There's nothing more soothing or beautiful than a glowing blue fish aquarium. There are such a huge variety of aquariums, decorations and fish out there that having your own customized aquarium can be extraordinarily easy. Of course though, as with any pet comes responsibility, and different species of fish require different care than others. Any new fishkeeper needs to make sure that they choose their aquarium carefully. Different fish have different cleaning requirements, require different foods, different temperatures, and even different aquarium sizes! ? And when choosing fish for the first-timer, it's a good idea to look for species that are healthy and hardy, clean and easy to keep, and don't require a massive tank. Here we'll talk about some great fish species that are ideal for the beginning aquarium keeper!



White Cloud Mountain Minnows are as ideal a fish for beginners as they come. These little minnows are school fish, and they do best in schools of 3 or more. A small school can be kept in an aquarium as small as four gallons, and can tolerate temperatures from 55 ? 75 degrees Fahrenheit, although they are most comfortable at temperatures no lower than 65. They eat all forms of food, do well on flake food, and love to have bloodworms as an occasional treat. They are also very clean fish, and require relatively low cleaning standards to keep a healthy aquarium. They are an energetic fish, and are constantly on the move. They love to search and explore, and swim around very fast with each other.

Siamese Fighting Fish, or bettas as they're most commonly known, are also a perfect fish for any beginner. Not only are these fish hardy, they're one of the most beautiful fish you can buy, with brilliant colors and long, flowing fins. Bettas are probably best known for the fact that they can be kept in rather small aquariums, making them perfect for a child's room or an office desk. Though the aquarium size a betta can be humanely kept in is fiercely debated, a single betta can be safely kept in a tank from 3-5 gallons. One important thing to note though is that bettas are aggressive fish, and that when keeping a male betta, you should never, EVER keep them with another male betta, as they will fight to the death. They also do require warmer water temperatures to make sure their immune system stays in peak condition.

One of the most popular fish on the whole, Corydoras Catfish happen to be wonderful fish for beginners. These fish are among the most sociable, friendly fish you can put in your tank, and love to be in schools with each other as well fish of other species. They grow to about one and a half inches long, making them perfect for aquariums of all sizes. Your aquarium will need a heater, as Corys need water temps between seventy-two and eighty-two degrees. Feeding Corys is very simple, as most of the time they will search the bottom and feed on the leftovers of food from other fish. It is a good idea, however, to supplement their diet with a tropical snack every once in a while, and feeding them things like algae wafers can actually be an entertaining experience. In addition to a heater, your aquarium will need to be about 10 gallons for a school of three or four.

There is a lot you need to take into consideration when you look into getting an aquarium and fish to fill it. Consider your own tastes and wants, how deep a commitment you are willing to make, what you can afford, and what fish will live comfortably in a certain aquarium. Fortunately, most all of this information is easy to find, and there are multiple online resources dedicated to helping you find the fish that are right for you. Keeping fish can be a wonderful experience for anyone, and by starting with something simple like the fish listed above, you can work your way into taking care of fish simply and cleanly.