A Complete Guide to Freshwater Fish Tanks: Selection, Setup, and Maintenance

13 Easiest Fish to Take Care of in a Low Maintenance Aquarium

Semi-aquatic turtles like the Spotted Turtle, with their striking yellow spots, are unique freshwater turtle species that can be a centerpiece in your tank. The Spotted Turtle care is also beginner-friendly because they don’t need much to thrive. Give them a tank with clean, shallow water and feed them a well-maintained diet, and they’re good to go. Small freshwater turtles like bottom-dwelling Musk Turtles are perfect for moderate-depth tanks. The common Musk Turtle tank setup should have sandy substrates because they love hiding at the tank’s bottom.

Beginner-Friendly Freshwater Fish (And 4 That Need Expert Attention)

Betta Fish, known for their stunning colors and elaborate fins, are a popular choice for beginners. These fish are often kept alone due to their aggressive nature, particularly among males. However, their solitary lifestyle doesn’t detract from their beauty or the joy they bring to an aquarium.

Recommended Salt Levels

• "Low Tech" tanks are almost maintenance free if you FILTER FILTER FILTER!.
• If you notice the water level dropping rapidly, it may indicate a leak or a need to adjust your water usage.
• The nitrite stage will follow the same pattern as the ammonia stage – levels will climb, then as nitrite-neutralizing bacteria develop, levels will plummet.
• When designing the Loggerhead Musk Turtle habitat, ensure enough hiding spaces and adequate substrates.

Be prepared to take at least a few weeks to ensure your tank is fully cycled before bringing your fish home. If you don’t have the time to skim through that article, my quick recommendation would always be to use Tetra SafeStart Plus. This brand contains the actual species of ammonia-consuming bacteria that thrive in water, unlike some other brands that use a less-efficient terrestrial strain.

With their vibrant colors and flowing tails, Guppies bring a dynamic and cheerful atmosphere to any aquarium. Beginner fishkeepers will enjoy watching these charming fish scuttle along the tank bottom, their playful antics adding life and movement to the aquarium. Cory Catfish not only enhance the aesthetic of the tank but also contribute to its ecological balance.

Easy to care for and with a unique appearance, the bristlenose plecostomus is a fun addition to any aquarium. You can use marine salt for saltwater tanks, freshwater salt for freshwater systems, kosher salt in emergencies, and Epsom salt for stress relief or specific diseases. Each type serves different purposes, so choose based on your aquarium’s needs.

Low-Maintenance Saltwater Fish

These are the least expensive option and work very well for smaller tanks. There are several pieces that all come together when you are trying to select your first aquarium setup. You should also consider how much time you have to devote to the upkeep and cleaning of your tank.