filtration systems that allow for a high degree of customizability. They often have three chambers. The first chamber is mostly used for mechanical filtration. A filter stock can be positioned underneath the drain so that physical waste is collected and later cleaned.

    The second chamber can be used in a few ways. One common use for the middle chamber is for equipment storage. Saltwater aquariums require a lot of equipment, and most of it can be hidden in the sump as opposed to in the display tank like freshwater aquariums. This includes heaters, protein skimmers, reactors, and other sterilizers.

    Another use for the second chamber is as a refugium. Refugiums are mini-ecosystems in themselves, usually housing substrate and macroalgae, like chaeto (Chaetomorpha linum). This part of the sump acts as biological filtration as the macroalgae take up excess nutrients and return oxygen in exchange. Some hobbyists even like to throw pest corals in their refugium for extra nutrient export.

    The third chamber is used for chemical media to polish off any last-minute impurities before the water is returned to the display tank via the return pump. Hobbyists also use bafflers and bubble traps to get the most level and smoothest return possible. This is also where auto top-off systems are installed to keep the salinity and water levels stable.

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    Though a sump isn’t entirely necessary for running a healthy reef tank, they offer room for bulky equipment, additional filtration, and can make overall maintenance easier.

    How to Pick the Perfect Location

    Once all items have been picked up and delivered, it’s time to find the perfect spot for your tank. Though it is incredibly exciting to start filling up and cycling a new saltwater aquarium as soon as possible, patience and planning is the best way for success in the long run.

    Saltwater aquariums are statement pieces. They can bring a unique ecosystem to the middle of any room and become the center of attention. It’s important to frame your tank in the best way possible, while still making it fully accessible for maintenance and viewing.

    No matter a freshwater or saltwater aquarium, you want to keep your tank as far away from windows and direct sunlight as possible. Saltwater tanks are especially prone to growing nuisance algae and do not need any more influence from excess sunlight. Keep in mind that light can still seep in through blinds and window drafts can make the heater work overtime.

    Next, you want to make sure that your floor can support the weight of the tank. This is unique to every build, but it is recommended to hire an evaluator if dealing with especially large amounts of water. At the same time, electrical outlets should be easily reachable and accessible as saltwater tanks require a lot of energy.

    Lastly, leave more space around the tank than originally planned. Saltwater tanks are messy: there’s salt creep, saltwater, and humidification. These factors can quickly lead to damage to nearby walls, floors, and furniture if left unmonitored.

    You will also want enough space around the tank to be able to reach all areas of the display. Live rock can make cleaning and catching fish near impossible and you will want that extra space to maneuver.

    Salt Mix vs Salt-water

    Lastly, you will need to think about how you’re going to fill your saltwater aquarium with saltwater. Most hobbyists that have a local fish store will purchase natural saltwater due to convenience. Other hobbyists that are not so lucky have to come up with other solutions.

    The most common way to get saltwater is by using a salt mix from a reliable aquarium company. Most salts are very similar to one another, but again, your fish tank will react differently with each one. But where do you get the water to mix with your salt?

    Saltwater needs purer water than freshwater does. While freshwater aquariums can be topped off with tap water, those extra minerals and nutrients do not do well in reef aquariums. Instead, most saltwater hobbyists install a reverse osmosis deionization (RO/DI) water system.

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    While these units can be expensive, they are cheaper and more convenient in the long run. Not only can you mix saltwater with this water, but you can also perform regular freshwater top-offs when your tank level is running low from evaporation.

    If you are not able to get an RO/DI system, then you may regularly purchase it from the store or rely on distilled water instead. Mainly, you want to avoid adding extra nutrients or minerals that could feed algae and disrupt the water quality in your aquarium.

    Final Thoughts

    Setting up a saltwater fish tank doesn’t have to be hard, but it will be more than likely expensive. First, decide what type of saltwater aquarium you want to have and allot a budget. Then pick a tank size, suitable equipment, and a place to keep your fish tank. Install a water system if needed or find a reputable source. Add salt and let the cycle begin!

