10 Best Fish For Beginners Small Tanks [2025]
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Finding the best fish for beginners small tanks can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options available and the specific needs of your aquarium to consider. To simplify your search, we have thoroughly researched and shortlisted 10 top fish that thrive in smaller environments, ensuring they are suitable for novice aquarists. Our carefully curated list not only saves you time but also eliminates the hassle of trial and error, allowing you to confidently choose the perfect fish for your small tank setup.
Top 10 Fish For Beginners Small Tanks In The Market
Fish For Beginners Small Tanks Review
- THERE’S ROOM FOR TWO: The Double Betta Bowfront Tank Kit offers a safe and convenient way to house up to 2 Bettas in a single aquarium. This plastic tank features a removeable, double-sided divider with built-in slits for even water flow. You can remove the divider completely, giving more space to a single Betta.
- SHOWCASE THOSE BEAUTIFUL COLORS: While keeping your Bettas safely separated, the double-sided divider is both opaque and see-though. If you wish to keep your fish from seeing one another, keep both sides of the wall down. If you wish to see some vibrant displays and flares from your Bettas, lift and remove the colored side of the partition.
- UNIQUE FEATURES: Our double chamber Betta Bowfront Tank Kits come with waste absorbing Pro-V Crystals, a filter grid, and 2 plastic plants. They also feature a water release cap on the very bottom at the tank, which makes water changes that much easier. With a slight pinch, the E-Z Lift Lid gives you easy and instant access.
- HELPFUL INSTRUCTIONS: 1) Wash all components with warm water only, and then spot dry with a clean towel or rag. 2) Place filter grid, waste adsorbing crystals, and plastic plants in tank, then fill with dechlorinated water. 3) Approximately once a week or as needed, drain about 20 percent of water by opening the water release cap, then fill with dechlorinated water.
- MEASUREMENTS: Overall = 7.75 (W) x 3.5 (D) x 6 (H) / Each Chamber when Divided = 3.75 (W) x 3.5 (D) x 4.5 (H)
- Easy to Maintain: The water filtration system reduces the frequency of water changes, which makes it a good choice for aquarium beginners or starters to keep a single Betta, a couple of shrimp, snails, or a small goldfish. Dimension：8”x5.25”x7”(LxWxH)
- Built-in Light: LED hood provides ample light for the tank making your fish glow brighter and the decorations stand out.
- Compact Size: The tank is lightweight, cute and small and it doesn't take up too much space on the desktop or a kitchen counter. (Note: If the current is a bit strong, you can put a pre-filter sponge filter on the intake to reduce the water flow.)
- Complete Starter Kit: 1x 1.2 gallon Fish tank, 1x Sponge, 1x Water Filter, 1x 5V USB Power Cord, 2x Artificial Plants
- Note: No USB power adapter included, the tank needs a power adapter rated ≥ 5V/ 2A. Make sure the adapter you use is powerful enough. Insufficient power of the adapter may cause the light or the pump not working. If the pump stops working or the water flow decreases, it is time to remove the pump, clean it thoroughly, and then properly reinstall the impeller and shaft assembly to restore normal operation. And the pump need to be FULLY SUBMERGED UNDER WATER to work.
- AQUARIUM KIT: Clear plastic, half moon-shaped front allows unobstructed viewing.
- MOVABLE LIGHT: LED light can be positioned to light tank from above or below – requires 3 AA batteries (not included).
- IDEAL FOR BETTAS: Bettas have large, heavy fins that weigh them down, so they do not need a lot of space; bettas require minimal maintenance and make a great species for beginners.
- CONVENIENT: Clear canopy has a hole to make feeding fish easy.
- 1.1 GALLON TANK: Small size that’s perfect for a desktop or in any room (9 inches x 10.5 inches x 4.5 inches).
- AQUARIUM KIT: Half-moon shape allows 180-degree panoramic viewing – starter kit has everything you need.
- BUBBLE CURTAIN: Bubbling disc automatically cycles through a rainbow of LED light colors.
- INCLUDES FILTER: Includes air pump-driven Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter to keep your tank clean and provide a healthy environment for pet fish.
- AIR PUMP: Drives both the bubbling disc and the filter.
