March 12, 2025

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

Freshwater Aquarium Fish for Beginners Easy Fish to Keep Alive

The females are a light tan color with a dark stripe running down their sides. It is the unique coloring of the male species that gives this fish its name. These have a red color that becomes deep cherry red when they are spawning. These cheap fish pets grow to around 1.3” (3.5 cm) from head to tail. This bottom-dwelling fish likes to spend time by its burrow, and feeds on food that sinks to the bottom of the tank.

Choosing Fish and Aquatic Plants

Sand gives a more natural look and is best for species that like to dig. If you plan to grow plants, consider a nutrient-rich substrate that supports plant roots. You should change about 15 to 25% of your aquarium’s water every one to two weeks. When you change your aquarium’s water, you should clean the rest of the tank as well. The percentage of water and frequency of water changes depend on the volume of fish and plant life in your tank. A heavily stocked tank will need a larger volume of water changed more frequently, and a lightly stocked tank can be changed slightly less.

Best Freshwater Aquarium Fish for Beginners (Easy Fish to Keep Alive) With Images

  • Their unique swimming action is generated by a plastic lip and curved body, which make the lures dive and wiggle just by reeling them in.
  • Different types of tanks require specific amounts of salt for optimal conditions.
  • They are also frequently sold in bright, interesting colors under the “Glofish” branding, and Zebra Danios also come in a long-finned variety.
  • Use the bucket with the siphoned water to give the filter a good rinse.
  • Whether you’re a beginner aquarist or a seasoned fishkeeper looking for some tips, read on to find out how to maintain a healthy and vibrant underwater world.

Whether you’re looking for colorful displays or easy maintenance, these fish have something for everyone. Also, the Stripe-Necked turtle is shy, which is not the best trait for a centerpiece. But don’t mistake its shyness and habitat preference with a peaceful temperament because this species may bite you if you get too close. Keep a reasonable distance and monitor their body language, and you’ll be fine.

You can even mix and match some of the fish to create healthy, happy community tanks. Just ensure you do all your research on the needs and care of any fish before you bring it home. Another type of livebearer, Mollies are larger and more full-bodied than the more streamlined Guppy.

They all have long, flowing fins and bodies that are taller than they are wide. These fish are peaceful and require shoals but have been known to shoal with other varieties of Tetras. I hope this has helped you figure out the characteristics of the fish that require low maintenance. To check some more fish that remain small in size even in their adult stage of life you can click here. Keeping a fish in a bowl is the only viable option at times, but not every fish is suited to live in such a confined space.

Beginner will often select fish based on their personal preferences without much regard to water conditions and compatibility. Multiply this by 75%, and you’ll get 12, which means you can keep a total of 12 inches of mature fish in your tank. Use the fish net to remove any dead plants or fish and use the algae scrub to clean the glass surfaces and other tank decorations. Tank maintenance should be carried out regularly to keep the tank clean and toxin levels low. Even though some fish are known to get along, it’s still a good idea to monitor tank behavior when building a community tank. Platies, Mollies and Guppies are great beginner-friendly fish that get along with each other in a community tank.

Welcome to Natalie’s Nook! I’m Sam Bramston, the heart and soul behind this blog where every word weaves a new part of our shared journey. With a rich background in professional blogging, I've transformed my passion for storytelling into a vibrant tapestry of articles that explore everything from quiet musings to grand adventures. Raised in the lush countryside, I developed a deep appreciation for nature’s whispers and echoes, which later inspired my themes of reflection and discovery. When I'm not crafting new content or buried in a good book, you can find me hiking local trails or experimenting with landscape photography, always with a camera in hand and a story in mind. Join me at Natalie’s Nook, where our stories intertwine and every shared moment becomes a cherished memory.