Have you ever watched fish glide silently through crystal clear water? That peaceful scene can become your reality! Keeping fish as pets brings a calm beauty right into your home. But, choosing the perfect fish can feel overwhelming. You see so many colorful tanks, and you wonder, “Which fish is right for *my* space and my experience level?” Many people struggle with knowing which fish are easy to care for or which ones get along together.
Don’t let confusion stop you from enjoying this wonderful hobby! This guide cuts through the noise. We will explore the best beginner fish, explain simple tank setups, and reveal secrets to keeping your aquatic friends healthy and happy. By the end of this post, you will feel confident selecting your first (or next!) finned companion.
Ready to dive in and discover the joy of fish ownership? Let’s explore the fascinating world of fish pets together!
Top Fish Pet Recommendations
- Easy to Maintain: The water filtration system reduces the frequency of water changes, which makes it a good choice for aquarium beginners or starters to keep a single Betta, a couple of shrimp, snails, or a small goldfish. Dimension：8”x5.25”x7”(LxWxH)
- Built-in Light: LED hood provides ample light for the tank making your fish glow brighter and the decorations stand out.
- Compact Size: The tank is lightweight, cute and small and it doesn't take up too much space on the desktop or a kitchen counter. (Note: If the current is a bit strong, you can put a pre-filter sponge filter on the intake to reduce the water flow.)
- Complete Starter Kit: 1x 1.2 gallon Fish tank, 1x Sponge, 1x Water Filter, 1x 5V USB Power Cord, 2x Artificial Plants
- Note: No USB power adapter included, the tank needs a power adapter rated ≥ 5V/ 2A. Make sure the adapter you use is powerful enough. Insufficient power of the adapter may cause the light or the pump not working. If the pump stops working or the water flow decreases, it is time to remove the pump, clean it thoroughly, and then properly reinstall the impeller and shaft assembly to restore normal operation. And the pump need to be FULLY SUBMERGED UNDER WATER to work.
- DOUBLE SEAL: To prevent accidental leakage, these fish bags are sealed 2 rows at the bottom side. Double protection to protect your beloved pet.
- MATERIAL: 3 Mil thickness high quality poly plastic transporting bags which lends extra seal strength to prevent leakage.
- CLEAR DISPLAY: Made of crystal-clear plastic material, beautiful and durable. It can transport and display the aquarium fish perfectly. You can easily view the state of the fish at any moment.
- LOAD SMOOTH: with a 5 inches diameter wider opening design, it is a new smooth way to load our fishes. Also increased size: W7.9 x H14 IN
- ZURU Robo Fish: Drop your Robo Fish in water and watch it come to life with ZURU’s advanced water activated technology!
- Hyper Realistic: Robo Fish look and move just like real fish and swim in 5 different directions.
- Color Change Technology: Watch your Robo Fish magically change colour when dropped in water!
- 6 to Collect: There are 6 different colored Robo Fish to collect to complete your Robo Aquarium!
- Prank your friends: Prank your friends with the ultra-realistic technology of Robo Fish!
- Nutritious food ingredients that fish are naturally attracted to
- Food designed to bring out their true colors
- Formulated so that fish utilize more of what they eat and create less waste
- It is best to perform a water change after blocks have been consumed
- Feed your fish for up to 7 days while you are away, one block feeds 5-6 medium-sized fish
- For Overall Development --- Are your shrimps losing color? Do they not look as vibrant as before? Here is your solution - SunGrow Rocks. Our rocks provide the perfect balance for vitality, color and growth, especially for baby shrimps in growing age. They are rich in Calcium that helps shrimp with building stronger shells, and full of Magnesium that is essential for all crustaceans to maintain vibrancy. This product can only be harvested and not made.
- Calcium Helps Shedding --- Shrimps add vibrancy to your aquatic life and make great pets for both adults and kids alike. And these white rocks that facilitate shrimp’s longevity. Japanese shrimp breeders have a firm belief in stones and they use them in their breeding facilities. You too can beautify your aquarium with these color and age enhancing rocks by SunGrow. A must-have for shrimps, especially Crystal red shrimps, Amano shrimps and Ghost shrimps.
- Clearer Water --- The stones from SunGrow act as an ion exchanger that clears water in the Aquarium. They enrich water with necessary minerals that enable shrimps to live longer. It even stores substances like heavy metals and ammonium for a longer duration.
- Aquarium Decor --- The applications of these Rocks don’t just stop here! You can even make use of them in home furnishing by placing them in all the corners of a square or rectangular mirror. Else, place these on the center table of your living room in a bowl filled with water along with a few coloured pebbles, marimos and other plants.
- Value Pack --- Every pack contains a few pieces of rocks (0.5 inch on an average) surrounded by the rock powder. One pack is enough for a 14 gallon tank and lasts 3 months. So it's not at all heavy on your pocket. They are small and take very little space. So they are great for your nano tanks too!
- ZURU Robo Fish: Drop your Robo Fish in water and watch it come to life with ZURU’s advanced water activated technology
- Hyper Realistic: Robo Fish look and move just like real fish and swim in 5 different directions.
