15 Low-Maintenance Freshwater Fish for Beginners With Pictures

How to Create and Maintain a Minimal-Maintenance Aquarium

The larger the tank, the smaller the chance of mistakes having a huge impact. Use the bucket with the siphoned water to give the filter a good rinse. You’ll need the bucket for the water you’ll be siphoning out during water changes. In low levels, nitrates are not harmful for your fish, but high levels are toxic. Once ammonia and nitrite levels are no longer detectable and you can detect nitrates, it means the cycle is completed. This ammonia is highly toxic for you fish, so what you need to do is perform a fishless cycle.

Beginner-Friendly Freshwater Fish (And 4 That Need Expert Attention)

They are a good match for other peaceful types of fish that enjoy lingering in different parts of the tank. True to their name, the neon rainbow fish dazzles with its iridescent scales, particularly when they swim against well-planted tanks. Because of their timid nature, we recommend keeping these fish in groups of at least 6 individuals. These cute Catfish only reach around 2.5 inches in length and prefer to be kept in groups. They will be happy with a partner but will become most active in larger groups. These tiny shoaling fish are one of the most recognizable in the aquatics trade.

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

• These are the least expensive option and work very well for smaller tanks.
• In fact, when you’re starting the tank, it’s best if you only feed them every other day to avoid creating excess waste in the tank.
• When kept in a community aquarium, they are well-behaved and will leave other fish and corals alone.
• By choosing the right equipment, plants, and decor and setting up effective filtration, you'll create an aquatic ecosystem that largely takes care of itself.

Maintaining the right salt levels in your aquarium is crucial for the health of your fish. Different types of tanks require specific amounts of salt for optimal conditions. This article will guide you through the ideal salt levels for different types of aquariums. You’ll learn about the benefits of using salt, how it affects your fish, and practical tips to get it just right.

This can be a fun way to make new friends and learn tips from others who enjoy fishkeeping. A specialty substrate that mimics riverbeds can help your plants grow and keep your fish happy. Creating a natural habitat means making your tank as close as possible to the natural environment of your fish.

Zebra danios are incredibly resilient and can adjust to water conditions with ease. Guppies are really easy to take care of and come in a variety of colors. You might be wondering, “What’s the deal with choosing low maintenance fish? They are resilient, adaptable and less susceptible to illnesses meaning you spend time fretting and more time relishing your environment.

Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica)

In contrast, saltwater aquariums may demand higher salt levels to maintain appropriate salinity, usually around 1.020 to 1.025 specific gravity with marine salt. Recognizing these differences ensures you provide suitable environments for your fish. Another easy tropical fish for beginners to look after is the tiger pleco. This is another type of exotic catfish that spends its time feeding at the bottom of the aquarium. These bottom-feeders are good for keeping gravel in your tank free from algae and other bits of food debris.