Pets That Can Live in a 20 Gallon Tank

There is a wide assortment of pets that you can keep safely and happily in a 20-gallon enclosure. Small reptiles, rodents, and fish all make excellent pets, depending on the type of creature and level of interaction you are looking for, but all will require a significant amount of time and energy for optimal care. Determining which type of animal you would like to keep can be the first step toward getting the perfect pet for you.

  1. Tropical Fish

    • Fish make wonderful pets, and since many of the smaller tropical varieties prefer to be kept in groups of three or more, a 20-gallon tank is the perfect size to get started. Mollies, guppies, swordtails and neon tetras are just a few of the species that would live happily in a tank of this size. When selecting fish to place in your tank, a good rule of thumb is that you should never stock more than 1 inch of fish length for every gallon of tank (so a 20-gallon tank could hold 20 inches of fish length in total), and it is always better to understock the tank rather than overstock. Make sure you have all the necessary filters, heaters, and water treatment products in place before you introduce fish.

    Reptiles and Snakes

    • While larger snake and reptile species will be better off in larger terrariums, small corn snakes and garter snakes can be safely kept in a 20-gallon tank, or you could house a trio of green anoles. Keeping reptiles will require a few specialized items, such as a hydrometer (to measure the humidity in the tank) and a basking lamp for warmth and necessary UV lighting. Different species have specific needs, so always be sure to read about the particular care instructions for the reptile of your choice.

    Small Rodents

    • Several species of small rodents can be kept in an enclosure of this size, such as a single standard hamster, two same-sex dwarf hamsters or gerbils, or three fancy mice. Make sure that you include plenty of ramps and climbing levels to maximize the use of space in the cage. Unfortunately, glass cages have poor circulation, and ammonia buildup can damage your rodent̵7;s delicate lungs, so make sure to clean the tank at least twice a week, and place it in a well-ventilated (but draft-free) location.