    Within a few weeks, you will be able to add your first marine fish and corals. Welcome to the saltwater aquarium hobby!

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Saltwater Fish & Reef Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for marine fish, coral care, reef setup, and more.

  • 15 Best Freshwater Angelfish Types: The Complete Visual Guide to Varieties

    15 Best Freshwater Angelfish Types: The Complete Visual Guide to Varieties

    Freshwater angelfish are one of the species I get asked about most โ€” and after 25 years in this hobby, I still find them genuinely fascinating. That elegant, disc-shaped profile stands out in any tank, and the variety of color morphs and fin types that’ve been selectively bred is impressive. But there are things people don’t always know before they buy: angelfish are cichlids, which means they’re territorial, they pair-bond, and they will absolutely eat small fish like neon tetras. That “angelfish ate my neons” story is as old as the hobby itself. All those beautiful color varieties โ€” silver, black, koi, marble, gold โ€” are the same species (Pterophyllum scalare), just selectively bred. This guide covers 15 of the most popular types to help you find the right fit for your tank.

    Freshwater angelfish are one of the most common and popular aquarium fish in the hobby. You only have to look at them to see why! These beautiful fish for freshwater aquariums have a distinctive body shape and great colors and markings.

    What Is An Angelfish?

    Freshwater angelfish are South American cichlids of the Pterophyllum genus. These graceful and elegant fish are relatively peaceful as far as cichlids go, and are popular as community fish for home aquariums.

    Angelfish are hardy tropical fish that can live as long as a decade in a well-maintained fish tank. These fish have been captive-bred in the aquarium hobby for generations and are available in an amazing variety of different breeds today.

    There are 3 wild species of freshwater angelfish known in the freshwater aquarium hobby:

    • Common angelfish- Pterophyllum scalare

    Most of the angelfish found in the aquarium trade are varieties of this species.

    • Altum angelfish- Pterophyllum altum

    This large species is seen less often but is pretty well known in the hobby.

    • Leopold’s angelfish- Pterophyllum leopoldi

    The last species is very rare in the hobby, but is the smallest of the three and does very well in aquariums.

    15 Angelfish Types for your aquarium

    Now that you know a little more about these popular tropical fish, it’s time to dive right in and get to know some of the best types that you can keep in your own fish tank.

    For each type, I’ll be providing some important information like:

    • Which species they are
    • Their size when fully grown
    • How they look and what makes them unique

    Check out our YouTube video below from our channel. We go into further detail in our blog. Give us a sub if you like our content!

    So let’s get started!

    1. Altum

    Altum Angelfish in Planted Tank
    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum altum
    • Adult Size: 7 inches long, 10 inches deep
    • Color: Silver, gold, and black
    • Unique Traits: Largest angelfish

    The altum angelfish is a relatively rare species that is larger and deeper-bodied than the more common aquarium varieties. They are also known as the Orinoco angelfish after one of the South American rivers where they are found.

    These angelic fish look amazing and usually have silver coloration with only three stripes. They are a great choice for more experienced aquarists because they are a challenging but rewarding species to keep.

    2. Koi Angel-Fish

    Koi Angelfish
    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: White, yellow/orange, black
    • Unique Traits: Tricolor with unique markings

    The koi angelfish is one of the most popular types of angelfish and it is easy to see why! Each koi angelfish is unique which makes them highly sought after, and often more expensive.

    This variant typically has three colors (tricolor) like the Asian koi carp. These colors are white, black, and golden orange/yellow. Koi angelfish are eyecatching fish that make a great centerpiece fish in community aquariums.

    3. Panda

    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: Black and white
    • Unique Traits: Variably marked in black and white

    The panda angelfish (video source) is a bold variant of the popular angelfish. These black and white angelfish can have various markings, making each individual unique.

