Good beginner fish.

[Aurorafishy]

Hello,

I’m new to fish, and am not planning to get one until I have done enough research. But I still am wondering, which freshwater fish would be best for beginners?

 

[Ghelfaire]

Look at what size tank you can have and then think about fish. Larger tanks are easier to keep stable than smaller ones.

 

[BluMan1914]

That question will get sooooooo many different answers. Everyone has their own opinion on what fish is best for a beginner.
My opinion is that Zebra Danios are the best beginner fish.
Zebras are darn near indestructible, and very easy to take care of.
But I suggest that you have nothing less than a 20 gallon tank, the longer, the better.

 

[StarGirl]

Depending on tank size. I say some kind of school (6+) of tetras. Guppies breed too fast and Bettas seem to have weird diseases all the time.

 

[Michelle2468135]

For smaller tanks Betta fish are great. Before getting one I thought they were boring and would just kind of sleep on the bottom of their tank but that is only because they have terrible conditions in their cups. Just keep in mind that they need 5 gallons of water or more, a filter, and a heater.
For larger tanks, guppies, mollies and tetras are great. Just look into their tank temperatures and requirements.

 

[PNWBettas]

I would say a 20 gallon is a great beginner tank. Lots of options of beginner fish. If you like the look, you could do a little classic community tank. That’s what my first tank was! Pick a smaller tetra, I chose neons but there are lots of cool ones. Embers are some of my faves. Do a small school of Cory cats, lots of choices there, and maybe a trio or pair of honey Gourami! Would be full of color and fun to watch and they are all fairly easy fish. Just make sure to get lots of plants in there if you go this route for best results.

 

[Michelle2468135]

I find this video very helpful;

 

[Igor95]

Barbs, tetras, guppies, platies, mollys, rasboras, etc

 

[Mhamilton0911]

Cherry barbs!!

 

[Joshaeus]

Heterandria formosa...not very colorful, but they are very hardy (don't even need a heater unless your house gets below 60 fahrenheit), easy to feed, not at all shy, and while they are livebearers they are small enough that a colony could be kept in a 10 or even a 5 gallon easily. Endler's livebearers are much more colorful and similarly hardy, but they are noticeably larger and would likely do best in a ten gallon minimum (and definitely need a heater).

 

[jkkgron2]

Tanksize? Any live plants? Those things can make a difference to what goes in the tank.

 

[sto0ka]

White cloud Mountain Minnow.
Beautiful fish, will adapt to anything, easy to feed, fun to watch schooling and great sparing between males in breeding time.

 

[Aurorafishy]

Tanksize? Any live plants? Those things can make a difference to what goes in the tank.

I was planning to choose a tank size after I settle on the fish i'd want to get. Should I choose the fish or the tank first? And I mean choose not buy. I'm still deciding, I would obviously buy the tank earlier.

 

[StarGirl]

Tank for sure!

 

[Joshaeus]

I was planning to choose a tank size after I settle on the fish i'd want to get. Should I choose the fish or the tank first?

The tank should be acquired and set up with a filter at least 4-6 weeks before you get fish, being fed lightly with fish food or some other ammonia source that entire time. This allows beneficial bacteria that develop in the filter that will convert ammonia excreted by the fish into less toxic nitrate...otherwise the fish would quickly be poisoned (potentially fatally) by their own waste.

 

[BluMan1914]

Tank first, and plan your stock around that.

 

[BigManAquatics]

Personally i would avoid guppies, mollies and platies at first. Pretty fish and fun to watch, but they are also live bearers so the numbers can get out of hand quite fast if not careful.

 

[Joshaeus]

Personally i would avoid guppies, mollies and platies at first. Pretty fish and fun to watch, but they are also live bearers so the numbers can get out of hand quite fast if not careful.

Plus, the pet store varieties of these fishes (and swordtails, for that matter) have been mass produced so long that they have become quite delicate and often die if anything goes even slightly wrong.

 

[Ghelfaire]

I was planning to choose a tank size after I settle on the fish i'd want to get. Should I choose the fish or the tank first?

That would work too. No point in falling in love with a species only to realize your tank is too small for them.
I love black neon tetras, they are way more hardy than the regular neons. Not as colorful but very active and school pretty decently. I have mine in a 55g and they use the entire space but a smaller tank would work for a smaller school.

 

[Aurorafishy]

The tank should be acquired and set up with a filter at least 4-6 weeks before you get fish, being fed lightly with fish food or some other ammonia source that entire time. This allows beneficial bacteria that develop in the filter that will convert ammonia excreted by the fish into less toxic nitrate...otherwise the fish would quickly be poisoned (potentially fatally) by their own waste.

