Maintaining a fish tank can be a fun and exciting hobby, but for beginners, it can seem daunting. There are so many different types of fish to choose from, and each comes with its own set of unique care requirements. On this page, we’ll take a look at some of the easiest fish to take care of for beginners, and provide tips on how to care for them. So if you’re just starting out in the fish-keeping world, read on.
Easiest Fish To Take Care Of for Beginners
Betta Fish
The Betta fish (View Price) is one of the easiest fish to take care of for beginners. They are one of the most beautiful freshwater fish and can be found in a wide assortment of colors like blue, yellow, white, purple, red, and now you can even find Betta GloFish for sale online and in stores. Bettas should be kept in water temperatures between 75-86° F and they prefer a pH range from 6.0-8.0. Best of all, you don’t need much space to keep them since betta fish can be kept in tanks as small as 4 gallons. Related: Best Betta Tank With A Filter (Click Here)
Platies
The Platy (View Price) is a popular fish for beginners because it is easy to take care of and has a peaceful temperament. They come in many different colors, and they can grow up to 2 inches long. Platies are omnivorous, so they will eat both plants, algae brine shrimp, and tropical fish food. Plus they are easy to breed since they are livebearers, which means they give birth instead of laying eggs. They prefer water conditions that are 64-77° F with a pH of 7.0-8.2. And a 10-gallon tank is large enough to keep a small school of 3 to 5 platies.
Swordtail
The Swordtail (View Price) is one of the easiest fish to take care of for beginners, and they are peaceful and can be kept in a tank with other fish of similar size and temperament.
Swordtails are livebearers and they are mostly available in orange and red varieties and can reach up to 4″ in size.
Swordtails are omnivores and will eat most foods offered, but should have a diet that includes some plant matter or algae for optimal health.
In general, swordtails prefer water conditions on the cooler side- 64-82° F, and they do best in moderately hard water with a 7.0-8.3 pH. And the minimum tank size for keeping swordtails is 20 gallons.
Bloodfin Tetras
The Bloodfin Tetra (View Price) is a small but beautiful fish that can be found in the wild in Peru. This fish is a peaceful, easy-to-care-for member of the Characidae family and makes a great addition to any community tank.
The bloodfin tetra has striking blue, red, and silver markings and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals.
These fish are omnivorous and will eat almost anything they’re given, but prefer a diet of meaty foods. They do best in warmer water conditions between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and have a pH range of 6.6 to 7.0.
The maximum size for this little guy is 1½ inches long, and a 30-gallon tank will be needed to keep a school of these active swimmers.
White Cloud Minnows
The White Cloud Minnow (View Price) is a small, peaceful fish that is easy to care for and breed. The white cloud minnow makes an excellent addition to any community tank and will thrive in water conditions ranging from 64-72° F, with a pH of 6.5-7.5. These fish typically grow no larger than 2″, making them an ideal choice for smaller tanks. Best of all, the white cloud minnow is inexpensive and easy to breed, making it a popular choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists alike.
Celestial Pearl Danios
Celestial Pearl Danios (View Price) are some of the most popular aquarium inhabitants due to their bright colors and peaceful nature. They originate from Asia, but they are now mostly bred in captivity for the aquarium trade. Celestichthys margaritatus is an omnivore that will readily feed on most flake, pellet, and frozen foods. They grow to a size of 1″ and should be kept in tanks of 10 gallons or more. And due to their small size, Celestial Pearl Danios should not be kept with larger, fast-moving fish since they are very shy.
Bolivian Cichlids
The Bolivian Ram (View Price) is a unique fish that can be found in the wild in Bolivia, Brazil, and other South American countries. This peaceful fish thrives in a tank with plenty of plants and rocks, making it a great addition to any home aquarium.
The color of the Bolivian Ram can vary depending on its environment, but it typically has a tan or light brown body with dark markings. The diet of this fish is omnivorous and includes both plant and animal matter.
Bolivian Rams are a little more challenging to keep and require stable water parameters: 72-79° F, KH 0-10, pH 6.5-7.5.
Bolivian Rams reach a maximum size of 3 inches long and should be kept in at least a 20 or 30-gallon tank
Fire Mouth Cichlid
The Fire Mouth Cichlid is a small, Central American cichlid that is semi-aggressive and can grow up to 6 inches in length.
This cichlid prefers a pH range of 6.0-8.0 and a temperature range of 70-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The diet for the Fire Mouth Cichlid should include both flake food and pellet food, as well as frozen and live food options.
The Fire Mouth Cichlid is semi-aggressive and they will get along well in a community tank, but they should only be kept with other semi-aggressive cichlids or larger livebearers and tetras in at least a 30-gallon tank.