    4. Albino Dantum

    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum sp.
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: White
    • Unique Traits: Tall body and long fins

    Albino dantum angelfish (LFS Source) are another amazing angelfish breed. These fish have red eyes and visible, but uncolored vertical stripes. The exact species of the breed is unknown, and they might even be a hybrid between two different species.

    5. Fluorescent

    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: Pink
    • Unique Traits: Bright, fluorescent color

    The fluorescent angelfish (video source) is a genetically modified breed. These fish are very rare and were first developed by researchers in Taiwan. One thing is for certain though, these pink angels are the most colorful angelfish breed in the hobby!

    6. Chocolate Angelfish

    https://youtu.be/p1YXZM6SP2U
    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color Pattern: Brown and silver
    • Unique Traits: Dark body and silvery head

    Chocolate angelfish (video source) have a dark pigmentation that usually begins just behind the gills and covers most of the body. Their heads are typically silvery grey in color. This bold breed often has grey patches on the dark chocolate-colored sides of the body.

    7. Platinum

    Platinum Angelfish
    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: Silvery white
    • Unique Traits: Solid/ Uniform

    The platinum angelfish is a dazzling breed with all-white coloration. These fish are not albino, however, and have black eyes.

    Platinum angelfish really stand out in a tank with good lighting and a dark background.

    8. Leopard

    Leopard Angelfish
    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: Black and golden yellow
    • Unique Traits: Variable markings

    The leopard angelfish is a breed that has very variable markings. The spotted coloration of the leopard angelfish is most obvious when the fish are young and reared in good lighting. The markings often merge into a solid dark color as the fish mature.

    9. Veiltail

    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: Variable
    • Unique Traits: Long, flowing fins

    Veiltail or veil angelfish are bred for their wonderful flowing fins. These angelic fish come in a variety of different colors and patterns.

    They are a little clumsier than regular finned breeds so they do better in tanks with a slow water flow. They should also not be housed with any tank mates that might want to nip at their incredible finnage.

    10. Ghost

    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: Variable
    • Unique Traits: Stripeless sides

    Ghost angelfish (video source) have genetics that prevents them from developing the bold stripes of typical angelfish. They usually have a silver body, but darker variants like the black ghost are also available.

    11. Gold

    Gold Angelfish
    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: Golden
    • Unique Traits: Stripeless

    Gold angelfish have a solid pale golden color over their entire body. This breed has been in the aquarium trade since the 1960s when they were first accidentally bred. Gold angelfish show the most color towards the top of the head and have no black coloration.

    12. Albino

    Albino Angelfish
    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: Pink/white
    • Unique Traits: No pigment and pink/red eyes

    Albino angelfish have no pigment and therefore have a whitish pink overall coloration and distinctive pink/red eyes. While albino angelfish are very unusual and interesting, they tend to be less hardy than naturally colored forms.

    13. Black

    Black Angelfish
    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: Black
    • Unique Traits: Dark body and red eyes

    Black angelfish are almost completely black, and usually do not have any white pigmentation. This dramatic-looking breed typically has red eyes which stand out against their dark body color.

    14. Blue

    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: Blue and silver
    • Unique Traits: Blue color

    The blue angelfish is a beautiful breed that has a powdery blue tint to its silvery body. The verticle black bars may be fainter in fish with the blue gene than in other breeds, but will usually still be visible.

    15. Redcap

    • Angelfish Species: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Adult Size: 6 inches long, 8 inches deep
    • Color: silvery-white and orange
    • Unique Traits: Red head cap

    The redcap angelfish (video source) is a distinctive breed with a white body and orange ‘cap’. The orange coloration extends roughly from the fish’s mouth to the start of the dorsal fin.

    Some Other Popular Varieties

    • Marble angelfish
    • Zebra angelfish
    • Black lace angelfish
    • Silver angelfish
    • Blushing angelfish
    • Smokey angelfish

    Tank Setup

    Before setting up a tank for any fish, it is important to know a little about their natural habitat.