What I meant was to choose a fish, not get a fish, just decide on one. Before the tank, so that everything meets the requirement. I would obviously get the tank before. I'm just choosing right now, not buying.

 

[Joshaeus]

What I meant was to choose a fish, not get a fish, just decide on one. Before the tank, so that everything meets the requirement. I would obviously get the tank before. I'm just choosing right now, not buying.

Ahhh! Whoops...sorry

 

[emilymg]

Hello,

I’m new to fish, and am not planning to get one until I have done enough research. But I still am wondering, which freshwater fish would be best for beginners?

In my opinion, freshwater community fish are the best to start with. This includes the zebra danio, a fish I see a lot of beginners with. For my first setup, I had a 10 gallon with two dwarf gouramis and a few shrimp. I love dwarf gouramis to this day (one of my favorite fish...especially honey gouramis) because of how docile they are and how hardy they are (hardy meaning adaptable to a higher range of water parameters such as pH, which is good if you want to have different types of fish with different needs). Anyway I totally recommend those.

 

[Joshaeus]

In my opinion, freshwater community fish are the best to start with. This includes the zebra danio, a fish I see a lot of beginners with. For my first setup, I had a 10 gallon with two dwarf gouramis and a few shrimp. I love dwarf gouramis to this day (one of my favorite fish...especially honey gouramis) because of how docile they are and how hardy they are (hardy meaning adaptable to a higher range of water parameters such as pH, which is good if you want to have different types of fish with different needs). Anyway I totally recommend those.

Dwarf gouramies are another fish that have been bred so much that their health is often dismal...I bought what seemed to be a perfectly healthy dwarf gourami at petco once, and it was dead in two weeks. Plus, male dwarf gouramies (females are rarely offered in pet stores because of their weaker coloration) are very hostile towards each other and would need a rather large tank to reliably cohabit with each other. If you go the dwarf gourami route, you'll have to be very careful to pick a healthy specimen from a trustworthy vendor (probably not a pet store, more likely an online vendor).

 

[Aurorafishy]

Ahhh! Whoops...sorry

It’s fine, I’m the one who didn’t type it clearly in the post.

 

[emilymg]

Dwarf gouramies are another fish that have been bred so much that their health is often dismal...I bought what seemed to be a perfectly healthy dwarf gourami at petco once, and it was dead in two weeks. Plus, male dwarf gouramies (females are rarely offered in pet stores because of their weaker coloration) are very hostile towards each other and would need a rather large tank to reliably cohabit with each other. If you go the dwarf gourami route, you'll have to be very careful to pick a healthy specimen from a trustworthy vendor (probably not a pet store, more likely an online vendor).

I always get my fish from a LFS so I usually don’t have a problem with poor heath (haven’t yet). I do always keep them under stocked though with lots of live plants and hardscape. I also would recommend beginners to have a larger tank because it is easier to maintain long term, thus dwarf gouramis in my opinion can be understocked (with other peaceful schooling fish) and do fine together. However, that is just my experience.

 

[jmaldo]

Aurorafishy

It's "Great" that your doing your research.
Just a relative "Newbie" here.
Start with at least a 20g high/low tank. This will allow more fish options.
I started my "Wet Pet" journey with 6 Black Skirt Tetras.

Good Luck!

 

[GrantS44]

you could do Glo danio i started my first tank with some glo danios. Do you have a blue light becusae Glo danios under the blue lights looks awesome!!

 

[Aurorafishy]

Aurorafishy

It's "Great" that your doing your research.
Just a relative "Newbie" here.
Start with at least a 20g high/low tank. This will allow more fish options.
I started my "Wet Pet" journey with 6 Black Skirt Tetras.

Good Luck!

Thanks!

I’m thinking about either getting a school of tetras or angelfish, because those seem to be the most recommended, and the others I can’t seem to find in stores around me.

 

[jmaldo]

Angelfish are "Beautiful" but not a beginner fish and definitely need a larger tank.
I have read far to many newbie and veteran threads of problems, issues and losses.
Just my .02.

Good Luck!

 

[RedGallant]

Barbs, tetras, guppies, platies, mollys, rasboras, etc

The problem with most livebearers, however, is that they breed too much.

Angelfish are "Beautiful" but not a beginner fish and definitely need a larger tank.
I have read far to many newbie and veteran threads of problems, issues and losses.
Just my .02.

Good Luck!

Agreed

 

[Aurorafishy]

Angelfish are "Beautiful" but not a beginner fish and definitely need a larger tank.
I have read far to many newbie and veteran threads of problems, issues and losses.
Just my .02.

