Insufficient cover. No. But what sets them apart? Always err on the side of having fewer fish in your aquarium rather than too many. Its advanced filtration system will ensure the water is free of harmful toxins and impurities to keep your pet healthy. However, it will take you a few minutes to clean the glass, change filters, or change the water compared to cleaning a 100-gallon tank. Exotic guppies are known for being difficult fish at least more so than regular guppies. Based on this, we recommend housing one fish in a 5-gallon aquarium. Salt and Pepper Corydoras also come from cool, fast-flowing waters which means that theyre hardy and can tolerate a wide range of safe water conditions! This 5-gallon tank is ideal for beginners and experienced fish owners. This will help to ensure that your fish have enough space to swim around and avoid any potential health problems associated with insufficient space. They are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. This colorful fish comes in shades of blue and yellow, with black stripes at the base of its tail. They are also relatively easy-going when it comes to their diet, and are happy to consume fish flakes and small live worms. True to their name, these freshwater shrimp come in the brightest shade of cherry and are a popular choice for small tanks. Fluval Sea Evo V Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Kit Best for Saltwater Fish, Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Small Fish Tanks. Air pumps are often ineffective in small aquariums, as they cannot produce enough turbulence to keep the water clean. 15. Your pet fish needs a filter to keep the water clean and healthy. 7. Absolutely. Moreover, its Whisper filtration system is easy to maintain. This is because they are more tolerant of changes in water conditions and can survive in a wider range of habitats. Buying a filter that is too small. However, if you do not have time to clean the tank every week, consider buying Back to Roots Indoor Garden. Males also have an elongated dorsal fin known as a sword this is how they got their name. In a small aquarium, proper lighting conditions are crucial to ensure that plants can grow and stay healthy. No one wants to overpay for anything, but the saying "You get what you pay for" often applies in the aquarium world and with your initial fish tank set up. Its long, slender body is perfect for squeezing through tight spaces, so its sure to keep you on your toes. Weve mentioned mollies and swordfish, but small livebearers, in general, make great additions to a 2-gallon tank. Corydoras catfishes make great starter fishes in general, but the Salt and Pepper Corydoras might be one of your best bets for a 2-gallon tank. As you can see, stocking your tank is only half the battle! When you're new at it, however, it's easy to do things that might not be good for your fish or your stress level. This will provide your fish with excellent filtration, while also allowing you to remove waste products on a regular basis for easier upkeep. It mimics daylight and moonlight for use during the day and night. The Aqueon Filtration system is ultra-quiet and does not stress fish. If your aquarium or filter seems to need cleaning in the first 2 to 3 weeks after setup, the filter may be too small for the job, you may have too many fish, or you may be overfeeding. If youre looking for interesting and hardy fish for your 2-gallon or 2.5-gallon tank, the fish on this list is a great place to start. This is why we have compiled these six features to help you narrow your best pick. LED MiniBow Kits with SmartClean Technology, How To Fix Cloudy Water in a New Fish Tank, LED MiniBow Kits with SmartClean Technology, 15 Common Fish Tank Problems and How to Avoid Them. Although frigid water or salty water might not be the best idea, they can thrive in most freshwater conditions. I love that the tank has a large surface area where you can add filter media. This hardy fish comes in a variety of colors, including red, blue, yellow, and black. Do note that they breed rapidly, so if you have pregnant female fish, you might want to consider getting a bigger tank! It's normal to worry about your fish going hungry, but you can cause more harm by feeding too much. Remove the algae, change the water and vacuum the substrate once every week. They grow to about 2 inches in length and are very active swimmers. Repeat this process until the aquarium is fully stocked. Regardless, their bright color and small size make them a perfect choice for beginner aquarists. Always start with the largest aquarium your space and budget allow. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, if you know how to care for it properly, a smaller aquarium can be just as fun and rewarding. All trademarks are either the property of Central Garden & Pet Company, its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliated and/or related companies or the property of their respective owners. also for the non aggressive, non community tank fish would it be a good idea to keep them in twos for a little company or just stick to one? Though small, the pea puffer is a territorial fish that should be kept alone or in small groups. 