If you have a small aquarium logic dictates that you need to keep small fish. The size of fish you keep totally depends on the size of the tank you own and how many other fish you have in it. There are many species of small aquarium fish but it’s important to learn about each species and their requirements before you buy any. It’s also important to know how certain species live together in a community.
Small aquariums are becoming more and more popular as they cost less to buy and maintain. They also take up less space in the home or workplace, making them accessible to more people. Small aquariums still require regular maintenance though so it is important to understand this and not purchase one on the basis that it requires little or no maintenance. They should not be considered an “easy option”.
In small aquariums problems can occur very quickly due to the small volume of water, and can be fatal to your fish if they are not addressed just as quickly. Water chemistry and temperature can change drastically in a couple of hours or less, so it is vital to monitor water conditions closely, and perform water changes regularly.
Small sized fish are the only choice for a small aquarium, and contrary to popular belief, goldfish are not a good choice as they grow fairly large and also produce a lot of waste.
Some suitable small aquarium fish include:
Bloodfin Tetra - they are tolerant of cool water and best if kept in a school.
Guppy - they are small and very tolerant of water conditions.
Platy - they are very adaptable and usually brightly colored.
White Cloud - they are very hardy fish that prefer cool water.
Zebra Danio - they are very hardy and tolerate cooler temperatures.
Fish are cold-blooded, so this means their body temperature will be whatever the water temperature is. The water temperature a fish requires is a major factor to take into consideration when making your choices, as it will depend on what type of tank you have and whether you have a heater.
Small aquariums are generally 20 gallons or under, and as well being economical and compact they can make an ideal habitat for some very interesting and beautiful miniature species. A community of small, lively, colourful fish can make even the smallest aquarium look amazing.
A community of small aquarium fish should consist mainly of schooling fish of the same species, such as Rasboras, Danios, White Cloud minnows, and smaller varieties of Tetras. You could then add one or two fish that stand out from the school, such as Dwarf or Pygmy Gouramis. These fish make interesting choices for small aquariums, but it’s imperative to keep pristine water conditions for them.
When choosing a community of small aquarium fish it’s important to learn about compatibility and behaviour, as well as appearance. It’s best to select peaceful species, and bear in mind that each species might need a different diet, volume of water to swim in, and activity level. You can use this diversity to create a balanced, healthy community of small fish that’s both interesting to look at and relatively easy to look after.