On this page, you’ll find ten great centerpiece fish for a 20 gallon tank that will add color and interest to any aquarium. Best of all, most of these fish are hardy and can thrive in a variety of water conditions, making them perfect for both beginners and experts alike.
Centerpiece Fish for a 20 Gallon Tank
Dwarf Cichlid
Dwarf cichlids (Buy Online) are a popular choice for a centerpiece fish for a 20-gallon tank. These beautiful fish are relatively easy to care for and have a relatively peaceful temperament, making it an ideal choice for novice fishkeepers.
Dwarf Cichlids come in a wide range of colors, including black, gold, and blue, and are known for their vivid patterns and iridescent scales.
In addition, this species is a carnivore, so it is also important to supplement a Dwarf Cichlid’s diet with high-quality protein sources like frozen shrimp or bloodworms. And with proper care and attention, a Dwarf Cichlid can thrive in your 20-gallon tank for years to come.
Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gouramis (Buy Online) are a popular choice for aquariums because of their bright colors and peaceful nature. These hardy fish can live in a variety of water conditions and do well in both community tanks and single-species tanks.
These fish are relatively small, maxing out at 2 inches, so they do not need much space. A 20-gallon tank is the minimum aquarium size recommended for Dwarf Gouramis, making them a great choice if you don’t have a lot of room for a fish tank.
Dwarf Gouramis are typically peaceful fish, but they can be aggressive towards other Dwarf Gouramis, so it is best to keep only one Dwarf Gourami per tank.
Overall, Dwarf Gouramis are brightly colored, easy to care for fish that make a great centerpiece fish in any aquarium.
Kribensis Cichlid
The Kribensis Cichlid (Buy Online) is a popular choice for aquarists looking to add a centerpiece fish to their 20 gallon tank. With its striking black, red, and yellow colors, this fish is beautiful and easy to care for, making them perfect for new fish keepers.
Kribensis Cichlids are generally considered good community fish, and they are prolific egg layers, making them an excellent choice for beginners who want to experience the excitement of breeding fish.
In terms of diet and water conditions, Kribensis Cichlids are omnivores that prefer temperatures between 72-82° F and a pH between 6.0-8.0. And with proper care and attention, your Kribensis cichlid can grow up to 4 inches in size, making it an ideal focal point in a 20-gallon aquarium.
So if you are looking for a stunning centerpiece fish for your 20 gallon tank, look no further than the Kribensis cichlid.
Betta Fish
Betta fish (Buy Online) are a popular centerpiece fish for a 20 gallon tank. They are known for their peaceful temperament, beautiful colors, and easy care requirements, and these vibrant little fish make an ideal addition to any home aquarium.
Betta fish are available in a wide range of colors and forms, including blue, red, yellow, purple, pink, green, and GloFish varieties.
To ensure optimal health and longevity, Betta fish require warm water temperatures between 75-86 degrees Fahrenheit, along with low levels of alkalinity (KH) and acidity (pH). And with proper care and attention, Betta fish can thrive in even the smallest tanks and make a fantastic focal point that will delight aquarium lovers of all ages.
Peacock Goby
Peacock gobies (Buy Online) are small, peaceful fish that make a great addition to any 20 gallon tank since they are easy to care for and will add color and interest to your aquarium. They are bottom-dwellers and do best in tanks with plenty of hiding places, and live plants are a great way to provide both cover and food for Peacock gobies.
Peacock gobies typically reach a size of 1.5 – 2 inches but can grow up to 3 inches. And they are very hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, and they prefer water that is 72 – 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of 6.5 – 7.5.
Killifish
Killifish (Buy Online) are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for centerpiece fish for their 20 gallon tank. These small and colorful fish are peaceful, making them great additions to any home aquarium.
Killifish come in a wide range of colors, including blue, red, tan, and yellow, and they can grow to a maximum size of 2.5 inches. What’s more, Killifish are also relatively easy to care for, thriving best in water conditions between 73 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit with a KH level of 5 to 8 and a pH range of 6 to 7.5.
So if you’re looking for an eye-catching focal point for your 20-gallon tank, look no further than Killifish.
Rosy Barb
The Rosy Barb (Buy Online) is a very popular fish for aquariums of all sizes, but it truly shines as a centerpiece in a 20 gallon tank. This hardy and adaptable fish is known for its bright red and yellow colors, making it a stunning addition to any aquarium.