5401 West Oakwood Park Drive Do Small Fish Tanks Require Extra Equipment? In a small tank, its even more important to get your water parameters right, as there is less water to dilute any mistakes. If your small tank is looking a bit drab, additional plants might be the perfect aesthetic touch that it needs. In general, a good filter for a small tank should be relatively quiet, have a turnover rate of about 4-5 times the size of the tank. The last thing you want to do is have to purchase antibiotic medication for a giant fish thats living in cramped conditions. In addition, you should make sure that you do not leave your tank dirty for too long, as Bettas are very susceptible to disease. In spite of your best efforts, plants inevitably die. This includes their hardiness, peaceful temperament, and love of schooling. The aquarium is acrylic, meaning it is more durable than glass. Small fish tanks have limited space to house aggressive and passive fish. If youre looking for a solitary fish, then the Betta is a perfect choice. If you are looking for the best small aquarium for polyp stony corals, this tank may not be the best choice as these corals require higher lighting. Aquarium lights and thermometers are also a welcome bonus. Of course, this doesnt mean that you should house them in dirty water, but it does mean that you can create a variety of water conditions to see which one they respond best to. This will help to ensure that your tank is healthy and that your fish are happy and thriving. The Kuhli Loach is no exception, as it is a small, colorful fish that is very easy to care for. This small fish tank is ideal for beginners, seasoned hobbyists, and experienced fish keepers. Back to Roots Water Garden Self-Cleaning Tank allows you to grow food while caring for your fish. We hope this small fish tank review helps you find the right aquarium for your wet fishes. This breed of tetras comes from underground caves near Monterrey, Mexico. These kits are readily available at most pet stores, and theyre not too expensive. In the same way that your water conditions should mimic the native environment of the fish, water temperatures should be similar to that which theyre used to. If youre looking for a colorful, fun-loving fish, then consider keeping swordtails! Before you purchase a small fish tank, make sure that its dimensions fit the location you have in mind. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, so theres something to suit every tank! Stocking and caring for a smaller tank isnt always a walk in the park. The most popular Danios are the zebra danio and the pearl danio. Of the many breeds of tetras, the black skirt tetra is one of the most popular. Just make sure that youre doing regular water changes, and giving them the best possible environment to live in. Some fish have special water chemistry needs such as lower pH or alkalinity, which your tap water may not provide. Tank size, though small, should have room for your pet to swim, good filtration, and optimal pH levels. Harlequin rasboras require minimal care and are a hardy species. It holds 5 gallons of water and is preferable for saltwater fish. Scarlet badis are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. But that should not hold you back from checking out the other four options in this small fish tank review. When plants grow on these stones, their roots access the waste from the water, thereby filtering it. This is why we recommend Aqueon LED MiniBow Kit as the best overall fish aquarium. Bettas are a great option to add to this 5-gallon tank. Tankarium is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This peaceful fish grows to about 3 inches in length and does well in a community tank. Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit Best Budget, 4. Before delving into the types of fish you could stock in a small tank, its important to first address some general tips for stocking a tank of this size. Green plants arent strictly necessary for a successful aquarium, but they can have several benefits. The activated carbon filter removes impurities and odors. Reliable, quality equipment may cost a little more, but your fishes' lives depend on it. So if your fish is 1inch, a 1-gallon water tank is ideal. Putting your aquarium light on a timer is an easy way to provide a consistent light cycle. However, carefully research your best options before introducing them into a small aquarium. Decaying plant matter can harm your fish and lead to water quality issues, and these adverse consequences are often amplified in a tiny tank. This 3-gallon fish tank comes with a complete ecosystem kit. Cats are a popular choice for small tanks, as they are hardy and come in a variety of shapes and colors. The same goes for hardness levels try and replicate the water conditions in the fishs native environment as closely as possible. 1. 10. Bloodfin tetras are small, colorful fish that are native to the Amazon River basin. However, Danios tend to have a body shape that is more elongated than that of tetras. Most aquarium filters are rated according to how many gallons the aquarium holds. In these instances, it is important to remove any dead or dying plants from your tank immediately. Just as important as sufficient light exposure is the type of light used. If youre having trouble getting your plants to grow, try adding a small amount of fertilizer to the water. When looking for the best small fish tank, we prioritized features like size, functionality, and efficiency. Should this kill your fishkeeping dream? Starting with too small of an aquarium. Always do your own research to ensure that a particular fish is compatible with the specific tank! Swordtails come in a variety of colors and patterns, but the most common type has a silver body with blue speckles. Leaving the aquarium light on all the time stresses your fish and contributes to unsightly algae growth. There is no magic "safe" time interval for adding new fish, and you can't see ammonia or nitrite in water. Plus, you can place it in your home office, living room, or bedroom. In terms of appearance, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a light brown fish with colorful horizontal stripes. Topping off for evaporation instead of doing a water change. A new aquarium is a biological clean slate. Required fields are marked *. You can house one betta or carefully choose a tank mate as they are naturally aggressive. Aquariums with 5 or more gallons are less