Did you know that the secret to a thriving aquaponics system often lies in the smallest residents? Choosing the right fish is crucial, but many beginners feel overwhelmed. You want fish that grow well, handle your water conditions, and fit your space. The sheer variety of species can turn a simple decision into a frustrating guessing game.
Finding a small fish that offers a good balance of hardiness, manageable waste production, and decent growth can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. If you pick the wrong type, your whole system might suffer. You need reliable partners for your plants!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best small fish options perfect for home aquaponics setups. You will learn which species thrive in smaller tanks and how to match them perfectly to your growing needs.
Get ready to meet the tiny powerhouses that can transform your sustainable garden. Let’s dive into the top contenders for your next aquaponics adventure!
Top Small Fish For Aquaponics Recommendations
- BETTA TANK and HYDROPONIC PLANTER: See nature in motion through our Aqua-Ponic Tanks. Each fish tank is made from ultra-clear plastic, and replicates nature’s metabolic cycle by providing a healthy and symbiotic environment for fish and plants.
- YOUR BETTA’S NEW HOME: Bettas are the most popular fish for our 0.5 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Tank. With that said, please decrease the water level about an inch, giving them enough space to breathe from the water’s surface. Weekly partial water changes are highly recommended.
- SUGGESTED PLANTS: Most indoor house plants and kitchen herbs are suitable for planting atop. This includes Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Lucky Bamboo, English Ivy, Mint, Watercress, Chives, or any leafy Lettuce. We recommend using established plants instead of starting from seed.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Our Aqua-Ponic Tanks come with ceramic planting media, which retain water and support the root growth for any plant you choose. To add water into the tank, simply water the plant, allowing the runoff to enter the tank. As for feeding your fish, you’ll need to lift the black plastic top.
- MEASUREMENTS: Overall = 5.9" (Dia) x 8.25" (H) / Tank Interior = 4.25" (Dia) x 7" (H) / Enclosed Pot = 5.9" (Dia) x 2.25" (H)
- BETTA TANK & HYDROPONIC PLANTER: See nature in motion through our Aqua-Ponic Tanks! Each fish tank is made from ultra-clear plastic, and replicates nature’s metabolic cycle by providing a healthy and symbiotic environment for fish and plants.
- SUGGESTED FISH: While Bettas are the most popular fish for our 1.4 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Tank, they can also house Bloodfin Tetras, White Cloud Minnows, Danios, and Guppies (1 – 3 fish). For Bettas, please decrease the water level an inch, giving them enough space to breath from the water’s surface.
- SUGGESTED PLANTS: Most indoor house plants and kitchen herbs are suitable for planting atop. This includes Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Lucky Bamboo, English Ivy, Mint, Watercress, Chives, or any leafy Lettuce. We recommend using established plants instead of starting from seed.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Our Aqua-Ponic Tanks come with ceramic planting media, which retains water and supports root growth for any plant you chose. To add water into the tank, simply water the plant, as if it’s in a pot of soil. As for feeding your fish, there’s several side openings that are more than large enough for a pinch of food.
- MEASUREMENTS: Overall = 7.75" (Dia) x 10.25" (H) / Black Base = 7.75" (Dia) x 1.75" (H) / Tank Interior = 7.75" (Dia) x 7.25" (H) / Enclosed Pot = 3.75" (Dia) x 2.25" (H)
- Fish Tank & Seed Sprouter: The fish waste fertilizes the plants, and the plants clean the water for fish.
- Self Cleaning System: Plants consume fish dung as nutrients, so the tank requires 50% fewer cleanings than traditional fish tanks.
- Siphon Oxygen Supply: The water level of the tank is tidal-like fluctuation, and the roots of the plants can breathe regularly, no need watering or fertilizing. Meanwhile a natural oxygen supply is brought to the fish.
- Educational Product: Use the system at home or in a classroom. Let kids learn germination and teach concepts like food sustainability, aquatic environments, and animal care.
- Great Gift: A wonderful gift for kids, parents, teachers, foodies and gardening lovers. (Note: Search B08BR8H72X for the pump spare parts.)
- 【Home for Betta Fish and Plants】It is suitable for a betta fish or two small gold fish and a simple plant, such as small plant cuttings, lucky bamboo. (It is also a great plant terrarium for plants with strong roots.)
- 【New Aquaponic Fish Tank and Plants Container】Keep small fish and growing a simple plant in our round glass container, the plant will help to purity the water, and waste of fish is good food for plants. It will bring you more fun and wonderful feeling while you take less time to take care of them.
- 【Creative Design and Superior Quality】Our Aquaponic Fish Tank Designed with wood lid and global glass. The glass is high quality man blown glass, they are high clear to watch the world in glass and very smooth to clean easily. The lid helps to fix plants, the round glass ball leaves enough room for fish to swim and roots of plants to growing.
