March 12, 2025

How to Maintain a Freshwater Aquarium

15 Low-Maintenance Freshwater Fish for Beginners With Pictures

Finally, they are easy to keep because they eat both plants and flesh so you are under no restrictions when it comes to providing them food. Being so tiny, you can actually keep about 6 of these nano fish in a 10-gallon aquarium. I’ve personally seen them swim together with White Cloud Mountain Minnows in the same aquarium but the Zebra Danios will let any other schooling fish join them.

How to keep a freshwater aquarium clean naturally?

Hailing from Mexico and Central America, only the male fish possess the unique swordtail, making males and females easy to distinguish if you want to breed them. Although not a fish, the African Dwarf Frog is a unique, low-maintenance addition to freshwater aquariums. These frogs are entirely aquatic, which means they never need to leave the water. They can coexist with non-aggressive fish species and get along well in community tanks.

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

  • Some examples are marbling effects, Nemo-like patterns, bi-colors, and contrasting fin colors on their bodies.
  • Best kept in groups of six or more of their own kind, they are very adaptable and gentle and will not bother smaller tank mates.
  • When problems arise, having a group to turn to can help you troubleshoot and care for your fish effectively.
  • To calculate the correct heater size for your tank you take the average degrees the room the tank is in and subtract that from what you want your tank to be.
  • Make sure you are providing adequate food for your fish type, and lastly if you see a sick fish remove it from the tank and quarantine it.

Be prepared to take at least a few weeks to ensure your tank is fully cycled before bringing your fish home. If you don’t have the time to skim through that article, my quick recommendation would always be to use Tetra SafeStart Plus. This brand contains the actual species of ammonia-consuming bacteria that thrive in water, unlike some other brands that use a less-efficient terrestrial strain.

This might signal high ammonia or nitrite levels, which means it’s time for a water change and proper filtration. Regular water changes are necessary for a balanced aquarium environment. Also, limit the light duration to reduce algae growth, creating a balanced environment for your aquatic life. Regular use of a gravel vacuum helps pick up uneaten food and fish waste, which can lead to harmful ammonia levels. Adjustable heaters are a good investment since you can tweak the temperature if needed.

Easy to care for and with a unique appearance, the bristlenose plecostomus is a fun addition to any aquarium. You can use marine salt for saltwater tanks, freshwater salt for freshwater systems, kosher salt in emergencies, and Epsom salt for stress relief or specific diseases. Each type serves different purposes, so choose based on your aquarium’s needs.

Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica)

These are the least expensive option and work very well for smaller tanks. There are several pieces that all come together when you are trying to select your first aquarium setup. You should also consider how much time you have to devote to the upkeep and cleaning of your 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.