March 12, 2025

How to Create and Maintain a Minimal-Maintenance Aquarium

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

However, if you're ready to start an aquarium and are aware of what you're taking on, there are a whole host of colorful fish to choose from. If you're in the throes of setting up a home aquarium, you may be curious about the types of freshwater fish you can keep as a pet. Often the first fish that springs to mind is a goldfish, but there are so many other wonderful species out there that can be kept as pets. Remember to monitor salt levels regularly and adjust as needed to keep your aquatic friends healthy and happy. With the right balance you’ll not only prevent diseases but also promote overall well-being in your aquarium.

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

You can’t go wrong with performing weekly 10-15% water changes that will physically remove excess waste and dilute toxins. Just because your fish will keep on eating after you’ve fed them the recommended amount of food, it doesn’t mean they’re always hungry. Of course, all these can be avoided with proper care and maintenance. After you complete the nitrogen cycle, you’ll still need to monitor toxin levels to see if there are any changes you should be aware of. The resulting number will tell you the total length of mature fish you can keep in the tank.

Cleaning Supplies

  • We’ve touched briefly on the importance of cycling an aquarium, but size is yet another factor that has a significant impact on the quality of your water.
  • Weekly maintenance tasks involve slightly more hands-on cleaning and water changes to maintain optimal water quality.
  • You could possibly skip the heater if the tank doesn’t fall below 70 degrees and goldfish tanks don’t need a heater at all because they are hardy fish.
  • You can get tanks as small a 1-gallon all the way up to over 200 gallons.

There’s no denying that these colorful species are some of the best turtles for aquariums, but sometimes, they are too big for your tank. The complexities of these care needs depend on each turtle’s species. You must understand their features and habitat needs to determine the best freshwater turtles for your aquariums and level of expertise. The bristlenose plecostomus is a species of catfish with distinctive tentacles around their snout. While most catfish reach lengths of around 20 inches, the bristlenose plecostomus is much smaller at just five inches and has a lifespan of around 10 years. Known for being fantastic little vacuum cleaners, if you want a tank that looks spick and span, this is definitely a species worth considering.

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.

Zebra danios are incredibly resilient and can adjust to water conditions with ease. Guppies are really easy to take care of and come in a variety of colors. You might be wondering, “What’s the deal with choosing low maintenance fish? They are resilient, adaptable and less susceptible to illnesses meaning you spend time fretting and more time relishing your environment.

In contrast, saltwater aquariums may demand higher salt levels to maintain appropriate salinity, usually around 1.020 to 1.025 specific gravity with marine salt. Recognizing these differences ensures you provide suitable environments for your fish. Another easy tropical fish for beginners to look after is the tiger pleco. This is another type of exotic catfish that spends its time feeding at the bottom of the aquarium. These bottom-feeders are good for keeping gravel in your tank free from algae and other bits of food debris.

Welcome to Natalie’s Nook! I’m Sam Bramston, the heart and soul behind this blog where every word weaves a new part of our shared journey. With a rich background in professional blogging, I've transformed my passion for storytelling into a vibrant tapestry of articles that explore everything from quiet musings to grand adventures. Raised in the lush countryside, I developed a deep appreciation for nature’s whispers and echoes, which later inspired my themes of reflection and discovery. When I'm not crafting new content or buried in a good book, you can find me hiking local trails or experimenting with landscape photography, always with a camera in hand and a story in mind. Join me at Natalie’s Nook, where our stories intertwine and every shared moment becomes a cherished memory.