It prefers water conditions that are on the warmer side, between 74 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a level of hardness between 4 and 10 and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. And with proper care, this fish can grow to reach up to six inches in length.
The Rosy Barb is an excellent choice whether you’re looking for an eye-catching centerpiece for your 20 gallon tank or simply want an easy-to-care-for fish for your home aquarium.
Badis
Badis (Buy Online) are popular centerpiece fish for smaller aquariums, such as a 20 gallon tank. These peaceful fish are relatively easy to care for since they are tolerant of a variety of water conditions and require only moderate levels of upkeep. In addition, due to their relatively small size of just 2-2.5 inches long, Badis are an excellent choice for anyone with a small home aquarium looking for a unique centerpiece fish that is sure to impress.
American Flagfish
The American Flagfish (Buy Online) is a popular choice as a centerpiece fish for a 20 gallon tank. This small, brightly colored fish is known for its easy care level and semi-aggressive temperament. Although it can be somewhat territorial towards other fish in its tank, the American Flagfish is generally considered an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists alike. Plus, with its striking blue, green, and red coloration, this fish makes an eye-catching addition to any aquatic ecosystem.
Bolivian Ram
The Bolivian Ram (Buy Online) is a popular choice for small aquariums due to its peaceful temperament and beautiful coloration. With a maximum size of only 3 inches, this fish is perfectly sized for most 20-gallon tanks.
To keep a Bolivian Ram healthy and happy, it is vital to provide them with an optimal environment with the proper water conditions, diet, and care level. Ideally, Bolivian Rams prefer temperatures between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and they like soft water with a KH level between 0 and 10 and a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
A Bolivian Rams diet should consist primarily of high-quality protein sources, such as live or frozen foods, supplemented with plant-based foods such as algae wafers.
Finally, Bolivian Rams are considered somewhat delicate expert-level fish, but with proper care, a Bolivian Ram can make an excellent centerpiece fish in a 20 gallon tank.
What Fish Do Well in a 20 Gallon Tank?
If you are looking for fish that do well in a 20 gallon tank, here are some smaller fish under 2 to 3 inches that would work well with the centerpiece fish mentioned above fish:
- Swordtail
- Molly
- Platy
- Corydoras Catfish
- Guppies
- Danios
- Barbs
- Bettas
How Many Fish Can I Put in a 20 Gallon Tank?
The number of fish you can put in a 20-gallon tank depends on the size and species of fish. For example, if you’re keeping slender fish like tetras, you could comfortably fit 20 inches worth of fish in the tank. However, for larger fish that require more space, like cichlids, you’d only be able to keep 5 to 10 inches worth of fish in the same sized tank.
Try Our Fish Tank Stocking Calculator (Click Here)
What Is The Biggest Fish You Can Put in a 20 Gallon Tank?
A 6-inch-long fish is close to the biggest fish you can put in a 20-gallon tank so that it will have enough space to move around.
Can You Put Cichlids in a 20 Gallon Tank?
Dwarf cichlids can be put in a 20-gallon tank since they are small fish and don’t require a lot of space. Of course, it’s always best to give them as much room as possible, but a 20-gallon tank will suffice.
Do your research on which species of dwarf cichlid you want to keep, as some species can be more aggressive than others and may not do well in a small tank.
![Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Oscar fish are voracious eaters that can grow to be up to 14 inches long. They need a lot of space and a big tank, but they also need good filtration. This is because Oscars produce a large amount of waste for their size, which can quickly pollute the water if not managed properly. Read on to see the best filter for an Oscar fish tank. [toc] Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank ***TABLE**** Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 The Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 Filter (Buy Online) has everything you need to keep water clean and healthy for your fish, plus some cool extra features too. It comes with four different filtration stages that remove debris from the water so your tank stays clear and safe for your fish to live in. Plus, it has a built-in heater which keeps the temperature of your tank consistent so you don't have to worry about fluctuations or sudden changes affecting your fish. The OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 is a reliable and high-quality filter that will keep your water crystal clear. It has four stages of filtration, including a pre-filter module for particle removal, two main filters to clean detritus from the water before it reaches the pump area, an activated carbon stage with 45 ppi pores to trap organic chemicals and reduce odors, and finally a polishing cartridge which traps any particles left after the other three stages have removed most of the large debris. Plus, it comes with Hel-X Biomedia that has an extremely large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies that break down nitrogenous waste. Overall, this filter can be used on 70 to 160 gallon tanks, and if you want peace of mind about how well your tank is being filtered and heated – this canister filter is perfect for an Oscar tank. Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter The Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter (Buy Online) is the best filter for an oscar fish tank because it’s easy to use and maintain while providing a high level of filtration. It has a self-priming pump that makes starting up very simple, plus its safety hose adapter means you won’t have to worry about any accidents with this unit. We recommend going with their Pro 4+ model which has been designed specifically for tanks containing Oscars and other larger species of fish. This filter comes with everything you need including extra media baskets, spray bars, adjustable flow control valves, and more. Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter 525GPH with 9-watt UV Light The Polar Aurora External Canister Filter (Buy Online) is an affordable yet high-quality canister filter and it has four stages of filtration (biological, mechanical, chemical and UV) that keep your fish tank crystal clear without taking up much space. If you have an Oscar Fish Tank, then you know that they are messy fish. They produce a lot of waste and your tank needs to be cleaned frequently. That's where this filter comes in handy. It can handle tanks up to 200 gallons and has a maximum flow rate of 525GPH from the built in pump. This is more than enough power for even the messiest Oscar Tanks. This unit also comes with three different media trays so you can use any type of filtration media you want - bio balls, sponges or ceramic rings. And not only does this filter provide excellent water filtration, it comes with a built in 9 Watt UV Light that allows it to easily control algae spores/bacteria and maintain clear water in your aquarium at all times. Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter, External Aquarium Filter The Fluval FX4 (Buy Online) is an external filter designed specifically for aquariums housing oscars and other large tropical fish species like cichlids and catfish. There's also three different filtration stages included in this setup which will ensure that all the waste produced by your fish gets filtered out quickly leaving behind crystal clear water every time. The Fluval FX4 is the best aquarium filter on the market because it has a patented self-priming pump that moves 700 US Gal of water per hour. It also comes with all of the media you need to get started filtering your tank immediately after installation - no extra purchases necessary. This external aquarium filter is easy to install, maintain, and clean. With its multi-stage filtration process this canister filter removes harmful toxins from your water while providing superior mechanical filtration through three stages of bio-filtration using BioMax cartridges, activated carbon pads and biological ceramic rings . This powerful filter pumps out 700 US Gal (2650 L) of water per hour so it's perfect for even the largest freshwater or saltwater tanks up to 250 US Gal (900 L) Best Hang On Back Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank AquaClear Fish Tank Filter, Aquarium Filter for 60- to 110-Gallon Aquariums The AquaClear 110 (Buy Online) is a hang-on back filter that has an adjustable flow rate, and it'll last you for years. AquaClear filters make it easy, convenient, and affordable to keep your tank clean without all of the complexity and hassle of a canister filter. The AquaClear 110 filter has been designed with the hobbyist in mind; and it provides superior mechanical, chemical as well as biological filtration media at an unbeatable price point. It's ideal for aquariums up to 110 gallons (416 liters) in size and it has a flow rate of 500 U.S. gallons per hour (1,900 L/h). SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 110 Gallon The SeaChem Tidal 110 Gallon Aquarium Filter (Buy Online) is one of the few hang on back filters specifically designed for Oscars and other larger tropical fish tanks (up to 110 gallons). This means that it has more than twice the capacity of other hang on back filters so there's no need to clean out debris as often. It also has an adjustable flow control valve - just set the