10 Best Small Fishes For Planted Tank [2025]
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Choosing the best small fishes for a planted tank can be a daunting task, especially with the multitude of options available that vary in compatibility, size, and care requirements. To simplify this process, we meticulously shortlisted ten top candidates based on their suitability for planted environments, community behavior, and ease of care. Our curated list not only saves you time but also alleviates the hassle of extensive research, allowing you to make an informed choice for your aquarium.
Top 10 Small Fishes For Planted Tank In The Market
Small Fishes For Planted Tank Review
- Facilitates Rapid and Beneficial Colonization: Its porous structure enables swift colonization of beneficial nitrifying organisms, fostering a healthy aquatic environment crucial for the well-being of aquarium inhabitants
- Maintains Optimal pH Levels: Designed to sustain a neutral to slightly acidic pH range, ideal for supporting the growth of various plants, tropical fish, and shrimp commonly found in planted aquarium setups
- Offers Shelter for Newborn Shrimp: Stratum provides a safe haven for newborn shrimp, offering protection from potential predators until they reach a size where emerging into the main aquarium is viable
- Preserves Water Quality: Ensures water clarity by preventing discoloration and effectively manages organic discoloration, especially in the presence of natural driftwood, while being specifically formulated for use in freshwater aquariums
- 4.4 lb bag
- DEFAULT MODE(24/7 Natural Mode): Gradient Orange light (sunrise) from 6 am to 8 am; Gradient White light from 8 am to 6 pm; Gradient Blue light (moonlight) from 6 pm to 10:50 pm; The 24/7 lighting aquarium lights are off in other time periods. The overall default time period can be delayed or advanced
- DIY MODE: Full spectrum aquarium light also can change the time + brightness + color. Setting time(TIMER key): 3 kinds of time, 6h, or 10h, or 12h; Brightness(up/down key): 5 kinds of brightness. Color(ON-OFF/ M key): White, Red, Blue, Green, Purple, Orange, Cyan, Cycle Color (no brightness selection)
- NEW UPGRADE: Clip style bracket( tank walls less than 0.9in thick), easy to install, aquarium LED light can be used for different thickness of glass, the body of the fish tank light can be taken off and installed horizontally or vertically. The separable adapter, even if it is damaged, no need to replace the whole light to avoid waste. Thicken aluminum to increase heat dissipation efficiency
- USEFUL FISH LIGHT: The hygger aquarium light is soft, the color rendering index is close to natural light, up to 85%, protecting eyes and fish, to refuse the discomfort caused by stroboscopic for fish and viewers. Using high-quality 2835 + 5050 model lamp beads, long service life, at least 50,000 hours. Easy to maintain
- 14W PRODUCT PARAMETERS: Power:14W; Led QTY:68PCS(White:32PCS/BLUE:12PCS/ RED:7PCS/GREE:3PCS/ RGB:14PCS); CRI:85; Application(for Fish Tnak long):12’’-20’’ ; Power Cord: 4.9ft+2.3ft; Input Votage:AC100-240V; Output Votage:DC20V; Kelvin: White 6500K, Blue 455nm, Red 620nm, Green 560nm; Lumens:817
- LONG ENOUGH: This 4-in-1 aquascaping tools kit that are long enough to easily use in fish tank under 10 gallon. 10.6'' Straight aquarium tweezer×1, 10.6'' curved long aquarium tweezers for aquarium×1, 9.7'' curved aquarium scissors for plants×1, 12.6'' aquascaping spatula×1. Makes trimming plants, moving plants around, smooth out substrate much easier.
- QUALITY: Stainless steel aquascaping tools makes managing your aquascape easy peasy, especially for beginners. If you looking into getting into aquascaping and want to save money while getting a good set of aquatic plant tools. These aquascape tools are bulid to last.
- MAKES AQUASCAPING EASY: The long aquascaping plant tweezers (straight and curved) allow you to effortlessly reach the depths of your aquarium. Aquascaping plant tweezers make planting and moving thing around easier. The aquascaping tweezers ensure that your hands stay dry and keep your fish happy.