    Freshwater angelfish are native to several countries in South America where they occur in slow-moving, acidic water that is rich in aquatic vegetation and leaf litter.

    With this in mind, let’s take a look at how to set up an awesome angelfish aquarium!

    Tank Size

    Angelfish are medium-sized fish that need a fairly large aquarium. Although they may look small when sold as juveniles at the pet store, they will grow to about the size of a saucer.

    The minimum tank size for a small group of these amazing fish is 29 gallons, but a 55-gallon tank or larger would be a better option. Choose a deep tank that will give these tall fish plenty of room to move up and down in the water.

    Filtration

    You will need a good-quality filter to keep your water quality high. The type of filter you select is not too important, and many angelfish keepers rely on simple sponge filters.

    Hang-on back and canister filters also work great, and have the benefit of using little or no space in the tank. One important factor to keep in mind is that angelfish do not enjoy strong water flow, so select a filter model with an adjustable flow rate.

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    Temperature And Other Important Parameters

    Angelfish are tropical fish that prefer warm water temperatures. Temperatures between 78 and 84ยฐF are ideal for these fish. Since most homes won’t run this warm, an investment in an aquarium heater is required.

    Unless you live in a tropical climate, you will need to run a heater to keep the water in your tank stable and warm enough.

    In nature, these fish are found in slightly acidic water. Most of the angelfish in the aquarium trade are captive-bred fish and are very adaptable to different conditions, however.

    Generally speaking, angelfish can be kept in the following water parameters:

    • pH: 6.5-7.2
    • Ammonia: 0 ppm
    • Nitrite: 0 ppm
    • Nitrate: <30 ppm

    Live Plants And Decorations

    Angelfish feel very at home in planted aquariums. They can be kept with most of the common tropical aquarium plants, but be advised, they might nibble the leaves!

    This means they aren’t the best choice for carefully aquascaped tanks. If you’re new to growing aquarium plants, the following species are good options because they are tough and easy to care for:

    A substrate is not strictly necessary and many aquarists choose keep these fish in a bare bottom tank. For a more natural look, sand or gravel substrates are also good options.

    Providing some vertical structure in the tank is another way to make your fish feel more comfortable while improving the aesthetics of your aquarium. Vertically arranged driftwood is great for simulating their natural, flooded riverbank habitat.

    How To Care For Your Pet

    Angelfish are hardy and relatively easy fish to care for. They are a great choice for beginners, as long as they can be provided with the basic care they need.

    Read on to learn how to care for these angelic tropical fish.

    Water Quality

    The most important requirement for keeping healthy angelfish is to provide them with excellent water quality. Without good filtration and regular maintenance, the water in your tank can quickly become toxic.

    Your filter and the beneficial bacteria that colonize it will do a lot of the hard work in maintaining your water quality. You will also have to get your hands wet on a regular basis, however, and perform partial water changes and vacuum the bottom of the tank.

    Testing

    Testing your water parameters is the simplest way to know whether your water quality is good, and your maintenance schedule is adequate. This is quick and easy to do and should be part of any aquarist’s skill set.

    Fortunately, water test kits make this task very easy. I would suggest picking up a master test kit or high quality liquid tests. Whichever test kit you get, make sure you can measure the following parameters:

    • pH
    • Ammonia
    • Nitrite
    • Nitrate

    Aquarium Maintenance

    Aquarium maintenance is a great chance to get hands-on with your tank, and really get a feel for what’s going on in your underwater world. Apart from keeping your freshwater aquarium looking great, regular maintenance is necessary for keeping nitrate levels in the water down to safe levels, and this requires partial water changes.

    Freshwater angelfish are relatively hardy, especially if captive-bred. Provided they are kept in an appropriately sized tank, you can probably get away with a small water change once a week, or a larger one every 2nd week.

