Freshwater Fish for Beginners: A Starter’s Guide

If you’re considering introducing a beautiful aquarium into your home, or you’re new to the hobby of fish keeping, then it’s best to start with the basics. One of the most popular suggestions for new fish keepers is perhaps beginner freshwater fish. Freshwater fish are usually less demanding to care for than their saltwater counterparts, hence why they are the perfect option for new hobbyists.

This guide will inform you of everything you have to know regarding choosing, setting up, and caring for freshwater fish, so you can have a well and thriving aquarium for your new aquatic friends.

Why Choose Freshwater Fish for Beginners?

In pet selection, fish have traditionally played second fiddle, but they can really be a wonderful member of your family. Freshwater fish are especially good for new aquarists in that they are simpler to take care of than saltwater fish. Most are sturdy, hardy, and thrive in an array of water conditions and are therefore easier to maintain even for first-time aquarium owners.

That’s why freshwater fish are an ideal option for beginners:

• Less upkeep: Freshwater fish are less demanding than saltwater fish, which require specific salinity and temperature levels.
• Wonderful diversity: There are so many stunning, colorful, and active freshwater fish that will work well in any size aquarium and setup.
• Cost-effectiveness: Freshwater fish and aquarium supplies are generally cheaper than their saltwater counterparts, making it a more practical hobby for first-time fish keepers to start with.
• Fewer pieces of equipment to maintain: Compared to saltwater tanks, where large pieces of specialized equipment such as protein skimmers and expensive filtration systems are required, freshwater tanks are simpler to set up and maintain.

Now that we’ve established the benefits, let’s dive into the essentials of setting up a freshwater tank and choosing the right fish.

Setting Up Your Freshwater Aquarium

Prior to bringing your first freshwater fish into your home, you must properly prepare your aquarium. A well-prepared tank will give your fish the greatest possible opportunity to survive, and it will keep you from making simple mistakes that inexperienced pet owners tend to make. What follows are the most critical steps in the preparation of your freshwater aquarium:

1. Selecting the Proper Tank Size

• Tank size matters: The novice should possess a tank with a minimum capacity of 20 gallons. Small tanks are difficult to maintain as they vary in terms of water quality. The larger tank gives greater stability and easy water parameter control.
• Larger is better: If space allows, a 30-50 gallon tank is even better since it gives you more room for fish and allows you to have more species.

2. Selecting the Right Filtration System

Having a good filtration system is essential if you are looking for a healthy aquarium. Freshwater fish produce waste that can easily pollute the water, so an effective filter will eliminate toxins and keep the water clean.

• Hang-on-back filters are great for certain first-time tanks and provide mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.
• Canister filters are stronger and for larger tanks. But they require a bit more maintenance.
• Sponges or internal filters can also be used for small or delicate fish.

3. Setting the Correct Water Temperature

Freshwater fish typically thrive in a temperature range of 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C). You’ll need to invest in a reliable aquarium heater to maintain a consistent temperature.

4. Choosing Aquarium Substrate and Decorations

• Substrate: Gravel or specially designed aquarium soil is the best substrate for most freshwater fish. Avoid using sharp gravel that could harm your fish.
• Decorations: Add live plants, plastic plants, rocks, or caves. Live plants purify the water and provide your fish with hiding places.

5. Water Conditioning

Condition water prior to adding fish. Dechlorinated water is most suitable for fish since chlorine is poisonous. You may buy water conditioners at the pet store to neutralize chlorine and chloramine.

Best Freshwater Fish for Beginners

After your tank is ready, it’s time to select your new fish! As a beginner, it’s essential to select species that are tough, low-maintenance, and compatible with one another. Here’s a selection of some of the top beginner freshwater fish:

1. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)

• Size: 2.5-3 inches
• Care level: Easy
• Tank size: 5 gallons minimum
• Water conditions: 75-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5

Betta fish are aggressive and colorful and are commonly kept in aquaria by beginners. They are territorial, yet must be kept alone or with other non-aggressive species. They require a small tank and are low maintenance.

2. Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)

• Size: 1.5 inches
• Care level: Easy
• Tank size: 10 gallons minimum
• Water conditions: 72-78°F, pH 6.8-7.8

Guppies are tolerant, peaceful fish that are colored brightly. They are livebearers, so be prepared for potential baby guppies unless you have only males in your tank.

3. Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)

• Size: 1-1.5 inches
• Care level: Easy
• Tank size: 10 gallons minimum
• Water conditions: 70-81°F, pH 6-7

Neon tetras are tiny, calm, and have beautiful blue and red color. They thrive in groups of six or more and are perfect for a community aquarium.

4. Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.)

• Size: 2-3 inches
• Care level: Easy
• Tank size: 10 gallons minimum
• Water conditions: 72-78°F, pH 6.0-7.5

Corydoras catfish are bottom-dwellers that are great at picking up leftovers of food. They’re pleasant, low-maintenance, and great tank mates for other fish.

5. Zebra Danios (Danio rerio)

• Size: 1.5 inches
• Care level: Easy
• Tank size: 10 gallons minimum
• Water conditions: 65-77°F, pH 6.5-7.5

Zebra danios are robust and active fish that are ideal for a beginner’s aquarium. They can tolerate a very wide range of water conditions and prefer to be in a school of at least six.

6. Platies (Xiphophorus maculatus)

• Size: 2-3 inches
• Care level: Easy
• Tank size: 10 gallons minimum
• Water conditions: 70-79°F, pH 7.0-8.2

Platies are peaceful, easy-going, and come in many brilliant colors. Just as active as guppies, platies are livebearers and perfect for community tanks.

Feeding Your Freshwater Fish

Proper feeding is essential to the health and well-being of your fish. Although each fish can have its own diet, the following are some general guidelines on how to feed your freshwater fish:

• Feed moderately: Overfeed your fish, and it can lead to bad water quality and obesity in fish. Only feed as much food as your fish can consume in 2-3 minutes.
• Change variety: Most freshwater fishes are omnivorous, so feed a variety of types of food, such as flakes, pellets, frozen foods (e.g., bloodworms), and live foods (e.g., brine shrimp).
• Don’t overfeed: Remove any excess food to prevent it from decaying in the tank and producing ammonia.

Common Errors to Avoid

Even when using freshwater fish, beginners will make some common errors. Here are a couple to watch out for:

• Insufficient cycling: Always cycle your aquarium before adding fish. This will assist in developing the good bacteria that will assist in breaking down toxic waste.
• Overcrowding: Keeping too many fish in one tank can lead to poor water quality and stress. Follow stocking recommendations for your tank’s size.
• Incorrect water parameters: Check your water’s temperature, pH, and ammonia level regularly so that it’s within the appropriate range for your fish.

Conclusion

Setting up a freshwater aquarium is an enjoyable and rewarding endeavor. Choosing the right fish, properly stocking your tank, and following a proper feeding routine will yield a beautiful and healthy environment for your fish. Remember, the best beginner freshwater fish are strong, easy to maintain, and tolerant of tank conditions you can provide.

If at any time you are uncertain about what species or aquarium maintenance is best, don’t hesitate to contact your local vet or aquarium expert. And if you ever require more information on how to keep your fish healthy, subscribing to an online pet health blog or a reputable vet can keep you on course.