- FAST AND CLEAN CUT: Aquarium Pruning Scissors can cut right through effortlessly. The curved aquascaping plant scissors are perfect for working in hard-to-reach places of aquarium and very efficient. Perfect for keeping your aquarium clean.
- SMOOTHING OUT SOIL: This particular Aquascaping Spatula is ideal for smoothing out the soil! Aquarium Substrate Spatula is designed with a double sided edge, perfect for aquascaping needs. The satisfaction of feeling like you are getting more achievement by using these aquascaping tools.
- The clip light allows accurate views of plants, invertebrates and fish in their natural colors, producing amazing shimmer to your aquarium
- Features white, blue and red LEDs for daylight mode and blue LEDs only for a nightlight mode
- For greater customization, the brightness of the blue and white LEDs can be adjusted independently from 0% to 100%. 15 minutes ramp-up and ramp-down to make creatures better adapt to changes in lighting effects
- Easily mounts on and secured to the glass of framed or frameless aquariums up to 5/8'' with the clip on bracket design
- This clamp aquarium light is suitable for planted tanks from 2.5 to 5 gallons
- 🌱🌱🌱 This glass aquatic plant holder is made of high quality crystal glass, smooth surface,strong and durable.
- 🌱🌱🌱 Space-saving and double suction cup design can hang the glass plant pot on the aquarium tank steady, beautiful vertical view in your fish tank.
- 🌱🌱🌱 Elegant tilted opening enlarged planting area, permeable bottom holes help plants grow healthily.
- 🌱🌱🌱 2.4 x 2.4 inch for each one, 2 pack can be hanged on one same fish tank wall or separate, great aquarium decoration.
- 🌱🌱🌱 Perfect to breed Aquatic Plants in freshwater or saltwater aquarium, offer your fishes a dream land to swim and hide ,help them feel safe and also increase human visual interest.
- Seeded with bio-active live nitrifying bacteria
- Cycles aquarium instantly
- Contains bio activated live nitrifying bacteria
- Great for aquatic plants
- ★Experience natural lighting for your aquarium with this aquarium plant light that simulates the sun's cycle, starting with warm orange light in the morning and transitioning to bright full spectrum light at noon, then fading to orange light in the afternoon and finally to blue moonlight in the evening. With 16 time points to choose from, it's easy to find the perfect setting for your tank
- ★SEAOURA Aquarium light with controller to setting Color, Brightness, Time and On/Off. With 8 color modes: Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Orange, Sea blue, Yellow, cycle, and full spectrum; 10 level Brightness (10%-20%-30%-40%-50%-60%-70%-80%-90%-100%) and 5 timer options (4 Hours, 6 hours, 8 Hours 10 hours, or 12 hours). No need to operation every day, very convenient. Warm tips: Cycle Color (No Brightness Option)
- ★Upgrade your aquarium lighting with this advanced design that lets you PREVIEW the color and intensity of the light before setting it in the 24/7 cycle mode. With 5 columns of compact 5050 & 2835 led chips, this light provides 6500K white leds and full spectrum rgb leds comfortable and beautiful lighting that's similar to natural light. No strobe, it's gentle on the eyes and won't harm your fish
- ★Never worry about power outages again with this planted tank light's power off memory function. In case of power failure, the 24/7 mode will start at 6 am and the timer mode will recalculate the setting time. Plus, with an IP68 waterproof rating and an ultra-thin aluminum alloy shell, this light is easy to clean and can withstand accidental falls into the water
- ★Durable Aquarium Light: The fish aquarium light come with an extendable bendable metal bracket and an ultra-thin brushed aluminum alloy shell. this light is perfect for tanks between 18-24 inches and can support low-to-mid light level plant growth. It's also easy to install on most glass or acrylic aquarium tanks, with transparent hood/lid or no, with rims or rimless
- Complete CO₂ Monitor Kit: Everything you need for precise CO₂ monitoring! Include curved glass tubing, a bottle of reagent solution, and 2 suction cups. Effortlessly keep track of the CO₂ level in your planted aquarium right at home