- 【New Decorations for Home and Office】A small fish, a simple plant( even a cuttings with 3 leaves), at most a few stones, some water and our glass bowl, it will be a cute and beautiful view on your window sill, table, desktop, kitchen counter, bookshelf, wall shelf……
- 【Idea Gift】It is simple, but it is with green, life, nature, it will bring good feeling for all. So it is an ideal gift not only for plant and fish lovers, it is also good for kids, student, young, women, man and old.
- with Elevated Base: Solves the "hard-to-clean" pain point—easily move and lift the tank for water changes, no more bending or scraping desks. Combined with Aquaponic Planter for Betta Fish, functional and practical
- Self-Sustaining Aquaponic Planter for Betta Fish: Plants filter water naturally, reducing maintenance and water changes. Betta fish tank creates a symbiotic ecosystem, ideal for beginners and busy users
- 0.5 gallon: Ultimate space-saving, palm-sized, can be placed in the corner of a desk or on the windowsill of a dormitory. It's a "small ecosystem that doesn't take up space" for renters or students. Portable and easy to move: with an anti-slip base, it's lightweight and easy to carry when moving or storing. No need to worry about spills. Just change the water once a week. No need to worry about maintenance
- Shatter-resistant Secure: made of plastic, this Plastic Fish Tank avoids breakage risks; The material keeps aquatic plants and fish safe in daily use; It provides a bright appearance, fitting well with various indoor settings without bringing safety concern; The sturdy anti-slip base can prevent the fish tank from toppling over and leaking
- Decorative Betta Fish Tank & Aquaponic Planter: Sleek round shape + hydroponic plants elevate home decor. Fits Nordic, ins, and modern styles—great for photos and social sharing
- DUAL-PURPOSE DESIGN: Beautiful glass aquarium that doubles as a plant propagation station, featuring a cork lid and wooden base for stability
- PERFECT SIZE: Spherical bowl measures 6 inches in diameter,making it perfect for accommodating a single betta fish while supporting hydroponic plant growth
- NATURAL ECOSYSTEM: Creates a symbiotic environment where fish waste provides nutrients for the plants while plants help filter the water
- VERSATILE DISPLAY: Clear glass construction offers 360-degree viewing of both aquatic and plant life, making it an unique desktop decoration
- COMPLETE SETUP: Includes glass bowl, wooden base platform, and cork lid with opening for plant stems - just add water, fish, and plants
- 【All-in-One Aquarium Kit】: This 11.8"L × 7.1"W × 7.3"H betta aquarium (1.8 gallons) ships with everything needed—1*fish tank, 1*silent pump, 1*tricolor led light, 1*cover with hydroponic basket. You just need to prepare water and fish. Transform any space instantly into a vibrant, maintenance-minimal aquatic showcase
- 【Perfect for Beginners】: Ditch heavy, fragile, and expensive glass tanks. Made of premium PET plastic, this mini fish tank delivers exceptional lightweight durability (no deformation or breakage) while matching glass-like clarity at an affordable price. This mini aquarium is designed specifically for cold-water species like betta fish, goldfish, and shrimp. This starter kit is perfect for beginners to learn fishkeeping in the early stage
- 【Whisper-Quiet Pump】: The small fish tank included pump maintains clean, fresh water with minimal effort, drastically reducing water change frequency. Engineered for near-silent operation—its sound becomes virtually imperceptible at optimal water levels, allowing uninterrupted sleep even when placed bedside. You can refer to the video or operating steps to assemble and use it.
- 【3-in-1 LED Light】: USB-powered (adapter not included) with three color modes—yellow, white, and yellow-white blend. Generates soft ambient lighting (neither too bright nor too dim) that visibly appeals to fish, actively enhancing their vibrancy and activity levels
- 【Thrive in Small Spaces】:This small aquarium nests perfectly anywhere—bedside tables, office shelves, living room corners, dorm rooms, or kids’bedrooms—turning cramped spots into serene, life-filled oases with effortless style
- Dimensions:2.5 gallon plastic rectangular fish tank with aquaponic planter is about 11.42 x 4.65 x 10.24 inch
- Shatter-resistant:made of plastic, this 2.5 gallon plastic fish tank avoids breakage risks; The material keeps aquatic plants and fish safe in daily use; It provides a bright appearance, fitting well with various indoor settings without bringing safety concern
- 2.5 Gallon: the douyu fish can turn around freely without feeling crowded; More suitable for long-term than 1-gallon and saves space vs 5-gallon; Nice for small apartments and office workstations; Novices and busy office workers can change water in just 5 minutes; Heater & filter friendly: fits mini submersible heaters and nano filters; Blends with nordic, ins, and modernism decor; Suitable for beginners and as a holiday gift
- Self-sustaining Aquaponic Planter for Betta Fish:plants filter water naturally, reducing maintenance and water changes; Betta fish tank creates a symbiotic ecosystem, ideal for beginners and busy users; Upgraded snap-lock lid: stays securely in place, no gaps, no escape
- Decorative Betta Fish Tank and Aquaponic Planter:sleek round shape and hydroponic plants elevate home decor; Fits nordic, ins, and modern manners, nice for photos and communal sharing
Choosing the Right Small Fish for Your Aquaponics System
Aquaponics is a cool way to grow plants and fish together. Small fish are often the best choice for beginners and smaller home systems. Picking the right kind of fish makes your system healthy and successful. This guide helps you choose the perfect tiny aquatic friend.
