Fish for a Mini-AquariumKeeping fish at home is a hobby practiced by millions of people around the world. For a long while the only small container available to house fish was a bowl. Small tanks and micro-filters could be had by those willing to track them down, but for the average consumer there were few choices. Apparently spotting a niche, aquarium supply companies began to manufacture little tanks that can easily sit on a desktop. They are usually acrylic, and they come packed with everything you need to set up a functional aquarium. Most commonly, mini tanks come in one, two, three and five-gallon sizes. These are very small tanks, and your stocking options are minimal. If this is the kind of tank you are interested in, my advice is to ignore the smallest models and go with at least a 5-gallon tank. While still small, at least you have some options, and if you do it right you won't compromise the health of your fish. This article will help you choose the right fish for your small tank.

But, just because these animals can survive in a small aquarium that doesn't mean they are easy to care for. If you are new to the fish-keeping hobby you may want to read my post on the best tropical fish for beginners. 5-Gallon AquariumsA 5-gallon tank provides many more stocking options, and the good ones are built to accommodate an appropriate filter, heater and lighting setup. It's still a very small volume of water, but enough so that a simple maintenance schedule can be established and the tank can be kept clean with minimal effort. Five-gallon tanks don't take up much more room than those mini tanks, and are small enough that they don't need a special stand. The 5-gallon tank allows kids (and adults, too) to get a better view of fish behavior. They are suitable for creating micro ecosystems you'd never be able to establish in a smaller tank. This, of course, is much better for the inhabitants of your tank, but also for for children who can enjoy the educational benefits of aquarium care.

The bottom line is this: The smaller the tank, the more limited your options. A 5-gallon tank will give you the ability to house species you could never care for in a tiny one, two or three-gallon tank. Here's a 5-gallon tank kit that includes everything you need to get started. 5 Fish for Your Small TankAs you now hopefully realize, there are very few tropical fish that can do well in a very small tank, and a 5-gallon setup is much better than those tiny aquariums. hexagon fish tank instructionsThere are a few options out there for 5-gallon tanks, some fish and some not.aquarium air pump para que sirve No matter what fish or critter you are interested in, you should consider the largest tank you have the space for. fish tank divider 50 gallon

Just as a 5-gallon tank is better than littler aquariums, you'd be better off still with a tank of at least 10 gallons. Choose wisely, don’t over-crowd and make sure you clean the tank weekly. Here are five ideas for stocking your small aquarium. Betta SplendensA single male Betta is a great choice for a small tank. used fish tanks for sale derbyshireGive him some decorations to hide in and swim through, and make sure the current isn’t too strong. custom fish tank edmontonHe will not need the filtration if you keep the water crystal clear, but if it isn’t bothering him you may as well leave it on.used fish tanks for sale in indiana If you choose a male Betta for your tank he should be in there alone as there is a strong chance he could be aggressive in such confined quarters. co2 aquarium system sale

Though, in a larger tank he may get along fine with community fish. A word of caution: If you plan on a Betta fish please take the time to learn how to care for him correctly. You can start here: Betta Fish Care Facts and FAQ Fancy GuppyGuppies are small, curious fish and will do well in a 5-gallon tank, provided the water is warm enough and the environment is kept clean. t5 aquarium light fixturesThey come in all kinds of different colors, so in combination with your aquascaping they can make your tank quite an eye catcher. the best small fish tanksStick to a conservative school or 5 or fewer with these little guys. Even though they get along, you don’t want to overcrowd. African Dwarf FrogMost small aquariums come with secure lids, so the African Dwarf Frog may be fun choice. They don’t need super-warm water, and they are amphibians so they breathe air.

But they do need clean water and plenty of hiding spots. African Dwarf Frogs can be kept in a group of two or three in a 5-gallon tank. Also, don't forget about the secure lid thing, because they can and will make a break for it. Dwarf Gourami A Dwarf Gourami is a bad choice for anything less than five gallons, but if that’s the tank size you’ve chosen it may be an option. Gouramis are Anabantids, meaning they can breathe air above the water. Bettas are also in the Anabantid family, which is why they can do well in water with lower oxygen levels. But that’s no reason to let the tank get dirty. A Dwarf Gourami requires clean, warm water and should be kept alone in a 5-gallon tank. Ghost ShrimpThese little shrimp are often thought of as food for other fish, but they are interesting critters in their own right. You can have a little group of half a dozen shrimp in a 5-gallon tank, provide a lot on interesting things for them to climb on and feed them algae wafers and sinking pellets.

It would make for an intriguing if unconventional tank setup.Goldfish are generally not a good choice for such a small tank. Most goldfish grow much larger than you may realize, and they need more space than a tiny tank. They are also dirty fish, and will quickly pollute such a confined environment. That said, if you have to choose between keeping a goldfish in a bowl or a 3-gallon tank, the small tank would obviously be the better option. Advice from PetSmart on Setting Up Your New Tank Caring for Your FishKeeping fish is a rewarding experience. Unfortunately, too many people see tropical fish as disposable pets and don’t fully consider their needs. Please do not overstock a small tank, or add fish that are clearly unsuitable. This is bad news in any tank, but especially in smaller tanks things can quickly spiral out of control. There are few things you might want to think about before choosing such a small tank. For one thing, the filtration systems in many mini tanks are very weak, and only slightly better than none at all.

Often it’s a poor under-gravel system: Just an air pump pushing bubbles through an air stone lodged in a tube which creates a current that will hopefully suck debris down into the substrate. All tanks require regular water changes, but this type of filtration requires frequent cleaning, probably to the point of removing the gravel once a week and rinsing it. In such a small tank any waste can build up to dangerous levels very fast. But if you’re willing to put up with the work, at least the bubbles serve to oxygenate the water. These tanks also rarely come with heaters, a must for tropical fish. If the air temperature in your home is steadily in the mid-70s you don’t need a heater, but otherwise your choices of fish are limited. The light that comes with the tank will warm the water somewhat, but not nearly enough in cooler environments. Remember that by choosing to keep fish, or any animal, you are entering into a contract as its steward and caretaker. Your fish are completely dependent on you to care for them in a humane manner, and to make sure their needs are met.

Sure you’ll make mistakes, and you’ll probably feel badly when you lose a fish because of something stupid you’ve done. But we’ve all been there. There is a difference between making an honest mistake and willfully endangering an animal. If possible it’s best to upgrade to a larger tank, at least ten gallons, that can better meet the needs of your fish. But if you are set on a small aquarium choose your fish wisely, and take good care of the tank. You’ll be a happy fish keeper, with happy fish. What Size Tank are You Planning? One-Gallon Two-Gallon Three-Gallon Five-Gallon Ten-Gallon Even Bigger! Learn More About More Fish and AquariumsEducational Benefits of Aquarium Care for KidsLearn why caring for a freshwater aquarium is rewarding and educational for kids, with benefits that will last their whole lives.Semi-Aggressive Freshwater Fish for a Tropical AquariumIf you’re thinking about adding semi-aggressive freshwater fish to your tropical aquarium take a moment to read through this list of suggestions.