Best fish tanks in 2022 - Insider

Fish tank FAQs

What is the best tank size for a fish?

A fish tank should never hold less than 5 gallons of water. However, there is no standard tank size that will work for every fish. Different fish have different tank needs.

"Some fish like corydoras like to stay towards the bottom of the tank and sift through the sand, so the footprint of the tank is more important than the height," explained Hwang. "Angelfish, on the other hand, are very vertical fish, so height and length are more important than the footprint. Other fish, such as plecostomus, create a lot of waste, so more water is suggested to maintain a stable water chemistry." 

What is the easiest fish tank to maintain?

A freshwater tank is easier to maintain than one filled with saltwater because freshwater environments regularly fluctuate in temperature and water chemistry. "Saltwater environments are the extension of oceanic ecosystems," said Waldron. "Environmental conditions in the ocean are very stable, with few fluctuations. It's hard to maintain perfectly stable conditions in an aquarium, so freshwater organisms are naturally better adapted to the variability of aquarium life."

Do all fish tanks need a heater?

No. Fish that naturally live in cold water don't need a heater. Those that hail from tropical environments like betta fish are likely to require one. Research the species of fish you are interested in to determine the temperature they prefer.

What common mistakes do beginners make with their fish tank?

Ganchev and Hwang told us that putting fish into a tank before its nitrogen cycle is complete can be a deadly mistake. In a fish tank, the nitrogen cycle is a series of biological steps to remove harmful nitrogen-derived waste products, including ammonia and nitrite, from the water. 

Hwang also said that quarantining new fish is important to protect those already living in the tank. "Fish from stores can come with bacterial infections, viral infections, or even parasites, so be careful," she said. Not taking the time to fully research your fish and equipment options before purchasing them is another huge mistake, according to Durmaz and Waldron. "We must not forget that they are living things," said Durmaz.