susceptible to waste buildup and pH fluctuations. Fish keepers of all experience levels have kept swordtails. One thing to note is that platies are livebearers, so you might find lots of baby platies swimming around your tank in no time! The following list gives 25 examples of well-known tropical freshwater fish species that are suitable for 2-gallon tanks. If your aquarium pH level is stable and youre looking for a colorful fish, then platies might be a good choice. Though the fish size isnt the sole factor in determining their suitability for a given tank, it is something you should keep in mind when stocking a small tank. Besides, they are customizable and come in different color shades. In return, the organic microgreens work as the tanks self-cleaning feature by taking up the nutrient-dense waste. In this article, we will discuss some tips for stocking and caring for a smaller tank, as well as some of the best fish for 2 and 2.5-gallon tanks. For instance, if you get a 5-gallon tank, keep in mind that every gallon of water weighs approximately nine pounds. Like the sparkling gourami, the honey gourami is a peaceful fish with brightly colored fins and an interesting patterned body. is that too many fish to keep in the 2 gallon tank? These aquatic creatures also tend to be very hardy and easy to care for, which makes them a perfect choice for beginner aquarists. Not all tiny fish are suitable for small fish tanks. When an aquarium is first set up, the biological balance is fragile and unstable. Tankarium is reader-supported. Change 10% of the water in your aquarium every week or 25% every 2 weeks. This will help to give them a boost and get them started on the right track. You may not have room in your home for a large aquarium. The Fluval Sea Evo functions as a marine reef tank despite its small size. In any tank, its important to ensure that your water conditions are correct before adding any fish. Sponge filters also rely on organic matter to function, which can lead to unhealthy water conditions over time. These accessories include lighting, a filtration system, and gravel. With this in mind, it is easier to estimate how many fish your 5-gallon or 10-gallon tank should hold. In a small tank, its best to stick to a once-a-day feeding schedule, as overfeeding can lead to water quality problems. The Cory Catfish is no exception, as it is a small, colorful fish that is very easy to care for. the community dwelling fish, you said they should be kept in a group of 6 or more. @2021 Aqueon Inc. All Rights Reserved. This is because they are relatively small and wont grow to be much longer than an inch in length. The Contour 3 Aquarium Kit is a stylish yet functional model. These lists should also be used as guidelines since exceptions are bound to exist. Aquariums 20 to 55 gallons are ideal for first time aquarists. In general, most fish will do well on a diet of fish chips or flakes, freeze-dried foods, and small pellets. Uneaten food can pollute the water and cause ammonia and nitrite levels to rise. Because they lack eyes, their other senses have become heightened. Over cleaning. Think of cherry shrimp as aquarium creatures with great personalities. They are known for being friendly fish that do well in community tanks. Doing this instead of performing a water change on a regular basis will result in an accumulation of pollutants such as nitrate and phosphate and a drop in pH and alkalinity. Filter systems are designed to remove waste products from your fish, which will lead to healthier water conditions and lower odds of disease. Aqueon Products Which Fish Species are Suitable for Small Fish Tanks? The beauty of fish keeping is that theres always something new to discover. Bettas, for example, are solitary fish. In general, the healthy development of plants in an aquarium is a good sign, as it indicates that the water conditions are healthy and suitable for fish. However, it is important to note that Bettas are territorial fish and should not be kept in community tanks. Danios share a lot of similarities with tetras of the same size. Also, if fish you are considering buying are specialized feeders, make sure you are able to provide the proper food for them. You can find a wide variety of affordable LED lights that will do the job well. Compared to other fish on this list, this one requires moderate care and maintenance. Moreover, these aquariums will hold one to three fishes despite their size. The chili rasbora is a small, shoaling fish that comes in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, and black. 5. Although they may not be the most exciting addition to your tank, zebra snails can be a helpful and low-maintenance addition to your aquarium. Endlers livebearers are a particularly good choice as they come in a range of colors and patterns. This technology helps maintain a healthy aquatic environment in under two minutes. While most fresh and saltwater fish can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, an aquariums heater is necessary for maintaining the right levels (for both temperature and pH). You may find some similarities in their behavior with neon tetras, but some of them can be more aggressive. The super-bright aquarium light comes with a waterproof casing and offers day and night lighting. They are also interesting to keep due to the fact that theyre blind and live in caves! Due to their small size, these fish tanks cost less than their larger counterparts. But there is a limit to how many fish a new aquarium can hold, regardless of how large it is or how efficient the filter is. Fish often hide because there are not enough decorations in the aquarium, seeking refuge behind a heater, filter tube or other object. This is why I recommend getting at least a 5-gallon tank as your smallest fish tank size. It takes time to establish the biological