Good Luck!

Ok, I suspected that, I’ll get Tetras then maybe?

 

[RedGallant]

Ok, I suspected that, I’ll get Tetras then maybe?

Most tetras should be okay, but Neon Tetras have always seemed a little harder to keep.

 

[Frank the Fish guy]

Buenos Aires tetra is the hardiest tetra. Will live in any water and live forever. I have some that are 17 years old. I use them to break in new tanks. Great fish for your first fish. Lots of personality, feisty.

Neons are fussy and need soft water to thrive.

 

[Aurorafishy]

Most tetras should be okay, but Neon Tetras have always seemed a little harder to keep.

Are long fin tetras okay?

Buenos Aires tetra is the hardiest tetra. Will live in any water and live forever. I have some that are 17 years old. I use them to break in new tanks. Great fish for your first fish. Lots of personality, feisty.

Neons are fussy and need soft water to thrive.

Hmm okay. I haven’t settled on which tetra. I’m hoping to start with a 20 gallon long. Is that okay for tetras?

 

[jkkgron2]

Hmm okay. I haven’t settled on which tetra. I’m hoping to start with a 20 gallon long. Is that okay for tetras?

It’s good for most types of tetras, I wouldn’t do bloodfin tetras because they are really fast but most others should work

 

[Aurorafishy]

It’s good for most types of tetras, I wouldn’t do bloodfin tetras because they are really fast but most others should work

Would a standard 20 gallon work, i just found out all the 20 gallon longs are out of stock around me. The only tanks in stock are standard 10, 20, and 40 Gallon breeder.

 

[Chalupacabra]

A 40 breeder is probably your easiest to maintain tank with the greatest number of options for types of fish, while a 55 is going to offer more variety with a slightly more difficult amount of maintenance.

Personally, I keep a few 20 longs. It limits my stocking options, but I'm currently renting and my landlord doesn't mind these. When I get around to buying a home, I'll likely switch out the 3 20Ls for 2 75s.

I know what you're thinking; "I asked about fish, not aquariums."

That's the thing. While I applaud you researching fish and looking for what the fish you like require, it's absolutely tortuous to yourself to get your heart set on a fish you won't be able to accommodate.

Figure out what you can have first. If you're placing your aquarium on a second floor, you're likely not going to be able to safely go bigger than a 55. If you're a renter, you may not be able to keep an aquarium at all, or you may have to pay a deposit and/or increased rent. If you're incredibly fortunate, you may have a landlord that allows small aquariums, like I do.

Once you work that out, then you'll be able to look at options and work from there. The smallest aquarium I recommend for a new fishkeeper is a 20 gallon long. It supports a surprising number of different fish because it has the same footprint as a 29 gallon. The list of species it shares with the latter is so large, in fact, that the only options you really gain from there are Angelfish and a couple of the larger Gourami. From there I'd jump to a 40 breeder or a 55.

My point is, figure out how big you can go in the area you have designated, then start looking at fish. When it comes to tank size, bigger is always better, as it will give you more options. Starting with a small tank isn't necessarily bad, either. When you're ready to move on past that 20L, you can use it as a Quarantine Tank for your 75.

You don't want to get your heart set on a beautiful Pearl Gourami that you're not currently able to properly home and just have to look at them wistfully every time you're at the LFS.

...not that I would know what that's like.

 

[jkkgron2]

Would a standard 20 gallon work, i just found out all the 20 gallon longs are out of stock around me. The only tanks in stock are standard 10, 20, and 40 Gallon breeder.

Not for most tetras, you could consider ember tetras along with a few other tiny ones but they’re extremely small. You’d be better off buying the 40 Breeder, you’ll get more stocking options and could have 2-3 schools of tetras instead of just one

 

[Aurorafishy]

Not for most tetras, you could consider ember tetras along with a few other tiny ones but they’re extremely small. You’d be better off buying the 40 Breeder, you’ll get more stocking options and could have 2-3 schools of tetras instead of just one

Hmm okay. Do you know any place where I could get the 40 gallon for cheaper? Since it seems really expensive near me. A 29 gallon is $50 and a 40 skyrockets into $100.

A 40 breeder is probably your easiest to maintain tank with the greatest number of options for types of fish, while a 55 is going to offer more variety with a slightly more difficult amount of maintenance.

Personally, I keep a few 20 longs. It limits my stocking options, but I'm currently renting and my landlord doesn't mind these. When I get around to buying a home, I'll likely switch out the 3 20Ls for 2 75s.

I know what you're thinking; "I asked about fish, not aquariums."

