The best size fish tank for a beginner is between 10 and 20 gallons. This size range offers enough space for a variety of fish, plants, and decorations, while being easy to maintain and affordable. A larger tank may seem more appealing, but it also requires more equipment, water, and maintenance. A smaller tank may be cheaper and simpler, but it also limits your choices of fish and plants, and it can be more prone to water quality issues. In this article, we will explain why a 10 to 20 gallon tank is ideal for a beginner, and what you need to know to set up and care for your first fish tank.
Benefits of a 10 to 20 gallon tank
A 10 to 20 gallon tank has many benefits for a beginner aquarist. Some of them are:
- Variety of fish and plants. A 10 to 20 gallon tank can accommodate a decent number of small to medium-sized fish, such as tetras, guppies, mollies, platies, corydoras, and rasboras. You can also add some live plants, such as java fern, anubias, cryptocoryne, and hornwort, to create a natural and healthy environment for your fish. Live plants help oxygenate the water, absorb excess nutrients, and provide shelter and hiding places for your fish. You can also add some decorations, such as rocks, driftwood, and caves, to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your tank.
- Ease of maintenance. A 10 to 20 gallon tank is relatively easy to maintain, compared to a larger or smaller tank. You will need to perform regular water changes, filter maintenance, and water testing, but these tasks will not take too much time or effort. You will also need less water, equipment, and supplies, which will save you money and space. A larger tank will require more frequent and larger water changes, more powerful and expensive equipment, and more space and electricity. A smaller tank will require more careful monitoring and adjustment of water parameters, as any changes can have a bigger impact on a smaller volume of water.
- Affordability. A 10 to 20 gallon tank is affordable for most beginners, as it does not cost too much to buy and set up. You can find many starter kits that include a tank, a filter, a heater, a hood, a light, and some accessories, for a reasonable price. You can also find many fish and plants that are suitable for a 10 to 20 gallon tank, without breaking the bank. A larger tank will cost more to buy and set up, as well as to stock and maintain. A smaller tank may be cheaper to buy, but it may also limit your options of fish and plants, and it may require more specialized equipment and care.
How to set up a 10 to 20 gallon tank
Setting up a 10 to 20 gallon tank is not very difficult, but it does require some planning and preparation. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Choose a location. You will need to find a suitable spot for your tank, where it will be stable, level, and away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. You will also need to make sure that there is enough space for the tank, the equipment, and the maintenance. You will also need to have access to a power outlet and a water source nearby.
- Choose a tank. You will need to decide on the shape, size, and material of your tank. The most common shapes are rectangular, hexagonal, and bow-front, but you can also find other shapes, such as cylindrical, corner, and cube. The size will depend on your budget, space, and preference, but it should be between 10 and 20 gallons. The material can be either glass or acrylic, but glass is usually cheaper, clearer, and more durable, while acrylic is lighter, stronger, and more resistant to scratches.
- Choose a filter. You will need to choose a filter that is appropriate for the size and type of your tank. The filter is responsible for keeping the water clean and healthy, by removing physical, chemical, and biological waste. There are three main types of filters: hang-on-back (HOB), internal, and canister. HOB filters are easy to install and maintain, but they can be noisy and take up space behind the tank. Internal filters are quiet and compact, but they can reduce the swimming space and the water flow in the tank. Canister filters are powerful and versatile, but they are expensive and bulky, and they require more maintenance.
- Choose a heater. You will need to choose a heater that is suitable for the size and temperature of your tank. The heater is responsible for keeping the water at a stable and optimal temperature for your fish and plants. Most tropical fish and plants prefer a temperature range of 72 to 82°F, while some cold-water fish and plants can tolerate lower temperatures. You will need to check the specific requirements of your chosen fish and plants before buying a heater. The heater should be fully submersible, adjustable, and reliable, and it should have a thermostat and a safety feature to prevent overheating. The general rule of thumb is to have 3 to 5 watts of power per gallon of water, but you may need more or less depending on the ambient temperature and the insulation of your tank.
- Choose a hood and a light. You will need to choose a hood and a light that are compatible with the shape and size of your tank. The hood is responsible for covering the top of the tank, to prevent evaporation, splashing, and jumping, and to protect the equipment and the inhabitants from dust, debris, and pets. The light is responsible for providing illumination and photosynthesis for your fish and plants. You will need to choose a light that is suitable for the type and intensity of your plants, as well as for the day and night cycle of your fish. There are many types of lights available, such as fluorescent, LED, incandescent, and metal halide, but LED lights are usually the most energy-efficient, long-lasting, and customizable.
- Choose a substrate. You will need to choose a substrate that is appropriate for the type and depth of your tank. The substrate is the material that covers the bottom of the tank, and it serves as a base for the plants, a medium for the beneficial bacteria, and a source of nutrients and minerals for the water. There are many types of substrates available, such as gravel, sand, soil, and pebbles, but you will need to consider the size, shape, color, and texture of the substrate, as well as its impact on the water chemistry and the maintenance. You will also need to rinse the substrate thoroughly before adding it to the tank, to remove any dust, dirt, and debris.
- Choose fish and plants. You will need to choose fish and plants that are compatible with each other, with the size and type of your tank, and with your level of experience and interest. You will need to research the specific needs and behaviors of your chosen fish and plants, such as their water parameters, diet, temperament, size, and lifespan. You will also need to follow the rule of thumb of one inch of fish per gallon of water, but you may need to adjust this depending on the shape and activity of your fish. You will also need to introduce your fish and plants gradually and carefully, to avoid stress and shock, and to allow the tank to cycle and stabilize.
- Cycle the tank. You will need to cycle the tank before adding any fish, to establish the nitrogen cycle and the beneficial bacteria in the tank. The nitrogen cycle is the process of converting the ammonia produced by the fish waste and the decaying matter into nitrite, and then into nitrate, which is less toxic and can be removed by water changes and plants. The beneficial bacteria are the microorganisms that perform this conversion, and they live in the filter, the substrate, and the decorations. To cycle the tank, you will need to add a source of ammonia, such as fish food, a piece of raw shrimp, or a commercial product, and monitor the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, using a test kit, until they reach zero or near zero. This can take anywhere from two to eight weeks, depending on the size and type of your tank, the amount of ammonia, and the temperature and pH of the water.
- Maintain the tank. You will need to maintain the tank regularly, to keep the water quality and the health of your fish and plants. You will need to perform partial water changes, of about 10 to 20 percent of the water, every week or two, using a gravel vacuum and a bucket, to remove the accumulated waste, debris, and nitrate from the tank. You will also need to clean the filter, the heater, the hood, and the light, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure their proper functioning and efficiency. You will also need to test the water parameters, such as the temperature, the pH, the ammonia, the nitrite, and the nitrate, using a thermometer, a pH meter, and a test kit, and adjust them if necessary, using water conditioners, buffers, and additives. You will also need to feed your fish and plants, according to their specific requirements and preferences, using high-quality food, such as flakes, pellets, frozen, live, or dried food, and fertilizers, such as liquid, tablet, or root tabs.
Conclusion
A 10 to 20 gallon tank is the best size fish tank for a beginner, as it offers enough space for a variety of fish, plants, and decorations, while being easy to maintain and affordable. A larger tank may seem more appealing, but it also requires more equipment, water, and maintenance. A smaller tank may be cheaper and simpler, but it also limits your choices of fish and plants, and it can be more prone to water quality issues. In this article, we have explained why a 10 to 20 gallon tank is ideal for a beginner, and what you need to know to set up and care for your first fish tank. We hope that this article has helped you to make an informed decision and to enjoy the rewarding hobby of fish keeping.