dial where you want it and let the self-priming pump do its job. You can also use any kind of filtration media without worrying about clogging since the patented impeller design keeps everything running smoothly Best Sponge Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Bacto-Surge Hikari Aquarium Solutions Foam Filter, 125 Gallons Bacto-Surge Foam Filters (Buy Online) are made from a durable foam material which allows them to last much longer than traditional sponge filters. They also don't require any electricity or have any moving parts, so you can use these as a cheap and reliable way to supplement the filtration in your Oscar tank. Best Under Gravel Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter, 18-Inch by 72-Inch Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter (Buy Online) is the best you can get for an Oscar fish tank. It has a multi-level plate design made of high-quality plastic, so it lasts longer than standard models. And this under gravel filter can also be used to build an anoxic filter to lower nitrates, which improves overall water quality and it will also help keep your fish healthy and disease free. Best Filter Media for an Oscar Fish Tank Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks (Buy Online) provides two layers of filtration to keep your tank cleaner & running more efficiently than ever before. It's made in the USA from high-quality materials that are safe for both fish and humans alike. It also reduces maintenance time because it lasts 2x as long as other brands on the market today. AQUANEAT Aquarium Filter Sponge Open Cell Foam Sheet Bio Sponge Filter Media Pad Aquaneat's Black Fine Filter Sponge (Buy Online) is made with natural materials that are non-toxic and safe for fish & plants. It provides mechanical filtration by trapping dirt particles in the pores of the sponge material so they do not get through into your aquarium water where they could cause harm to your aquatic pets. The open cell structure of the Aquaneat Sponge means you can simply rinse it under running water when needed instead of having to replace expensive filters every few weeks. And we've tested these pads with many different types of tanks and they are one of the most durable and economical ways to keep the water in a fish tank free of debris. Seachem Matrix, 4 L / 1 gal. Seachem Matrix (Buy Online) removes ammonia, nitrite and nitrate from the water column in freshwater tanks through a process called denitrification. It does this by providing an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive and convert harmful toxins into less harmful forms (even anoxic bacteria that break down nitrates). This process reduces stress on aquarium inhabitants by reducing their exposure to these toxins while also maintaining pristine water quality in your aquarium Eheim AEH2507051 Mech Filter Media for Aquarium, 1-Liter Eheim Ceramic Cylinders (Buy Online) are reusable so you don't have to waste money on disposable filter cartridges or sponges every time you clean your tank. Simply rinse them out in decholorinated water when they get clogged, and you can reuse them indefinitely. Oscar Fish Tank Size A 70 gallon tank will work for an Oscar, but it's better to keep them in a 100+ gallon tank. The bigger the better. More space promotes greater health while also keeping them happier which in turn reduces the risk of stress and disease. Oscar Fish Water Parameters Oscar Fish Water pH Level Oscars prefer water with a pH between 6 and 8, but they prefer slightly acidic water and they can live in water that has a pH as low as 5.5 quite comfortably. Oscar Fish Nitrite Level The nitrite level in your tank should be at 0 ppm once your tank has cycled. Nevertheless, a weekly 10% water change with fresh water from the tap is always good early on in the cycle to reduce nitrites. Oscar Fish Nitrate Level To keep your Oscar healthy you want to keep your nitrate levels between 10-40 ppm. It's important that you test the water with a Nitrate Test Kit (Buy Online) to ensure the nitrate levels in your tank aren't reaching dangerous levels. If the nitrates in your tank stay consistently over 40ppm, it’s time to clean or replace old filters, clean out uneaten food, vacuum the gravel, and do at least a 25% water change. Oscar Fish Water Temperature The ideal water temperature for Oscars is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 - 27 Celcius). It's important to remember that Oscar Fish are from the Amazon Rainforest and they need a heater in their tank especially during the winter time If you want to know what size heater you need for your tank you can use our Fish Tank Heater Calculator (Click Here) Oscar Fish Water Change Water changes are an essential part of fish keeping for any type of fish. This is especially true when you have larger fish like oscars that produce more waste. Water changes, or partial water changes, should be done every 1-2 weeks depending on how many fish you keep in your tank Why Is My Oscar Fish Tank Cloudy Fish tank water can become cloudy for a few reasons. The most usual is that the aquarium is either experiencing a bacteria bloom or there is algae in the water column. If this is the case, you’ll need to do a 50%-75% water change immediately. You can also use an inline UV filter if water changes and regular tank maintenance aren't getting control of your cloudy water problem. How To Keep an Oscar Fish Tank Clean Water Changes Vacuum the Gravel Bed Cleaning the Filter Removing uneaten food from tank Check for any algae growth on plants or glass walls of aquarium and clean as needed Test the water regularly Do Oscar Fish Need a Filter Yes, Oscar fish need a filter because they are messy eaters that produce a lot of waste. The filter helps with this issue and also improves the water quality by converting harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrates.](https://thepetsupplyguy.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-Filter-for-Oscar-Fish-Tank-464x290.jpg)
