The Best Fish to Use to Start Up an Aquarium

Setting up a freshwater aquarium can be difficult, time-consuming and expensive. It̵7;s also very rewarding once it̵7;s up and running. You̵7;ll need to set up your tank days before you add fish, but as all aquarium species are not equal, they require varying tank setups as far as size, filters and lighting. Research suitable fish species for a new tank, decide which ones you want, then set up the appropriate equipment and bring them home.

  1. Considerations

    • Before you make a trip to your local fish store, you need to consider many factors. Will this be a single-species tank or a community tank? If it̵7;s a community tank, the fish must be compatible in terms of personalities and water conditions. Hardiness is another important factor as a startup tank can be difficult to get the proper water conditions. A new tank must go through a period of nitrogen cycling to get rid of ammonia, which is poisonous to most fish. Make sure you know how big a fish will get so it doesn̵7;t outgrow a 10- or 20-gallon tank. And of course you should consider cost. There̵7;s a good chance you̵7;ll lose a fish or two before tank conditions stabilize.

    Guppies

    • Guppies are perhaps the best fish to put in a startup aquarium. They're small, inexpensive and very forgiving of water conditions. They come in a variety of types and colors. Because of their small size, they don̵7;t have the effect on the cycling process that a larger fish would. Guppies are not aggressive and therefore do well in community tanks, which most beginning aquarists prefer. They will survive on flake food, put prefer a variety of pellets, freeze dried, frozen and live food.

    Platies, Mollies and Swords

    • These fish belong to the same family as guppies. They are somewhat larger than guppies, but require similar care and tank conditions. They're also very peaceful and live well with each other as well as many other species, including guppies. They can withstand higher ammonia levels than most species, which is why they are good in a start-up tank. Platies, mollies and swords come in many colors and fin types, which add beauty and diversity to your tank. A great way to begin your tank if it is 55 gallons or larger is to add two or three platies, mollies and swords, along with five or six guppies. This shouldn̵7;t overburden your tank before the cycling process completes, and it will let you gradually build your fish care experience inexpensively.

    Blackfin Tetras

    • Blackfin tetras are another good option for breaking in a new tank. They're not affected by the rising ammonia levels during the break-in period of your new setup. They're active fish so you should provide plenty of room in the center of your tank for swimming, and since they are schooling fish, you should keep them in groups of four or more. They're not territorial, do not grow larger than 3 inches long and would do fine in a community tank that includes any of the species mentioned.