    The volume and frequency of your water changes will be determined largely by the bioload in your tank, and other factors like how heavily you feed your pets. In any case, your test kit will be very helpful in working out how much maintenance is necessary.

    Feeding

    Angelfish are omnivorous fish that are easy to feed. Cichlid pellets or tropical fish flakes are great options as staple food sources.

    To provide your fish with a more balanced diet, be sure to supplement them with live and frozen foods like bloodworms, and boiled/blanched vegetables like peas and zucchini.

    You can feed your fish once or twice a day, but be careful to avoid overfeeding. As a general rule do not put more food into the tank than your fish can finish in about 2 minutes.

    Tankmates

    While your angelfish will be very peaceful towards other species, they can be a little aggressive towards other angelfish of the same species. To minimize aggression, make sure you keep a group of at least 4 or so. This helps to prevent anyone from getting picked on.

    You can also keep a single angelfish in a large community tank. When selecting tank mates, be sure to avoid any aggressive species or known fin-nippers like tiger barbs that can damage the long fins of your angels.

    Although their mouths are pretty small, it is wise to remember that freshwater angelfish are fairly large community fish and will eat any other fish or shrimp that is small enough for them to swallow.

    The following species are all good tankmate options:

    No matter which fish you choose to keep with your angels, be sure that they enjoy the same warm water temperature and other parameters.

    Breeding

    It is possible to breed your angelfish at home. Using a dedicated breeding tank can be very helpful in minimizing losses because angelfish will often feed on their own spawn and fry.

    It is very difficult to tell male angelfish from females, so it is best to keep several fish and let them pair up naturally. You would be very unlucky to not have at least one breeding pair from a group of 6-8 angelfish. Alternatively, you may be able to buy an established breeding pair from an experienced breeder.

    Conditioning your fish with high-quality, live, or frozen food will increase their chance of spawning. Freshwater angelfish lay eggs on vertical surfaces in the tank, and this could be anything from a plant to the glass walls of the aquarium.

    The eggs hatch after just a few days and you can expect hundreds of fry, so make sure you are going to be able to find them all homes before breeding. Hatching your own baby brine shrimp will ensure you have an ideal food source for the little ones.

    Health Problems

    Unfortunately, freshwater angelfish are sensitive to some common fish diseases. The best way to avoid these issues is to maintain excellent water quality, maintain the correct water parameters, and feed your fish a healthy balanced diet.

    Quarantining new fish before introducing them to a community tank is also advisable to prevent the spreading of diseases. Some of the more commonly seen diseases include:

    Where To Buy

    Angelfish are very popular and are usually easy to find at pet stores. Your local pet store will probably stock some of the more popular captive-bred varieties, but for rarer types, online shopping or getting in touch with local breeders might be necessary.

    FAQS

    What Is The Rarest Freshwater Type?

    The clown angelfish is considered to be one of the rarest types of angelfish in the aquarium trade.

    How Many Should Be Kept Together?

    Angelfish are naturally social, so it is best to keep at least 4 of them in the same tank. It is possible, however, to keep a single angelfish as a centerpiece fish in a community tank.

    Do They Eat Other Fish?

    Freshwater Angelfish will feed on just about any smaller fish or freshwater aquarium animal that is small enough to fit in their mouths.

    This is just the natural and instinctive feeding behavior of wild angelfish, and shouldn’t be seen as aggression.

    How Many Times A Day Should You Feed Freshwater Types?

    Most angelfish can be fed once or twice per day, although young fish may need more frequent meals.

    To avoid overfeeding, make sure your fish are able to finish all the food in one go because uneaten food will spoil and affect the water quality in the tank.

    Can You Mix Different Types Together?

    You can certainly keep different types of angelfish together in the same fish tank. If you are selective breeding for a specific type of angelfish, this can produce some unwanted results though.