- CONVENIENT: Clear canopy has a hole for easy feeding.
- 【DaToo Nano Aquarium Light】: For small aquarium hobbyists, oversized aquarium lights always bring lots of trouble and affect the viewing and keeping pleasure. Now DaToo can solve this problem for you perfectly, DaToo Nano Aquarium Light is only 2.7 inches, perfect for 1 to 3 gallon aquariums, with 3 light modes and 10 levels of brightness adjustments, sturdy and durable, easy to use, safe power protection, easy to give your aquarium a nature-like safe light experience!
- 【Three Modes & 10 Levels Dimming】: DaToo Mini Aquarium Light has three light modes, Mode 1: All LEDS on, powerful brightness to illuminate every detail in the tank; Mode 2: White LED on, soft light gives natural light-like illumination to the tank; Mode 3: Red+Green+Blue LEDS on, make fish and plants more colorful. 10 levels of brightness, 10%~100% brightness range free choice, you can create the most perfect mix of light and tank environment, no more worries about too bright and too dark.
- 【Sturdy & Durable】: DaToo Mini Fish Tank Light shell is made of high-strength ABS material, which is sturdy and corrosion-resistant, fearless of any wet environment, and easily withstands external impacts, giving you a long-lasting experience. For best lighting effect, DaToo uses high-quality 2835 LED beads, which makes DaToo Nano Aquarium Lights more color saturated, brightness is stronger, as well as excellent heat dissipation and 1.5 times longer service life than similar products.
- 【Easy To Use】: DaToo Mini Aquarium Light has a simple clip-on bracket with set screw that securely mounts to 1~3 gallon open aquariums with rims less than 0.25 inches thick, very convenient. As we all know, different light angles can make your fish tank present different viewing effects, DaToo Nano Fish Tank Light adopts 360°rotating gooseneck design, which can easily adjust the light to any ideal angle and direction, giving your fish tank an extraordinary charm!
- 【Safe Power Protection & One Year Warranty】: Reliable security protection is always DaToo's pursuit. DaToo small aquarium light uses body-safe 5V DC power, safe and reliable, without worrying electric shock, works with any adapter or device that has USB port. PC splash guard, effectively against moisture and water splashes, avoiding short circuits and water mishaps. We provide one year warranty and 24 hours professional customer service. Buy With Confidence!
- Ameliade fish tank decorations perfectly replicates the natural environment, and once you put it in the tank, you won't even be able to recognize that it's actually made of plastic. Your fish will enjoy the environment these plants provide，and they can play and hide in it.
- The leaves are soft and lifelike without scratching the fish. They swing with the water waves in the fish tank, making them look very vivid and beautiful in the water. They can be planted in both of freshwater and seawater. Each plant has its own base for holding it in the gravel.
- Unlike live plants in fish tank, plastic artificial plants do not need special lighting and other substrates. They neither die nor become wilted or unattractive. They remain beautiful all the time without any pruning.
- We provide the suitable aquarium products for different sizes of aquariums in order to save you time. You just need to buy them according to your needs and put them in your fish tank, and they will create a beautiful underwater world for your pet fish, making fish life more interesting and happier. This will turn your fish tank into their amusement park.
- The set contains 1 rockery aquarium decoration, 3 short aquarium plants, 3 medium aquarium plants and 1 tall aquarium plants with a total of 8 different styles. Heights vary from 2 inches to 8 inches. It is suitable for 5 gallon or larger fish tanks.