- Color Change Technology: Watch your Robo Fish magically change colour when dropped in water
- 6 to Collect: There are 6 different colored Robo Fish to collect to complete your Robo Aquarium
- Prank your friends: Prank your friends with the ultra-realistic technology of Robo Fish
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Perfect Fish Pet Setup
Bringing a fish into your home is exciting! Fish tanks, or aquariums, offer a peaceful view right in your living room. This guide helps you pick the right setup for your new aquatic friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a fish tank, several features make a big difference. Think about these first.
- **Size Matters:** How big is the fish you want? Small fish like Bettas need at least 5 gallons. Larger community tanks require 20 gallons or more. Bigger tanks are actually easier to keep clean because the water stays more stable.
- **Filtration System:** This is the tank’s superpower. Good filters clean the water, removing waste and keeping it healthy. Look for filters rated for a tank size slightly larger than yours.
- **Heating Element:** Most tropical fish need warm, steady water. A reliable, adjustable heater is essential. Make sure it has a built-in thermometer or buy one separately.
- **Lid/Hood:** A good lid keeps your fish safe inside and stops dust from falling in. Some lids have built-in lights, which help plants grow and show off your fish’s colors.
Important Materials
The materials used in the tank and equipment affect its safety and look.
Most tanks are made of **glass** or **acrylic**. Glass tanks are heavier and scratch more easily, but they stay clear longer. Acrylic tanks are lighter and tougher against bumps, but they scratch easily when you clean them.
For decorations and substrate (the gravel on the bottom), always choose **aquarium-safe materials**. Avoid painted items or rocks from outside, as they might leach harmful chemicals into the water. Stick to smooth, inert gravel or sand.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about reliability.
What Improves Quality: High-quality pumps and heaters last longer and run quietly. Tanks with sturdy, pre-drilled holes for equipment are often built better. Look for brands that offer good warranties.
What Reduces Quality: Cheap, flimsy plastic components break quickly. Filters that are too small for the tank size will fail to keep the water clean, forcing you to do more work. Equipment that vibrates loudly lowers your enjoyment.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the tank changes what you should buy.
Beginners: If this is your first time, choose a “kit.” These kits usually include the tank, filter, and heater. They simplify the setup process. Keep it small—a 10-gallon tank is a great starting point for one or two small fish.
Decorators/Hobbyists: If you want a beautiful display, you might buy components separately. This allows you to select specialized lighting for live plants or choose unique, large filtration systems for complex setups.
Maintenance: A well-chosen setup makes maintenance easy. Tanks with wide openings allow you to reach in easily for cleaning. A good filter means you change less water frequently.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying a Fish Pet Setup
Q: What is the absolute minimum tank size for any fish?
A: While tiny “starter kits” exist, experts agree that a 5-gallon tank is the minimum safe size for a single small, hardy fish like a Betta. Smaller volumes change temperature and chemistry too fast.
Q: Do I need a heater if I keep my house warm?
A: Yes, usually. Most popular pet fish are tropical and need water between 74°F and 80°F. Household temperatures fluctuate too much, so a dedicated heater keeps the temperature steady.
Q: How often must I clean the filter?
A: You should never replace the filter media all at once. Instead, rinse the sponge or cartridge gently in old tank water (not tap water) during your weekly or bi-weekly water changes. This keeps the good bacteria alive.
Q: Can I use tap water directly in my tank?
A: No, never. Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine, which kills fish instantly. You must use a water conditioner or dechlorinator product every time you add new water.
Q: What is “cycling” a tank?
A: Cycling is the process of building up beneficial bacteria inside your filter and gravel before you add fish. These bacteria eat toxic fish waste (ammonia and nitrite). This process takes several weeks.
Q: Are all aquarium decorations safe?
A: No. Always buy decorations specifically labeled as “aquarium safe.” Avoid anything sharp, items that rust, or unsealed wood or rocks from outdoors.
Q: What is the difference between a sponge filter and a hang-on-back filter?
A: A hang-on-back (HOB) filter hangs on the tank rim and pulls water through cartridges. A sponge filter uses an air pump to push air through a sponge, cleaning the water gently. Sponge filters are great for baby fish or sensitive species.
Q: How important is the lighting?
A: Lighting is crucial if you plan to keep live plants, as they need specific light spectrums to grow. For fish-only tanks, lighting is mainly for viewing, but it should be on a timer for about 8-10 hours a day.
Q: Should I buy an air pump and air stone?
A: An air stone creates bubbles that help move water and increase surface agitation, which allows for better gas exchange (oxygen in, CO2 out). Most standard filters provide enough surface movement, but an extra air stone helps in heavily stocked or tall tanks.
Q: What is the best substrate for a beginner?
A: Smooth, fine gravel is usually the easiest. Sand is nice for bottom-dwelling fish but can be harder to clean because debris settles deep within it. Avoid sharp gravel that could cut fish fins.