The Beginner’s Aquarium and the Best Fish For It

There’s nothing more soothing or beautiful than a glowing blue fish aquarium. There are such a huge variety of aquariums, decorations and fish out there that having your own customized aquarium can be extraordinarily easy. Of course though, as with any pet comes responsibility, and different species of fish require different care than others. Any new fishkeeper needs to make sure that they choose their aquarium carefully. Different fish have different cleaning requirements, require different foods, different temperatures, and even different aquarium sizes! – And when choosing fish for the first-timer, it’s a good idea to look for species that are healthy and hardy, clean and easy to keep, and don’t require a massive tank. Here we’ll talk about some great fish species that are ideal for the beginning aquarium keeper!

One of the funnest and easiest to keep fish out there is called the White Cloud Mountain Minnow. This species of fish is ideal for any beginner because they’re extremely hardy, and will eat just about any type of fish food. They are best suited for water temperatures between 55-75 F, though they’re most comfortable in water no lower than 65 degrees. It’s best to remember that White Clouds are schooling fish, and that they should be kept in schools of 3 or more. In fact, a small school (4-5 fish) can be kept in an aquarium as small as four gallons. They’re also very clean fish, meaning that keeping their water healthy and clear is extremely easy! White Clouds are also fun to watch, as they’re extremely fast swimmers that love to zip around a tank and play with each other.

For someone who wants a larger, more colorful fish, a Betta might be the way to go. These fish define the term "low-maintenance" and are known for being extremely simple to take care of. Many people have these in a simple tank as a decoration, and Betta are happy to be used for ornamental purposes. As a tropical fish, Bettas will require warmer water temperatures, meaning you’ll have to get a heater. Unlike friendlier fish, Bettas are also known as territorial loners, and can’t be guaranteed to get along with any other fish. In fact, two male Bettas cannot be put in the same tank at all, as they will try to kill each other. Other than their social problems, Bettas are ideal for smaller tank sizes. A tank as small as a few gallons is an ideal size, and betas have actually been shown to have shorter than normal life spans when kept in excessively large tanks. They are also very clean, so you won’t have to worry about excessive cleaning.

The Corydoras Catfish happens to be a popular favorite among aquarium enthusiasts. Also known as Cory cats or simply Corys, these small catfish are active, playful, friendly, and are loaded with personality. They love to explore and play, and best of all, are a great fish for beginners. They’re simple to take care of, and can be added to any existing aquarium because they get along with most all other fish. Getting a school of three or more is recommended due to their social nature, and as such, you’ll want at least a ten gallon aquarium to fit them all comfortably. You’ll also need to invest in a heater – these fish like tropical temperatures, above 72 degrees and below 82. You won’t have to worry about food very often – as bottom feeders, Corys are content to stick to the bottom of the tank munching on the leftovers from other fish. It is a good idea to get them a tropical treat every now and then, and watch them as they all dig in. Normal cleaning routines work fine for Corys.

Any of these fish are perfect for someone who has just gotten their first aquarium. The choice between them depends on personal taste and aquarium specifications, but each of them has their own unique charm and personality. They are strong fish that are forgiving, and finding information about them is very easy. Remember when choosing an aquarium to find what’s right for you, and select fish that will work well in that sort of environment.