A Complete Guide to Freshwater Fish Tanks: Selection, Setup, and Maintenance
Though they’re generally peaceful, it is best to avoid keeping two males in the same aquarium, as they can be territorial. Another key feature of beginner-friendly fish is a peaceful temperament. Beginners gravitate towards community tanks as they provide greater variety and interest, which is why they need to select fish that can get along with their tankmates. Replicating natural water conditions can be challenging for even seasoned fishkeepers, and beginners are likely to find this extra-challenging. Thus, it is important to pick species that can tolerate a wider range of water conditions, and adapt to different environments.
An aquarium that’s safe for fish will read 0 ppm (parts per million) of ammonia, 0 ppm nitrite, and around 10 ppm of nitrate. Therefore, it’s not recommended to keep fish in an aquarium without a running filter for more than a week and that’s pushing it. Generally, the fish for an aquarium of this size should not be an over-breeder or a fast-grower. A 5-gallon bowl with some live plants would make a good habitat for a single male Betta. Such small volumes of water get polluted by organic waste very quickly and sudden ammonia spikes, deadly for aquatic inhabitants, are often observed. Betta fish, which has a unique organ called the Labyrinth, is one kind of fish that can survive such low-oxygen environments.
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.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.