1. Key Features to Look For in Aquaponics Fish
When you select small fish, look for specific traits. These features help the fish thrive in your shared water environment.
- Hardiness and Disease Resistance: You want fish that do not get sick easily. Tough fish handle small changes in water quality better.
- Temperature Tolerance: Check what temperatures the fish prefer. Some fish need warmer water, while others like it cooler. Match their needs to your climate or heating setup.
- Small Adult Size: Since you are looking for “small fish,” ensure they stay small enough for your tank size. Tiny fish are easier to manage in home setups.
- Low Waste Production (Relative to Size): Fish create waste, which feeds your plants. However, overly messy fish can quickly pollute the water for themselves.
2. Important Materials and Compatibility
The “materials” here relate to what the fish need in their environment. You must create the right home for them.
Water Quality Needs
Different small fish need different water chemistry. Ammonia and nitrite levels must stay very low. Nitrates are what your plants use.
- pH Level: Most common aquaponics fish like a neutral pH (around 6.5 to 7.5).
- Oxygen Levels: Small, active fish need plenty of dissolved oxygen. Good aeration is crucial.
Tank Material and Space
The tank itself matters. Plastic or food-grade barrels work well. Never use tanks that held toxic chemicals. Ensure you have enough space; even small fish need room to swim.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your fish and your system directly impacts your harvest—both plants and fish.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Good Genetics: Buy fish from reputable sources. Healthy parent stock means healthier babies.
- Proper Feeding: Feed high-quality, balanced fish food. This produces better waste for plants and keeps fish strong.
- Stable Environment: Avoid sudden temperature swings or chemical additions. Stability equals happy fish.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Overstocking: Putting too many fish in a small space stresses them out. Stressed fish produce more harmful waste.
- Poor Filtration: If the mechanical and biological filters do not work well, water quality drops fast.
- Incompatible Companions: Do not mix fish that are aggressive or eat each other.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
The experience of using small fish is often very positive for home growers.
Best Use Cases:
- Beginner Systems: Small, hardy fish like Guppies or Minnows are great starting points. They forgive beginner mistakes.
- Ornamental Value: Some small fish, like certain colorful Tetras, look beautiful while still providing nutrients.
- Small Indoor Setups: If your space is limited, small fish fit perfectly without needing huge pumps or tanks.
The user experience centers on ease of care. Small fish generally require less intensive management than large species like Tilapia, making maintenance simpler for busy people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Small Aquaponics Fish
Q: What are the best small fish for beginners?
A: The best beginner small fish are usually hardy species like Guppies, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, or small varieties of ornamental Goldfish (though goldfish produce more waste than tropicals).
Q: Can I use feeder fish from the pet store?
A: You can, but you must be very careful. Feeder fish often carry diseases. Always quarantine (keep them separate for a few weeks) new fish before adding them to your main aquaponics tank.
Q: How many small fish should I start with?
A: Start small! For a brand-new system, begin with just a few fish per 20 gallons of water. You can slowly add more once your beneficial bacteria (the good stuff that cleans the water) is fully established.
Q: Do small fish grow large enough to eat?
A: Some small fish, like certain types of Tilapia fingerlings, start small but grow to a decent eating size over several months. However, true ornamental small fish like Guppies stay small and are usually grown for system balance, not for food.
Q: What temperature range do most small tropical fish prefer?
A: Most small tropical fish thrive between 72°F and 78°F (about 22°C to 25°C). You will need a submersible heater if your room gets cold.
Q: What do I feed these small fish?
A: Feed them high-quality, small-pellet fish food formulated for their size. Do not overfeed! Only give them what they can eat in about five minutes, once or twice a day.
Q: Will the fish hurt my plants?
A: No, fish do not hurt the roots. In fact, the fish waste provides essential nutrients like nitrogen that the plants need to grow strong.
Q: How do I know if my fish are stressed?
A: Stressed fish often gasp at the water surface, hide constantly, or have faded colors. Check your water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) immediately if you notice these signs.
Q: Can I mix edible and ornamental small fish?
A: It depends on the types. If you mix a small edible fish (like a tiny catfish) with a very small ornamental fish (like a Neon Tetra), you must ensure the ornamental fish cannot be eaten by the edible one as it grows.
Q: Is aeration important for small fish?
A: Yes, aeration is extremely important. Small fish have less water volume to share oxygen in, so you must use an air pump and air stone to keep the water highly oxygenated.