- Compact and stylish, designed for small spaces like desktops and countertops. Bring nature into your home while adding a sleek touch
- Effortless setup and maintenance with our step-by-step guide tailored exclusively for beginners
- High-clarity glass with 91.2% transmittance makes your aquascape "pop", delivering a truly immersive viewing experience
- Premium and remarkably simple filtration and lighting systems, keep water clear, plants flourishing, and fish happy with minimal effort on your part
- Each aquarium comes with a lid and a pre-glued leveling mat, ready to use out of the box
- Compact and stylish, designed for small spaces like desktops and countertops. Bring nature into your home while adding a sleek touch
- Effortless setup and maintenance with our step-by-step guide tailored exclusively for beginners
- High-clarity glass with 91.2% transmittance makes your aquascape "pop", delivering a truly immersive viewing experience
- Premium and remarkably simple filtration and lighting systems, keep water clear, plants flourishing, and fish happy with minimal effort on your part
- Each aquarium comes with a lid and a pre-glued leveling mat, ready to use out of the box
- All the equipment needed to get started in one box
- Low profile full hood contains vibrant cool white LED lighting to bring your aquatic environment to life
- Filter has a red LED light that flashes to indicate when it’s time to change the cartridge
- Simply add your favorite style of plants and decor
- Preset heater will keep your aquarium temperature at a constant 78 degrees, appropriate for most tropical fish
- 【DaToo 1.6 Gallon Fish Tank】: Do you want to create your own little aquarium world? The DaToo 1.6 Gallon Fish Tank is the perfect choice for you to explore the world of aquariums! It not only allows us to immerse ourselves in nature, but also relieves the stress of life and makes us happy both physically and mentally. This DaToo aquarium is carefully crafted to provide you with everything you need to start this amazing aquarium journey full of surprises and fun at the touch of a button!
- 【Ultra-clear Visual Experience】: The meticulously crafted DaToo Fish Tank is made of highly transparent and smooth Ultra HD GGPS plastic to experience 360° Ultra HD immersive viewing, which is lightweight, solid and safe, with excellent strength and abrasion resistance. With a light transmission rate of 91.5%, it is 1.5 times clearer than ordinary plastic. You can't even feel the wall of the aquarium, the fish feel like they are swimming in the air, it's amazing!
- 【Perfect Lighting System】: DaToo 1.6 Gal Aquarium Starter Kit prepares you with a lighting system consisting of 12 high brightness 3528 LED beads that mimic natural light, providing plenty of soft light for the fish tank. And it's waterproof and non-strobe to keep fish and other aquatic creatures comfortable and help create a natural ecological environment. Simply flick the switch on the top of the tank and immediately create a beautiful, healthy and safe underwater world for you.
- 【Powerful Quadruple Filtration】: The DaToo aquarium filtration system provides you with a quadruple filtration effect of 1*Biological, 2*Physical and 1*Chemical filtration, which easily cultivates beneficial small organisms, ensures clear and healthy water, and reduces the frequency of water changes. The internal 3W 80GPH water pump easily drives the water to self-circulate and runs at less than 35 decibels, creating a soothing atmosphere and visual waterfall experience.
- 【Thoughtful Details Design & Quality After-sales】: Flip top feeding port and removable top cover make feeding and cleaning more convenient, the fish tank is small and cute, won't take up too much space for you. Easy to install and durable. Beautifully boxed for you, perfect gift for your family, kids and friends. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact DaToo, customer satisfaction is our constant pursuit.
Our Review Process
To ensure you get reliable product recommendations, we follow a detailed review methodology that includes:
- Market Research: Scanning best-selling and trending products in this category.
- User Feedback: Reviewing customer reviews, star ratings, and complaints.
- Hands-On Testing: Trying select products ourselves when feasible.
- Feature Comparison: Evaluating specs, durability, pricing, and safety.
- Expert Opinions: Consulting with niche experts or credible reviewers.
We independently select the top 10 options based on value, quality, and usability. To learn more, visit our detailed review process.
Key Considerations Before Buying Fish for Beginners Small Tanks
Starting a small aquarium can be a rewarding and calming hobby. However, before you dive into the world of fishkeeping, there are several important factors to consider to ensure a successful experience.
Tank Size and Type
Choosing the right tank size is crucial. Small tanks, typically ranging from 5 to 20 gallons, are ideal for beginners due to their manageable size and low maintenance requirements. However, smaller tanks can also be less forgiving of water quality fluctuations. It’s essential to choose a tank that can accommodate the type and number of fish you intend to keep.
Water Quality and Heating
Fish thrive in stable water conditions, which means paying attention to water quality is vital. Invest in a good water testing kit to monitor pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Additionally, consider whether the fish you want require a heater. Tropical fish typically need warmer water, while cold-water species can thrive without additional heating.
Choosing the Right Fish Species
When selecting fish for a small tank, opt for species that are known for being hardy and suitable for beginners. Some popular choices include guppies, bettas, and neon tetras. Research the compatibility of different species to avoid aggressive behavior and ensure they can coexist peacefully.
