Freshwater Fish & Aquariums

Freshwater aquariums are the most common starting point for fishkeeping. From small community tanks to planted aquascapes, freshwater setups offer variety, accessibility, and flexibility.

Getting started with freshwater

If you're new, focus on stability first: a correctly sized tank, consistent filtration and temperature, and a fully cycled biofilter. Once those basics are solid, everything else gets dramatically easier.

1. Pick a realistic tank size for your space (bigger is usually more forgiving).
2. Choose a filter and heater sized for the tank, and set a stable temperature.
3. Cycle the tank before adding fish. This prevents toxic ammonia and nitrite spikes.
4. Stock slowly and avoid mixing incompatible species.
5. Feed lightly, test regularly, and do small, consistent water changes.

Nitrogen cycle Equipment basics Water parameters Common mistakes

What you'll typically need

This is just a baseline, not a buying guide.

Tank + lid (or light, for planted tanks)
Filter media and a reliable heater
Dechlorinator + a basic test kit
Food, a siphon/gravel vacuum, and a bucket

The "best" setup depends on your goals (community fish, plants, shrimp-only, etc.). Use the sections below to pick a direction.

What is freshwater fishkeeping?

Freshwater aquariums use non-saline water and are the most common starting point for fishkeeping. They offer a wide range of species, tank styles, and experience levels, from simple community tanks to advanced planted aquascapes.

At its core, freshwater fishkeeping is about building a stable, healthy mini-ecosystem. That means maintaining safe water chemistry, providing consistent filtration and oxygenation, and matching fish to a tank that can support their adult size and behavior.

Some tanks are designed around plants and aquascaping, others around peaceful community fish, and others around a single species. The best approach is the one that fits your goals and routine. Consistency is more important than chasing "perfect" numbers.

What you'll focus on

Water safety: cycling, ammonia/nitrite control, and nitrate management
Comfort and stability: temperature, flow, hiding places, and lighting
Smart stocking: compatibility, adult size, and gradual additions
Simple maintenance: feeding, testing, and consistent water changes

The 4 fundamentals (and why they matter)

Most beginner problems come down to one of these: an uncycled tank, unstable temperature, undersized filtration, or unclear water parameters. Get these right and your tank becomes predictable.

Cycle first: Beneficial bacteria convert toxic ammonia into nitrite, then nitrate. Cycling is what makes a tank safe.
Right equipment: Match your filter and heater to your tank volume and stocking. Stability beats "maximum power."
Know your water: Focus on ammonia/nitrite (always 0), nitrate (kept low), and a stable pH. Consistency matters more than chasing "perfect."
Stock slowly: Add fish gradually so your biofilter can keep up. Prioritize compatible temperaments and adult sizes.

Considering a planted tank?

Plants can improve tank stability by consuming nutrients and providing shelter, but they also add lighting and fertilization decisions.

Start with hardy, low-light plants
Keep a consistent photoperiod
Balance light, nutrients, and CO2 expectations

Common mistakes (easy to avoid)

Adding fish before the tank is cycled
Overfeeding (it spikes waste fast)
Replacing all filter media at once
Big, irregular water changes instead of small, consistent ones
Mixing species with different temp/pH needs

New to freshwater fishkeeping?

Freshwater aquariums are often recommended for beginners due to their flexibility, lower costs, and wide range of species. With the right setup and patience, freshwater tanks can be both rewarding and forgiving.

Go slow: stock gradually and let the biofilter adapt.
Test first: treat water tests as your early warning system.
Prioritize comfort: stable temperature, oxygenation, and hiding places reduce stress.

Most failures happen early. Once a tank is stable, it stays stable.