What Fish Are Good for a 10 Gallon Tank?

When choosing fish to put in a small tank, consider size, ease of care, temperament, environment needs, diet, water conditions, pH factor and light.

Environment

For pet store purposes, fish are classified as either freshwater or marine. Marine water has a salt content much like the ocean.

General

For a 10-gallon, (38 liter) tank consider choosing fish that will grow no longer than three inches. If larger fish are wanted, choose specimens that are more sedentary. Most fish need to have room to swim and move water through their gills. Look for fish that can live peacefully together. Also look for fish that live on different levels in the tank. This not only adds visual interest but recreates a more natural environment.

Water

Freshwater fish live in an environment of green leafy plants. The water makeup is more like that of a stream or brook.

Marine water is salty water that mimics the ocean environment. The marine environment consists mainly of corals and nutrients found around coral reefs.

Examples

Tetras, guppies, and mollies are all small schooling fish that can live peacefully in the same tank. They eat the same types of food and are live bearers. They need plenty of room to swim so beware of crowding. Tetras need to be purchased in groups of six or more. Mollies and guppies should be purchased in trios, one male for every two females.

Catfish come in sizes as small as two inches. Their main occupation is poking around the bottom of the tank for bits of food. Every so often they must dart to the top of the tank for a gulp of air.

Bettas or Siamese fighting fish are aggressive carnivores. There must be only one male per tank. It can be partnered with one or two females.

Cautions

Be sure your new fish will live comfortably in its new environment. Check for freshwater or marine compatibility. If the fish is territorial or combative consider this before buying. Adult fish will eat baby fish called fry. Quarantine them or provide plenty of hiding places such as rocks or plants.

Expert Insight

It is best if new fish are quarantined in another tank for several days to a month to make sure they show no signs of disease.

Before putting a new fish in the aquarium, be sure to acclimate it. Put it in a small plastic bag with plenty of air. Let the bag float in the tank for a few minutes. This evens the water temperature so the fish will not be shocked by temperature change.

Keep a five-gallon tank or fish bowl on hand for sick or pregnant fish.

References

• Simon and Schuster's Complete Guide to Freshwater and Marine Aquarium Fishes. 1977

Resources

• Setting up a Tropical Aquarium Week by Week by Stuart Thraves. 2004
• The Complete Book of the Freshwater Aquarium by Vincent Hargreaves. 2007