Mollies
Mollies (View Price) are a popular fish for both freshwater and saltwater tanks. They are livebearers and have a very peaceful temperament which makes them an excellent addition to a community tank. These fish come in different colors including black, gold, spotted, and pure white. They eat both plant and meat-based foods and thrive in water temperatures between 68-82° F with a pH level around 7.0-7.8. Mollies will grow up to 3″ long and they need to be kept in at least a 30-gallon tank. Plus, unlike most fish, they can live in either freshwater or saltwater when properly acclimated.
Goldfish
Goldfish (View Price) are a popular choice for both beginner and experienced fishkeepers alike. They are hardy, peaceful fish that come in a variety of colors and can be kept in a wide range of water conditions. There are many different varieties of goldfish, but the most common types include the comet, fantail, shubunkin, and oranda. Goldfish can be red, white, or any other color and can grow up to 10 inches long. They need to be fed a diet made up of primarily plant matter and live in water conditions between 65-75° F and pH 6.5-7.5.
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetras (View Price) are a popular fish and they are considered easy to care for. They have a peaceful temperament and need to be housed in groups of six or more. They are also one of the most striking freshwater fish since they have an iridescent blue body with a bright red tail, but they can also change colors under different lighting conditions.
Neon Tetras are omnivores, and they will eat most foods that are offered to them including flake food, freeze-dried bloodworms, and tubifex worms. Neon Tetras prefer water conditions between 68°F-78°F with a pH range from 5.0-7.0. They grow to be about 1¼” long and need to be kept in at least a 10-gallon tank.
Cherry Barb
The Cherry Barb (View Price) is a peaceful and hardy fish that can be kept in a community aquarium with similarly sized fish. They are native to Southeast Asia and are bred in captivity, making them easy fish to find at pet stores. Cherry barbs prefer soft water with a pH of 6.0-8.0 and a temperature range of 60-75°F. They will eat small flake or pellet foods as well as small frozen or live foods. In general, they make a good addition to any community tank due to their small size and peaceful nature.
Angelfish
The Angelfish (View Price) is a popular fish that is known for its vibrant colors and semi-aggressive temperament. They are native to the Amazon River in South America, but they are now captive-bred all over the world. This species can grow up to 6 inches long and they prefer a tank size of at least 30 gallons.
They are one of the easier cichlids to care for and come in a variety of colors, including orange, gold, black and white. Angelfish should be kept in groups of at least three individuals, and they are omnivores and will eat most types of food, though they prefer meaty items. Just be aware that Angelfish require stable water conditions to remain healthy, which means you might need to do more water changes to keep nitrates at acceptable levels.
Related: Unionized Ammonia Calculator
Danios
The Zebra Danio (View Price) is a popular aquarium fish that is known for its peaceful temperament and easy care level. This schooling fish comes in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, white, and yellow. It is an omnivore that will eat most kinds of food but should have a diet that includes both meaty and vegetative matter. The zebra danio can grow up to 3 inches long and does well in water with a pH range of 6.5-7.5 and they need to be kept in at least a 10-gallon tank.
Bushy Nose Pleco
The Bushy Nose Pleco (View Price) is one of the easiest fish to take care of for beginners. This particular species of pleco has an orange, red, or brown body and they have a very peaceful temperament. The diet for this type of pleco consists mainly of leftover food and algae, but they will also eat other types of food along with some wood. They max out at 5″ in size and should be kept in tanks that are at least 30 gallons.
Rasboras
The Harlequin Rasbora (View Price) is one of the easiest fish to take care of, making it a great choice for beginners. This fish is a schooling fish, so it should be kept in groups of at least five, and the maximum size for Harlequin Rasboras is 2 inches, so they are perfect for smaller tanks.
They prefer a well-planted tank with areas of dense vegetation and moderate to low lighting. They are peaceful fish and can be housed with other community fish.
Harlequin Rasboras require a water temperature between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH level between 6.0 and 8.0. They will eat most types of flake food, but should also be given live or frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms as a treat.
Corydoras
Corydoras (View Price) are one of the easiest fish to take care of and make a great addition to any community tank. These small, peaceful fish come in black or yellow varieties, and love to swim around in groups. They are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, but should have a mostly plant-based diet. Corydoras thrive in water temperatures between 72-79° F and prefer soft water with a pH range from 5.8-7.0. They grow to be about 2½” long and do best when housed in tanks at least 30 gallons in size.
Jack Dempsey Cichlid
The Jack Dempsey Cichlid (View Price) is one of the easiest cichlids to take care of and makes a great addition to any home aquarium. This aggressive fish can grow up to 10 inches in length and comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, clear, green, and tan. The Jack Dempsey Cichlid is a carnivore that prefers a diet of live food but will also eat flakes or pellets. The minimum tank size for this species is 55 gallons, and they are very aggressive, which means they make great additions to large predator tanks.
