Tank Size Picks
10 gallon: minimum for community fish.
15-20 gallon: more flexibility, easier maintenance.
5 gallon: betta only or shrimp colony.
Stocking
10 gallons: 8-10 nano fish (chili rasbora, ember tetra, neon tetra).
15 gallons: schools of 10-12 nano fish.
20 gallons: schools of 15-20 nano fish + 1-2 mid-size species.
Equipment
Sponge filter or small HOB filter.
Heater (size for tank volume).
Dim LED — bright lights overheat small tanks.
Maintenance
Weekly 25% water change.
Test water weekly — small tanks crash fast.
Skip aggressive cleaning — gentle approach preserves bacteria.
- ✦Avoid temperature swings — sun on the tank can heat 5°F in hours
- ✦Skip aggressive species — bullies dominate small space
- ✦Heavily plant for biofilter and aesthetic