    Veil angelfish may be an exception, however. Since they are slower swimmers than other breeds, they may struggle to compete for food and defend themselves against any territorial aggression.

    Final Thoughts

    With so many different types of angelfish available in the hobby, there’s an angelfish out there to suit just about any tank.

    Which is your favorite type of angelfish? Let me know below!

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • Freshwater Fish Compatibility Chart โ€“ A Complete Reference Guide

    Freshwater Fish Compatibility Chart โ€“ A Complete Reference Guide

    Fish compatibility is one of the first things I look at when helping someone stock a new tank โ€” and it’s where a lot of beginners go wrong by trusting the fish store without checking the numbers. After 25 years of keeping community tanks and fielding compatibility questions from my YouTube audience, I’ve developed a clear sense of which fish coexist peacefully and which create problems. This compatibility chart covers the most popular freshwater fish and gives you a quick reference for building a balanced, peaceful community tank.

    What Are They?

    A compatibility chart is used in the fish-keeping hobby as a reference to see what fish can get along with each other. Each fish type is placed on the chart and referenced against another fish species. You look at the two species on the chart that are cross-referenced to see if the fish are compatible with each other.

    Some charts are more detailed than others. A general chart is good for looking at general compatibility. There are also species-specific charts like African Cichlid compatibility charts that will go through all the various types of cichlids and determine which types get along with each other.

    Below are a few charts to help you make informed decisions based on the type of aquarium you are keeping.

    Freshwater Compatibility Chart

    Below is a general guideline on freshwater aquarium fish and their compatibility with each other. Keep in mind that compatibility can vary based on the temperament of the fish. There are also some extreme varieties in fish species that are outside of their norm. A good example are Buenos Aires Tetras, which are known for eating live plants. Always do extra research before making a purchase.

    Freshwater Fish Compatibility Chart

    Saltwater

    Below is a list of major marine fish species and their compatibility with each other and corals. Keep in mind with marine fish, there can be vast differences in personality. A yellow tang can be very peaceful while another can be very aggressive fish and a terror. Personalities vary more in saltwater fish – especially when it comes to determine whether they are reef safe fish.

    Saltwater Fish Compatibility Chart

    Factors That Determine If Fish Will Get Along

    While the chart supplied below is a good general guideline, every fish is different and many charts do not go into great detail about specific species within the fish breed. Let’s talk about these other factors. These especially are important to consider if the fish you are looking to house are labeled as a “c” on the chart.

    Fish Temperament

    Fish within the species you want may have varying temperaments. A good example are Tiger Barbs. These Barb Fish are considered semi-aggressive fish while Cherry barbs are considered peaceful and will get along with many peaceful fish.

    There is individual fish temperament to take into account as well. Some fish within the same species will be more aggressive than others. You will often see this with male and female species. The males will typically be more aggressive. Another factor to consider is if the fish is breeding. Many cichlids will get more aggressive and territorial if they are breeding.

    Activity Levels

    Some fish are more laid back than others while others are very active. Good examples would be discus fish and dither fish like danios. Sometimes mixing a calm fish with a hyper active fish can be problematic as the more peaceful fish will have trouble competing for food. Other times more active fish can help more timid fish relax.

    Water Temperatures

    Some fish are cold water fish – like goldfish while others like Betta fish prefer the higher end of tropical water temperatures (76-78 degrees). Others like Discus fish do better in warmer waters above 78, which would be harmful to other fish. Most fish compatibility charts will not cover water temperature differences, so do your research on the fish’s individual needs. Check out my freshwater fish profiles as I have many popular species documented on my site.

    Position In Tank

    Every fish occupies different areas of the tank. This is most pronounced with bottom feeders who will only stay near the substrate. Too many bottom feeders in the tank could result in aggression issues. Balance out the spacing of all fish in all areas – bottom, mid-level, and surface swimmers. You can create a friendly freshwater fish community tank if you keep in mind these three levels.