Guppies
Guppies (View Price) are one of the easiest fish to take care of and make a great beginner pet for anyone interested in starting a tank. They come in many different colors and have a peaceful temperament, making them an ideal choice for any home aquarium. They will grow up to 2″ long and should not be kept with other aggressive fish species, but they will reproduce easily, so with some luck they can quickly become an established population in your tank.
Dwarf Otocinclus
Otocinclus (View Price), also known as the ‘Oto’ or ‘Algae Eater’, is a small freshwater fish that is great for removing algae from your tank.
Otocinclus can be kept in a tank with other small fish, but it’s best to avoid keeping them with aggressive or larger fish that may eat them.
Otocinclus should be fed a diet of mostly algae pellets or wafers, but they will eat algae off glass, rocks, decorations, and plants. That makes them a perfect fish for anyone who wants an easy-to-care-for fish that will also make short work of any unsightly algae growing in their tank.
Otocinclus can grow up to 4 inches in size and need to be kept in at least a 10-gallon tank
Dwarf Gourami
The Dwarf Gourami (View Price) is one of the easiest fish to take care of and they make a great addition to any community tank. This peaceful fish comes in two colors, blue and orange, and can grow up to 2 inches long. They are omnivores that will eat most things offered, making them easy to care for. The Dwarf Gourami does best in water with a pH range of 6.0-8.0 and a temperature range of 72-82° F. They can be kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons, but they are semi-aggressive, so they need enough space to stake out their territory.
Kuhli Loach
The Kuhli Loach (View Price) is a popular fish for both beginner and experienced aquarists alike. They are peaceful fish that can be kept in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish. They come in a variety of colors, including red and tan, and will grow to a maximum size of 4½”, and they should be housed in tanks that are at least 50 gallons in size. Their diet consists mainly of meaty foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, but they will also eat vegetative matter if it is available. They prefer water temperatures between 79-86° F, pH 6.0-6.5, and hardness levels between 3-5 KH.
Black Skirt Tetra
![[256/365] black skirt](https://live.staticflickr.com/6152/6144453915_61562aab4d_z.jpg)
The Black Skirt Tetra (View Price) is a peaceful fish that originates from South America. It grows to be about 2 1/2 inches long and typically has a black and white color pattern. This fish is a schooling fish and requires a tank size of at least 10 gallons.
Easiest Saltwater Fish To Take Care Of For Beginners
Clownfish
Clownfish (View Price) are one of the easiest saltwater fish to take care of for beginners because they are very hardy and can adapt to a wide range of water conditions.
Another reason why clownfish make a great choice for beginners is that they are very colorful and interesting-looking fish, and they tend to stay quite small, which means they don’t require a lot of living space. Clownfish also aren’t that picky when it comes to food and they will eat most things you feed them.
They are peaceful fish that can live in tanks as small as 20 gallons and they come in beautiful colors like black, orange, and white, which makes them a visually appealing addition to any saltwater tank.
Pajama Cardinal
Pajama Cardinals (View Price) are small fish that typically grow to only about 2 inches in length. They have a bright red body with black stripes, and they are popular among aquarists for their lively personality and charming appearance.
Pajama Cardinals do best when kept in an aquarium with a depth of at least 18 inches and plenty of live rock for hiding places. They can be maintained in water temperatures from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and best of all they are reef safe.
Firefish
The Firefish (View Price) is an easy saltwater fish to take care of for beginners. They grow to a maximum size of 3 inches long and have an easygoing temperament that makes them perfect for nano tanks. Their bright colors – orange, red, white, yellow – make them a popular choice for those looking for an affordable yet beautiful fish.
The Firefish’s diet consists mainly of carnivore fare such as meaty frozen foods and live feeder shrimp. They are reef compatible and should be housed in tanks that are at least 20 gallons.
Jawfish
The Blue Dot Jawfish (View Price) is one of the easiest saltwater fish to take care of for beginners, making it a great option for those just starting in the hobby. This fish is semi-aggressive and requires a tank size of at least 30 gallons. The Blue Dot Jawfish will eat a wide variety of foods, including both meaty and plant-based items. It is reef compatible, and they don’t require a lot of attention or maintenance.
Lawnmower Blenny
The Lawnmower Blenny (View Price) is an excellent choice for those just starting out keeping a saltwater tank because they are easy to take care of and have a peaceful temperament. Another plus is that they come in assorted colors, so you can choose one that will brighten up your tank. These fish like moderate water conditions and prefer to eat herbivore food. They can grow up to 5″, so make sure you have a tank large enough before adding one of these blennies to your home aquarium.
Watchman Goby
The Watchman Goby (View Price) is one of the easiest saltwater fish to take care of for beginners. They are peaceful and can be kept in tanks as small as 30 gallons. Watchman Gobies are carnivores and should be fed a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and frozen krill. Best of all, the watchman goby is reef compatible and can be housed with other invertebrates and coral.
![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)