balance in an aquarium. Larger fish will often outgrow a small tank, which can lead to cramped conditions and other problems. Stick with one reliable source of information at first, and follow their advice until you feel confident enough to try things on your own. There is not enough room for the passive fish to hide, and they may end up stressed or worse, dead. A good heater is one that preserves heat well and does not fluctuate too much. Finding the best small aquarium for your home should not feel like an impossible challenge. Seeking advice from too many sources. Franklin, WI 53132 What if you decide to set up a saltwater fish tank, instead? New purchases can be severely stressed if added to an aquarium with high levels because they do not have time to adjust. Overstocking. Some small tanks may come with a built-in lighting system, but you may find yourself needing to purchase separate lighting if your tank doesnt have any. Bettas, fancy guppies, freshwater shrimp, and chili rasboras are great candidates. Moreover, the honeycomb wraps allow the model to blend in. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginner aquarists. It is because of this that many seasoned fishkeepers often recommend sticking to larger tanks. Therefore, do prior research on whether your favorite fish species thrive when confined in small aquariums. You can find great heaters on Amazon for relatively cheap, which will do an excellent job of making cold water habitable for your fish. The provided grow stones act as the medium between the plants and the water. Aquarium keeping is a fun and rewarding activity that can provide years of enjoyment, education and even stress relief. Besides, it includes a power filter and a filter cartridge to keep the aquatic environment healthy. You can keep the small aquarium in your dorm or small apartment without worrying about the tank setup. If you want a schooling fish, then the black skirt tetra is a good choice for your 2-gallon tank. Therefore, you can happily raise your fish in your bedroom or other quiet rooms. Existing fish often adjust to slowly rising ammonia and nitrite levels and may not show signs of distress until it's too late. It has a body that resembles a neon light, allowing them to display an exhibit of colors that is truly amazing. In addition, go for fish that do not produce a lot of bio-waste. Though the blue and red neon tetras are the most popular, there are also other variants available. 2. There are a lot of things to take into account, such as the size and temperament of the fish you choose. For best results, purchase a filter that is rated for an aquarium a little larger than the one you own. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of six or more. So if one of your plants looks like its struggling, dont be afraid to say goodbye. This eco-friendly model is easy to set up and comes with several accessories. It also comes with a Bio-Bag Filter cartridge to catch waste and debris. Its diet consists of mostly small invertebrates and it should be kept in a school of six or more. 11. Most fish can adapt to a wide range of pH levels, but its always best to try and match the pH of your tank to that of the fishs natural habitat. I recommend getting solitary fish rather than those that live in schools. With the Tetra Crescent 5, you get an eco-friendly and energy-efficient fish tank at an affordable price. The bright white LEDs produce a daylight effect, while the blue lights provide a relaxing calm at night. Your email address will not be published. Inappropriate lighting such as metal halide or fluorescent can be harmful to both your fish and plants. With this aquaponics system, you spend less time cleaning the tank and changing the water. [FREE DOWNLOAD]: How To Avoid The Top 5 Mistakes New Betta Owners Make. The Fluval Foam filter block offers mechanical filtration as the activated carbon gets rid of odors and chemicals. Fun Fact: We have been dealing with fresh water aquariums for quite a while. Whether it is a single fish or a group of three, watching fish swim creates a relaxing effect. When it comes to small aquariums, the importance of a proper filter cannot be understated. However, it is prone to scratches during shipment. When you purchase through one of our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you). We may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Despite its bright LED lights, this tank is energy efficient since it uses low-voltage adapters. A perpetual nomad, Wanda does her best to integrate fish-keeping with her lifestyle, and has taken care of fish in three different continents. Its best to go with a real filter chamber as opposed to an air pump and sponge filter. If you are concerned you may not have adequate time for maintenance, get a self-cleaning fish tank. I believe that the Aqueon LED MiniBow Kit is the best overall small fish tank. Japanese Fighting Fish is reader-supported. Moreover, they require lesser accessories like plants, gravel, substrates, and ornaments. When you're new to fish keeping, you want to buy every fish you see. Apart from radish and wheatgrass, you can experiment by growing house plants, orchids, or luscious bamboo. Fish love hiding, and you must include a few hiding spots. Beyond its bright, colorful body, the cherry shrimp is also known for its active and playful nature. Its powerful multi-stage filtration offers optimal water quality, while the super bright LED lighting promotes healthy coral growth. 