    Size

    Size of the fish can be a major factor in compatibility. Some fish have large mouths. While they may not be aggressive, their mouths may be big enough to shallow smaller fish. In general, they to avoid adding fish that can fit in the mouth of the existing fish you already have.

    Water Chemistry

    Water chemistry like pH and hardness can create issues with compatibility. African cichlids require hard water and higher pH while many tropical fish prefer softer and lower pH water. Some compatibility charts will not address this. There are also species with the classes of fish listed on the chart that could have major differences. A good example would be certain Discus species that prefer low pH in the 5 range.

    Territorial Behaviors

    Some fish, particularly Cichlids, are territorial1. They will stake a claim on a space and become more aggressive if there isn’t enough space or shelter in the tank. While two fish can be compatible on paper, the aggression caused by lack of space and shelter will cause problems.

    To work through this, build up your aquascapes with shelter like live plants, aquarium driftwood, and/or aquarium rocks. A fully scaped out aquarium should curb many aggression issues.

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    When it comes to marine fish, nearly all fish on the saltwater aquarium side are going to be aggressive or semi-aggressive. This has to do with their natural environment, where they constantly battle for prized shelter in the coral reefs. This is the main reason why it’s more difficult to keep many fish in a saltwater tank even with stellar filtration.

    Introducing New Animals In An Existing Tank

    This can be a full blog post in itself. I feel the best way to explain this is to differ from PrimeTime Aquatic’s channel. He’s an amazing content creator, and a regular at various tradeshows I’ve been to. This video will show you how to introduce your newly purchased fish.

    While this particular video does not addressing quarantining, I do have a quarantine blog and video post that is marine fish related. The same principals apply, though in freshwater most aquarists will not use medications prophylactically.

    FAQS

    What Species Are Friendly with Each Other?

    Many people mistakenly believe that all fish can live together in the same tank. This is not true. Some fish are compatible, while others are not. The following list provides a few examples of compatible fish:

    Corys
    Danios
    Gouramis
    Guppies
    Loaches
    Mollies
    Catfish

    How Do You Know If They Can Live Together?

    There are a few things to look for when trying to determine if two types of fish are compatible. Aggression is one factor โ€“ if you place an aggressive fish with a timid one there will be constant harassing. They’re probably not compatible. Size is also important โ€“ you don’t want a small fish getting eaten by a larger one. Temperature and activity level are also important โ€“ you don’t want two fish that need radically different water temperatures or fish who have opposing activity levels that bother the slower moving fish. And finally, water chemistry needs should be considered as well โ€“ some fish need harder or softer water than others.

    Which Should Not Be Together?

    Some fish should not be together because they will consume each other. For example, large cichlids and tetras should not be together in the same tank because the cichlids will consume the tetras. Additionally, different species of fish should not be together in the same tank because they will compete for food and can even attack and kill one another.

    What Is A Good Combination For A Tank?

    There is no one perfect combination of fish for an aquarium, but there are general guidelines that can help you create a healthy and balanced ecosystem. For example, it’s generally recommended to have a mix of bottom feeders, surface swimmers, and mid-level fish. This helps to create different levels in the tank, curbs aggression, and provides a natural habitat for the fish.

    Another important consideration is the size of the fish. It’s important to choose fish that are compatible in size, so they don’t outgrow their home or become aggressive towards other fish. And finally, remember to research the specific needs of each type of fish before adding them to your tank; not all fish can tolerate the same water conditions.

    Closing Thoughts

    I hope the charts supplied today helped you in determining if fish you are thinking of housing together are compatible. I am aware that the charts are general guidelines and more specific sub-species may require questions. If you have such questions, leave a comment below and let’s start a conversation. Thanks for reading!

    ๐Ÿ“˜ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

    ๐ŸŸ Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Aquarium Care Guide โ€” your ultimate resource for water chemistry, maintenance, feeding, disease prevention, and everything you need for a healthy tank.