5 Fish Tank Sizes That Are Good for Beginners
Fish Tanks Direct on Jun 9th 2022
The most popular school of thought is that a small tank is best for a beginner fish keeper. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Smaller tanks have less room for error, require more maintenance, and can make some species territorial. To help you decide which fish tank best fits your needs, here are five fish tank sizes that are good for beginners.
10-20 Gallons
While this is the smallest option, a ten to twenty-gallon tank may still be too small for beginners, according to professionals. The water will likely get out of balance very quickly.
If you’re familiar with the nitrogen cycle, take good care of your tank water, and buy a fish that fairs well on its own, you should be just fine. However, it is recommended that you test your water with strips once every two weeks to ensure your nitrate levels are in the correct range.
20-40 Gallons
This tank size is perfect for housing a handful of schooling fish. While 40 gallons may seem like a lot, the largest aquariums sold to public consumers can go up to 1,000 gallons. These tanks are perfect for keeping small fish happy and healthy without taking up too much space in your home, and are usually used as decorative side pieces rather than a centerpiece.
40-60 Gallons
While this is still considered a mid-sized tank, this range is where you’ll need a tank stand. You can get away with not having one at 40 gallons, but you’ll need something sturdy to place your tank on. These tanks make better centerpieces rather than side décor. Loaches, ghost shrimp, and cory catfish thrive in mid-level tanks and are perfect for beginners.
60-90 Gallons
Aquariums of this size can still be maintained fairly easily, but cleaning should be on a consistent schedule. If you’re a responsible beginner who wants a gorgeous aquascape in your home, this is the size for you. While it will take longer to clean, you don’t have to clean a large tank as often. Additionally, they’re less likely to spike in nitrates randomly, and you can own large fish.
90 Gallons and Over
This is the limit of what tank sizes are good for beginners. While these tanks are larger, they can still fit in almost any home, and the same maintenance rules apply. However, anything over 90 gallons isn’t for casual beginners. This tank will require a lot of investment, thought, and care.
This tank size is not generally recommended for beginners, but if you like a challenge and know you’ll be dedicated, a beginner aiming to become a hobbyist or professional can certainly give this a try.
To summarize, you should start at no smaller than ten to twenty gallons. However, the larger you go from there, the more you’ll have to be genuinely interested in fish husbandry. So, now that you know the five fish tank sizes that are good for beginners, gauge how much time and thought you want to put into your tank and go from there.
Luckily, no matter your tank size, our aquarium fish tanks are customized to fit your needs and your style. With the beauty of the internet, you don’t even have to leave your home to find the aquarium of your dreams.