IMPORTANT: Our vets at Des Moines Veterinary Hospital may recommend you to a nearby specialty hospital for fish care, since our animal hospital does not offer care for aquatic pets.
Starting Your Own Aquarium
Starting and maintaining an aquarium requires effort. But, luckily, there are some fish that are easier to care for than others. For example, white cloud minnows, cherry barbs, goldfish, guppies, neon tetras, and cory catfish are good options for beginners as they are peaceful and low-maintenance.
Below, our vets discuss our picks for the best, low-maintenance fish to begin your aquarium.
White Cloud Minnow
White cloud minnows have a silvery body, with males being more colorful than females.
It is recommended to keep them in a tank that is at least 10 gallons, but preferably 20 gallons or more. These fish prefer cooler water temperatures of 60 to 72 degrees and a pH level of 6.0 to 8.0. They are not picky eaters and can be fed a diet of flake or pellet food, along with occasional live or frozen treats like worms, daphnia, brine shrimp, or mosquito larvae.
Cherry Barbs
Cherry barbs are low-maintenance and can thrive in a tank of 20 gallons or more. They like the water temperature between 74-80 degrees and pH between 6.0-7.0. They are not picky eaters, enjoying tropical fish pellet food with occasional treats like fresh vegetables or frozen worms.
Goldfish
Goldfish typically only reach a maximum size of 8 to 10 inches. However, you should be prepared to provide at least 20 gallons of water per fish to start.
As they grow, Goldfish will require larger aquariums due to their waste production. To minimize waste and ammonia levels, transition them to a pelleted diet once they are large enough to consume it efficiently.
Guppies
Guppies are known to be shy at first, but become enjoyable to watch once they feel comfortable in their tank. It is recommended to have a tank size of at least 10 gallons for guppies, with larger tanks being even better.
Feeding them a diet of flake or pellet food along with occasional treats of frozen proteins or fresh vegetables will help keep them healthy. Maintaining the water temperature between 68 and 78 degrees and the pH level between 6.5 and 8.0 will ensure optimal conditions for your guppies.
Neon Tetras
Neon tetras are small fish that grow up to one and a half inches long and prefer to school together with at least three to five individuals. They are best suited for a peaceful, planted aquarium. Provide heavily planted tanks for baby fish, if your neon tetras begin to breed, to hide and survive, and consider feeding them pelleted or flake foods suitable for their small size.
Cory Catfish
In community tanks, these fish thrive best in schools of at least four of their own species. They typically reach a size of 1 to 2 inches and are adaptable to various water conditions, but they prefer temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH range of 6.5 to 7.8. It is recommended to provide them with a tank size of at least 20 gallons.
Additionally, they are known for being easy to feed and will accept a variety of foods, with a preference for worms and sinking pelleted fish food.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding fish. For an accurate diagnosis of your fish's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.