Filtration System
A reliable filtration system is essential for maintaining water quality in a small aquarium. Look for filters designed for smaller tanks that can efficiently remove waste and toxins while providing adequate water circulation. Regular maintenance of the filter is also necessary to keep the system running effectively.
Decor and Hiding Spaces
Creating a comfortable environment for your fish is crucial. Add decorations, plants, or rocks that provide hiding spots and enrichment. Live plants can also enhance water quality and offer additional benefits, such as oxygenation and natural filtration. Ensure that decorations are safe and free of sharp edges that could harm the fish.
Maintenance Routine
Small tanks require regular maintenance, including water changes, filter cleaning, and monitoring water parameters. Establish a routine that fits your schedule, as neglecting these tasks can lead to poor water quality and stressed fish. Knowing how often to change the water and how much to change is critical for your tank’s health.
Budget Considerations
Budgeting for your small tank setup is also an essential consideration. Initial costs may include the tank, filter, heater, decorations, and fish, but don’t forget ongoing expenses like food, water conditioners, and replacement filter cartridges. Planning ahead will help you avoid surprises and ensure you can maintain the tank effectively.
FAQs
What types of fish are best for small tanks?
For small tanks, consider hardy species such as Betta fish, guppies, neon tetras, or dwarf shrimp. These species are generally more adaptable to smaller environments and can thrive with proper care.
How many fish can I keep in a small tank?
A general rule of thumb is to have one inch of fish per gallon of water. However, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of each species and the tank’s filtration and maintenance capacity to avoid overcrowding.
What size tank is considered a small tank?
Small tanks typically refer to aquariums that are 5 to 20 gallons in size. Tanks smaller than 5 gallons are often more challenging to maintain due to rapid changes in water parameters.
How often should I change the water in a small fish tank?
For small tanks, it’s advisable to change 10-15% of the water weekly. This helps maintain water quality and reduce harmful toxins. However, the frequency may vary based on the tank’s bioload and filtration system.
What equipment do I need for a small fish tank?
Essential equipment includes a filter, heater (if keeping tropical fish), substrate, lighting, and water conditioner. A good quality filter is crucial for maintaining clean water and reducing harmful toxins.
Can I keep live plants in a small fish tank?
Yes, live plants can be beneficial in small tanks as they help improve water quality and provide shelter for fish. Low-light plants such as Java fern or Anubias are great options for beginners.
How do I maintain water quality in a small tank?
Regular water changes, using a quality filter, monitoring water parameters (like pH and ammonia levels), and not overfeeding your fish are key to maintaining water quality. Test kits can help you regularly check these parameters.
What should I feed my fish in a small tank?
Feed your fish a balanced diet appropriate for their species. High-quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods can be suitable choices. Make sure to avoid overfeeding, as leftover food can pollute the tank.
How can I cycle my small tank before adding fish?
Cycling a tank involves establishing beneficial bacteria that break down harmful ammonia and nitrites. You can cycle your tank by adding a source of ammonia (like fish food or pure ammonia) and testing the water regularly until stable readings are achieved.
What are the common problems in small fish tanks?
Common issues include poor water quality, overfeeding, insufficient filtration, and incompatible fish species. Regular maintenance and monitoring can help prevent these problems from escalating.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, selecting the right fish for a small tank can significantly enhance your experience as a beginner aquarist. The ten species we have highlighted in this article were chosen based on their hardiness, compatibility, and ease of care. We considered factors such as size, temperament, and maintenance requirements to ensure that these fish can thrive in smaller environments while providing colorful and engaging displays for novice fishkeepers. Each of these fish not only brings unique characteristics to your aquarium but also contributes to a balanced and healthy ecosystem.
By following our curated list, you will be well on your way to establishing a vibrant and sustainable aquarium. Choosing fish that are suitable for small tanks will minimize common challenges faced by beginners, such as water quality issues and aggressive behavior among species. Adhering to our recommendations can help you avoid unnecessary stress and foster a rewarding hobby that brings joy and tranquility to your home. Whether you are looking for lively schooling fish or peaceful community dwellers, these selections can guide you towards making informed choices that lead to a thriving aquatic environment.