That's the thing. While I applaud you researching fish and looking for what the fish you like require, it's absolutely tortuous to yourself to get your heart set on a fish you won't be able to accommodate.

Figure out what you can have first. If you're placing your aquarium on a second floor, you're likely not going to be able to safely go bigger than a 55. If you're a renter, you may not be able to keep an aquarium at all, or you may have to pay a deposit and/or increased rent. If you're incredibly fortunate, you may have a landlord that allows small aquariums, like I do.

Once you work that out, then you'll be able to look at options and work from there. The smallest aquarium I recommend for a new fishkeeper is a 20 gallon long. It supports a surprising number of different fish because it has the same footprint as a 29 gallon. The list of species it shares with the latter is so large, in fact, that the only options you really gain from there are Angelfish and a couple of the larger Gourami. From there I'd jump to a 40 breeder or a 55.

My point is, figure out how big you can go in the area you have designated, then start looking at fish. When it comes to tank size, bigger is always better, as it will give you more options. Starting with a small tank isn't necessarily bad, either. When you're ready to move on past that 20L, you can use it as a Quarantine Tank for your 75.

You don't want to get your heart set on a beautiful Pearl Gourami that you're not currently able to properly home and just have to look at them wistfully every time you're at the LFS.

...not that I would know what that's like.

Okay. I have been looking around for tanks and I guess I should go with a 40 gallon. Although space my be a problem, I guess I could attempt to make room, if not I’ll wait until the 20 long or 29 gallon comes back in stock.

 

[jkkgron2]

Hmm okay. Do you know any place where I could get the 40 gallon for cheaper? Since it seems really expensive near me. A 29 gallon is $50 and a 40 skyrockets into $100.

Sometimes you can find good deals on Craigslist, otherwise you could wait for Petco to have their dollar per gallon sale?

 

[Aurorafishy]

Sometimes you can find good deals on Craigslist, otherwise you could wait for Petco to have their dollar per gallon sale?

When is the $1 a gallon sale? I’ve heard of it but I never actually knew of when it happens.

 

[faydout]

When is the $1 a gallon sale? I’ve heard of it but I never actually knew of when it happens.

It's been a few months since the last one ended, so I'd guess anytime now. They usually happen 3 - 4 times a year. If you have a pet store chain called Pet Supplies Plus, they normally stock 40B for $50. It may be worth checking their website to see if they could ship to you. Petco's sale price is right around $50 also, and I think Petsmart stocks 40 breeders and has sales once in awhile too. I'd wait to find one of those. They're great tanks to start out with.

 

[Chalupacabra]

Okay. I have been looking around for tanks and I guess I should go with a 40 gallon. Although space my be a problem, I guess I could attempt to make room, if not I’ll wait until the 20 long or 29 gallon comes back in stock.

If space is an issue, then I’d keep looking for a 20 long or a 29 gallon. Both are great choices.

Don’t forget that it’s important for you to have adequate living space, too!

The other, often overlooked thing, is to make sure you have an adequate place to put your aquarium. It doesn’t need to be an official aquarium stand, but it does need to be able to support about 10 lbs per gallon. That means around 200 lbs (more like 230 with gravel/sand) for a 20 long and around 300 (closer to 350) for a 29.

Just in case it comes across this way, I’m not saying these things to discourage you! The fact that you’re doing your research is admirable!

These are things that are frequently overlooked and are crucial for choosing those first few fish. Based on what you’re saying, it sounds like a 29 gallon is probably your best starting point based on available space and available choices when it comes time to add your fish.

 

[Aurorafishy]

If space is an issue, then I’d keep looking for a 20 long or a 29 gallon. Both are great choices.

Don’t forget that it’s important for you to have adequate living space, too!

The other, often overlooked thing, is to make sure you have an adequate place to put your aquarium. It doesn’t need to be an official aquarium stand, but it does need to be able to support about 10 lbs per gallon. That means around 200 lbs (more like 230 with gravel/sand) for a 20 long and around 300 (closer to 350) for a 29.

Just in case it comes across this way, I’m not saying these things to discourage you! The fact that you’re doing your research is admirable!

These are things that are frequently overlooked and are crucial for choosing those first few fish. Based on what you’re saying, it sounds like a 29 gallon is probably your best starting point based on available space and available choices when it comes time to add your fish.

Thanks!

That does seem a lot, I’m pretty sure the area will be able to hold it since it’s a granite table top off to the side of the kitchen, (not in the center) it’s holding a lot of random tuff right now, and it’s holding pretty well. It also is attached to the wall, and the ground so I hope it’ll hold up!