What Is the Best Tropical Fish For Beginners?

Someone starting out in the hobby of tropical fish, needs to first decide how much space and time they have to devote to their hobby. Succeeding at raising tropical fish depends on proper tank set-up, attention to things such as water pH, temperature, and proper filtration. There isn't a lot of difference in the amount of work required to maintain a ten gallon tank, or a 30 gallon tank, except when it comes to a total cleaning and re-filling.

The 20 gallon tank is a good size for beginners to start out with. That will give them sufficient room for a few different types of live-bearers and egg-layers, with perhaps some room left over for another one or two varieties as they gain confidence in caring for their fish. However, if they are really enthusiastic, it may be wise to start with a 30 gallon tank, and try and restrain yourself when buying the first fish, so that you have room for expansion, later.

Tropical fish breed in two ways: by laying eggs, or bearing live young. The two types of fish can co-exist without a great deal of problems, except for certain known aggressors in each group. Check your tropical fish books and the Internet, for what species may not be compatible with others, and stay away from those to start. Choose the milder tempered and amenable fish, so you don't need to worry about treating torn fins and injured fish, right away.

As a rule of thumb, live-bearers are very prolific breeders, having babies every 3-5 weeks. Females can bear young even months after a single mating, so if you have bought mature females, chances are you will soon be the proud owner of some fry. Because of this, and because males tend to pester females constantly, it is wisest to restrict yourself to one male of the species and no less than two females, preferably three.

The same problem is not as prevalent with egg-layers, although some of them are simply aggressive to all other fish, while other types can exist in a small colony of males only, with no problems. However, depending on the fish, sexing can be extremely difficult. Ask your breeder or the pet store to help, but when it comes to some of the smaller egg-layers like zebras, or neon tetras, it can be very difficult, particularly with young fish.

To start out, you may want to go with all egg-layers or all live-bearers. If you decide to mix them, keep in mind the tips about the ratio of males to females, and any potential aggression problems.

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