13. These small snails are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. These small shrimp will dart around your tank and provide a lot of interest for you and your guests. Avoid scrubbing ornaments, stirring or vacuuming the gravel or cleaning the filter when it doesn't really need it, as this can destroy beneficial bacteria and upset the balance. A rule of thumb is to set your pre-built heaters at 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit for tropical fish, and 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit for coldwater fish. Small fish tanks hold small volumes of water, leaving no room for mistakes like overfeeding or missed water changes. A small fish tank allows you to nurture your pet when your home has limited space. It's impossible to know if ammonia or nitrite problems are developing or it's safe to add fish to your new aquarium without testing water. A good place to start is with your pH and hardness levels. 14. No wonder theyre considered a favorite fish for many people! I do have a question! If you are a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, the Aqueon MiniBow Kit is a perfect small fish tank for your home or office. Like all animals, fish need a resting period, and it should be the same period every day. These quiet schooling fish are very colorful and can be found with black, red, or yellow stripes. This can also result in a longer than normal cycling period. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Japanese Fighting Fish is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Barbs are a group of small, active fish that is widely available and fairly inexpensive. While there are products on the market that help speed up this process, the safest way to cycle a newly set up aquarium is to 1) Add just a few fish initially, 2) feed sparingly and 3) Test ammonia and nitrite levels until they stabilize at zero before adding more fish. It retails at an affordable price, is easy to set up, operates quietly, and comes with several accessories. The LED lighting system is energy efficient and cost-effective on your power bills. Betta Fish Tank Ideas Unique, Cute And Cool Designs, Best Places To Buy Goldfish For Sale Online, Freshwater Aquarium Sharks: Types & Care Guide, Best Substrate For Planted Tank The Key To Awesome Aquascape, Best Low And Medium Light Aquarium Plants, Dwarf Hairgrass: Planting, Carpeting, And Care, Tips For Stocking A 2 and 2.5-Gallon Tank, Make Sure The Tank Is Sufficiently Heated, A Good Filtration System Can Be A Lifesaver. Buying fish on the same day as the aquarium. Small aquariums can be more difficult to maintain than larger ones and are not well-suited to beginners. There is no need for expensive heaters, as they will do nothing to increase the perceived warmth of your tank. If the aquarium is used as a night light in a child's bedroom, turn the light off and draw the curtains during the day to simulate nighttime for your fish. Now that we have covered the basics of small aquariums, its time to look at some examples of fish that will do well in them. Photosynthetic plants provide your fish with a natural source of food while helping to oxygenate the tank and keep water quality high. They grow to a maximum length of only 2 inches and can thrive in a wide range of water conditions. You can't really over-filter an aquarium, but it's fairly easy to under-filter one. Testing is the only way to know if your aquarium water is safe. It might also help to supplement their diet with live kinds of fish food, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. Impulse buying. Not testing water in a new aquarium. Always research new fish before purchasing them to make sure they are compatible with existing inhabitants and will not outgrow your aquarium. If youre looking for a low-maintenance cleanup crew then zebra snails might be a good choice. 9. They grow to about 2 inches in length and are active swimmers. On the other hand, exotic guppies are bred to have colors and markings that are not typically seen in regular guppies, but they require specific freshwater conditions in order to thrive. They get along well with other species and are very peaceful, making them an interesting addition to your aquarium. For superior water quality, the Evo V uses three-stage filtration. This self-cleaning tank uses organic plants to clean out the waste from the fish tank. Bettas are also very hardy and can thrive in a range of water conditions. 8. Conditions tend to be more stable in larger aquariums, and if things start to go wrong, you have more time to correct them. A new aquarium should be fed once a day, and all food should be consumed within two minutes. Aquarium lights highlight a fishs color, gravel, decorative plants, and ornaments. You get radish and wheatgrass seeds, fish food, a water dechlorinator, a growing medium, and a water conditioner. Here are a few of the most common problems that beginning aquarists experience. If you decide upon the checkerboard barbs or cherry barbs, then be prepared for a lively addition to your tank. A new aquarium set up should be run for a minimum of 2 to 3 days before the first fish are introduced. She loves how it provides a nice break from the hustle and bustle of life. This is because theyre hardy, colorful, and easy to care for! Thanks for reading, and please leave a comment below if you have any questions! So, if you intend to keep marine or tropical fish, get a heater for your small tank. If you have a 2 or 2.5-gallon tank, the hardier wild-type guppies might be a better choice for you. The dwarf pea puffer is a small, but feisty fish thats sure to add some excitement to your tank. In fact, the Cory Catfish is so easy to care for that it can be kept in different types of water conditions. They are also small, making them the perfect size for a 2-gallon tank. For example, the lemon tetra is a brilliant yellow color, and the green neon tetra is solid olive green. However, you can cover it up after feeding if you are worried your pet might jump out. This stresses your fish and leaves them more susceptible to disease. Wild-type or regular guppies are the original strain of guppies that come from the wild.