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.

Choosing Fish and Aquatic Plants

The substrate or gravel will be a big factor in which types of decorations work in your tank. When you choose which fish you want, this can depend on which gravel you chose. A sandy bottom will give your tank more of a saltwater look, but it is more difficult to work with. Glass stones are pretty but don’t offer much for healthy bacteria to grow on. Once you decide on all the different parts it is time to move on to cycling your tank to get it ready for your fish. Say goodbye to the complexities of water parameters and say hello to a tailored aquatic experience with fish that thrive in a wide range of conditions.

Recommended Salt Levels

• You can now make your informed freshwater turtle selection from any of the 14 interesting species listed in this overview.
• Keep an eye out for any changes in behavior or appearance to monitor fish health.
• You must provide Western Painted Turtles with deep tanks, soft substrates, rich vegetation, slow currents, and a strong filtration system to keep the water clean.
• All species of guppies have a peaceful nature and generally don’t bother other fish.
• When setting up your new fish tank, be sure to have plenty of live plants for cherry barbs to hide in.

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.

But by choosing a filter that exceeds the capacity of your tank, you allow more water to be filtered, again, buying you some more flexibility in your maintenance routine. No matter which type of kit you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and replace the reagents before their expiration date. Regular water testing is a crucial aspect of how to maintain a freshwater aquarium and ensure the well-being of your fish. They are schooling fish, thriving in groups that allow them to exhibit natural behaviors and enhance their coloration. White Cloud Minnows are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, making them ideal for novice aquarists.

To add to their appeal as low-maintenance fish, they are omnivorous and can subsist on a diet of most store-bought fish flakes. Parents need not worry about obtaining specialized food or having to isolate the neon tetras in a separate tank. Their hardiness also makes them resilient against any mistakes that might be made as part of the learning curve. Did you know that 2 million Neon Tetras are sold in the US every month?

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.