- Easy to Use: Simply add 20 drops of reagent into the tubing, and attach it vertically to your tank wall using a suction cup. (NOTE: The tubing opening must face down!) Accurate results will appear in about 2 hours. Extremely convenient and time-saving
- Simple Result Interpretation: Instant analysis at a glance through the reagent’s color changes – Green or Light Green indicates perfect CO₂ balance; Yellow warns of excessive CO₂; Blue signals insufficiency of CO₂. No more guesswork in tank care
- Safe & Reliable: Made of thick, smooth glass, the CO₂ drop checker won’t crack easily or scratch the delicate skin of your fish. Ultra-clear design ensures easy color reading. The strong suction cups provide secure, stable mounting at all times
- Essential CO₂ Indicator: A must-have for serious planted tank enthusiasts and aquarium professionals. Effectively help maintain optimal plant growth and fish vitality. Create your thriving underwater paradise with confidence
- Green Aquarium Decorations: 10 Pieces green and different styles aquarium Green plants: ( 2 - 4.9 inch small plants and 2pcs large plants: 7.9inch )
- Soft leaves allow your fish to shuttle and hide in the water plants, which won't hurt your fish or other pets, will provide a comfortable and clean living environment for them
- All plants with pedestal: every fish tank plant in this set has a pedestal at the bottom, heavy and firm, and with the pedestal, those plants will not float around in the aquarium
- The plastic plants are made of soft and healthy material, no harm to water and fish. It is good for both fresh and salt water, do not affect the PH in the tank
- With different styles and sizes, you can decorate you fish tank according to your creativity
- Work best on 2.5 gallon tanks with 12 inches long; with two extendable brackets, this light also fits for fish tank from11 inch to 14 inch long
- Min size after assembled with dockig brackets: 11” L x 2.7” W, Light body without docking brackets: 9.25” L x 2.7” W. Tank thickness: No limit to rim size
- CONFIGURATION: Total 30 LEDs, 22 pcs 6500K white LED, 4pcs blue LED, 2 pcs pink LED, 2 pcs Green LED
- MODE: all lights on and all lights off; no timer; light brightness is not adjustable
- Super bright and energy efficient LEDs, suitable for all freshwater. NOTE：LIGHT IS NOT WATERPROOF,KEEP THE LIGHT AWAY FROM THE SPLASHING WATER
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 Small Fishes for a Planted Tank
When setting up a planted tank, selecting the right species of small fish is crucial to ensure a harmonious environment. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase.
1. Tank Size and Space Requirements
Before adding fish to your planted tank, assess the size of your aquarium. Different species have varying space requirements, and overcrowding can lead to stress and aggression. Research the adult size of the fish you are considering and ensure your tank can accommodate them comfortably.
2. Compatibility with Other Species
Compatibility is essential for a peaceful aquarium. Check if the small fish you’re interested in can coexist with other species in your tank. Some fish are territorial, while others may become stressed if housed with more aggressive or larger tankmates. Choosing compatible species will help maintain a balanced ecosystem.
3. Water Parameters
Different fish species thrive in different water conditions. Before purchasing, check the water parameters such as pH, temperature, and hardness of your tank. Ensure that the small fish you choose can adapt to your water conditions, as drastic changes can harm or even kill fish.
4. Tank Setup and Environment
Consider the layout of your planted tank. Some small fish prefer densely planted areas for hiding and foraging, while others may enjoy open swimming spaces. The type of plants and decorations you use should cater to the needs of the fish and provide a suitable habitat for them to thrive.
5. Diet and Feeding Habits
Understand the dietary needs of the small fish you plan to keep. Some species are herbivorous, while others may require a more carnivorous diet. Ensure you have the appropriate food available and are prepared to meet the nutritional needs of your fish to avoid health issues.
