Starting an aquarium can bring calm and color to your home. Tropical fish work well for new owners. They stay active in warm water and show bright hues. These nine picks are hardy. They handle small mistakes in care. Each one adds life to your tank without much work.
Basic Setup for Your Beginner Aquarium
Pick a tank of at least 10 gallons. This gives space for fish to swim. Add a heater to keep water at 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a filter for clean water flow. Test pH weekly. Aim for 6.5 to 7.5. Cycle the tank for two weeks before adding fish. This builds good bacteria. Gravel on the bottom helps. Live plants like java fern add cover.
For more on pet health checks, try our pet symptom checker. It covers basic signs to watch.
Top 9 Tropical Fish Choices
These fish come from warm waters. They live in groups or alone. Most eat flakes or pellets. Feed once or twice a day. Remove extra food to keep water clear.
1. Betta Fish
Betta fish catch eyes with long, flowing fins. Males show red, blue, or purple shades. They reach 3 inches long. Keep one male in a 5-gallon tank. Add hiding spots like caves. Water stays at 78 to 82 degrees. They eat betta pellets. Bettas suit beginners. They forgive small water changes. Just avoid other males.
2. Neon Tetra
Neon tetras light up tanks with a blue line and red tail. They grow to 1.5 inches. School six or more in a 10-gallon tank. They prefer dim light and plants. Feed flake food. Water at 72 to 78 degrees works. Tetras stay peaceful with others. Beginners like their small size and low needs.
Check pet breed finder quiz to match fish types to your style.
3. Guppy
Guppies bring spots and tails in orange, black, or yellow. Females reach 2 inches; males stay smaller. Use a 10-gallon tank for a group. They breed easy, so watch for babies. Feed flakes or veggies. Keep water at 72 to 82 degrees. Guppies handle dirty water better than most. New owners find them fun to watch.
4. Molly
Mollies show silver or black bodies with bold fins. They hit 4 inches. A 10-gallon tank holds three to five. Add salt if water gets soft. They eat algae and flakes. Temperature stays 75 to 82 degrees. Mollies breed live young. Beginners pick them for toughness. They clean tanks a bit.
For safe foods, check our pet food safety checker.
5. Platy
Platies come in red, yellow, or spotted patterns. They grow to 3 inches. Keep four in a 10-gallon tank. They like hard water at 70 to 82 degrees. Feed pellets or brine shrimp. Platies stay calm in groups. Live babies appear often. New keepers value their bright look and easy feed.
6. Swordtail
Swordtails have a tail like a sword in males. Colors include green or red. Size tops 4 inches. A 15-gallon tank fits a school. Water at 72 to 79 degrees. They eat most foods. Swordtails swim mid-tank. Beginners note their active nature. They mix well with tetras.
See how pets get along with our pet compatibility checker.
7. Panda Cory
Panda corys have black and white faces like pandas. They reach 2 inches. Group six in a 10-gallon tank. They clean the bottom. Feed sinking pellets. Keep water at 72 to 78 degrees. Corys stay shy but peaceful. Beginners like their help with waste.
8. Zebra Danio
Zebra danios sport black stripes on blue bodies. They grow to 2 inches. School eight in a 10-gallon tank. They swim fast at the top. Feed flakes. Water 65 to 77 degrees. Danios jump, so use a lid. New owners choose them for speed and hardiness. For more on pet age, use our pet age calculator.
9. Cherry Barb
Cherry barbs glow red in males. Size is 2 inches. Keep six in a 20-gallon tank. They like plants for shade. Feed veggies and flakes. Temperature 73 to 81 degrees. Barbs stay active without nips. Beginners enjoy the color pop. They fit community setups.
Learn pet names with our pet name generator.
Common Questions About Beginner Tropical Fish
What size tank do I need? Start with 10 gallons for small schools.
Can these fish live together? Yes, most do in community tanks. Watch for aggression in bettas.
How often do I change water? Do 25% weekly to keep fish healthy.
For detailed care, visit Aquarium Co-Op’s beginner guide.
These fish make aquariums simple and bright. Start small. Watch your tank grow.