6. Behavioral Traits
Small fishes exhibit a range of behaviors that can affect their suitability for your tank. Some are shoaling fish and thrive in groups, while others may be more solitary. Research the social behavior of the species you are considering to ensure a comfortable living environment.
7. Maintenance and Care
Different species may have varying levels of care requirements. Some small fish are hardy and low-maintenance, while others may need more attention to thrive. Consider your level of experience and the time you can commit to maintaining the aquarium when selecting fish.
8. Source of Fish
Where you obtain your small fish can significantly impact their health and well-being. Buy from reputable sources, such as local fish stores or established online retailers, to ensure you’re getting healthy, disease-free fish. Avoid purchasing from questionable sources, as this can lead to introducing diseases into your tank.
FAQs
What are some good small fish for a planted tank?
Some popular small fish for planted tanks include Neon Tetras, Guppies, Endler’s Livebearers, Harlequin Rasboras, and Celestial Pearl Danios. These species are generally peaceful and thrive in a well-planted environment.
How many small fish can I keep in a planted tank?
The number of fish you can keep depends on the size of your tank, the fish species, and their adult size. A common guideline is to have one inch of fish per gallon of water. However, always consider the bio-load and ensure adequate filtration and oxygenation.
Do small fish need special care in a planted tank?
While small fish do not require special care uniquely tied to being in a planted tank, they do benefit from the stable environment that plants provide. It’s important to maintain water quality, offer hiding spots, and ensure that the plants do not produce any toxic substances that could harm the fish.
Can small fish help control algae in a planted tank?
Yes, some small fish, like certain species of snails and some types of fish like Otocinclus, can help control algae. However, they should not be relied upon as the sole method of algae control; good tank maintenance and balanced nutrient levels are essential.
What plants are best for small fish tanks?
Some suitable plants for small fish tanks include Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, and Amazon Swords. These plants not only provide cover and hiding spots for the fish but also contribute to water quality through oxygen production and nutrient uptake.
Are small fish suitable for beginner aquarists?
Yes, many small fish species are suitable for beginners due to their hardiness and low maintenance requirements. However, it’s essential for beginners to research the specific needs of any species they are interested in to ensure they can provide the appropriate care.
What temperature do small fish prefer in a planted tank?
Most small fish prefer warm water, typically between 72°F and 78°F (22°C to 26°C). It’s important to research the specific temperature needs of the species you choose, as some may have slightly different requirements.
Can I keep small fish with shrimp in a planted tank?
Yes, many small fish can coexist peacefully with shrimp in a planted tank. However, it’s crucial to choose compatible species, as some fish may see shrimp as food. Fish like Neon Tetras or Endler’s Livebearers are usually safe choices.
How should I feed small fish in a planted tank?
Small fish should be fed a varied diet to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients. High-quality flake food, small pellets, and occasional treats like frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia can be offered. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.
Do I need to use a filter in a planted tank with small fish?
Yes, using a filter in a planted tank is recommended as it helps maintain water quality by removing debris and providing circulation. Choose a filter that is appropriate for the size of your tank and the needs of your fish, ensuring it doesn’t create too strong a current for smaller, delicate fish.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, choosing the right small fish for your planted tank can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic and health of your aquatic environment. The ten species we highlighted in this article were carefully selected based on their compatibility with planted tanks, their peaceful nature, and their overall hardiness. Each of these fish not only thrives in a lush, green environment but also interacts beautifully with the plants, contributing to a balanced ecosystem. By considering factors such as size, temperament, and specific care requirements, we aimed to provide a comprehensive guide that caters to both novice and experienced aquarists alike.
Following our list can streamline your decision-making process, helping you avoid common pitfalls associated with fish selection. By incorporating any of these ten small fish into your planted tank, you can create a vibrant, dynamic habitat that supports both plant growth and a harmonious aquatic community. With the right choices, your tank can flourish, providing you with endless enjoyment and a stunning display of nature in your own home.
