Why Fish-Only Tanks Are Perfect For Beginners!

*FEED WHAT SHRIMP LOVE!*
Get 10% OFF my premium shrimp food collection with promo code FOREVER10.
Shop ➡️ https://shrimplycanadian.com/shop/shrimp-food.php

*NEWSLETTER*
Sign up for tips, guides and exclusive discounts plus first access to new products.
Website ➡️ https://shrimplycanadian.com

*JOIN THE SKITTLE SQUAD!*
Unlock exclusive perks and support the channel.
Patreon ➡️ https://www.patreon.com/shrimplycanadian

◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️

Fish-only tanks are by far the most popular choice for beginners. For many aquarists, this is where the hobby begins. Unlike shrimp, which are subtle and detail-oriented, fish deliver an immediate sense of life and activity in the tank. A single Betta flaring at the glass or a school of Tetras darting across the tank instantly grabs your attention.

When it comes to size, you can match the fish to the space you have. Nano fish like Bettas, Tetras or Rasboras thrive in smaller aquariums, while larger species like Angelfish or Gouramis need more room. If you’re into bigger, showpiece fish—like Oscars or Discus—you’ll want at least a 55-gallon tank or larger. The beauty of a fish-only setup is that you can scale it up or down depending on what interests you most.

Fish tanks can range from very affordable to fairly expensive depending on the species you choose and the size of your setup. A simple Betta tank can be done on a tight budget, while larger aquariums with Angelfish, Discus, or Oscars require stronger filters, heaters, and sometimes even custom stands. Ongoing costs include food, water conditioners, and replacement filter media. Smaller schooling fish are usually inexpensive, but larger or rarer species can add up quickly. Equipment is pretty standard across the board—a good filter, heater if you’re keeping tropical fish, and decent lighting. That said, even “standard” equipment can get expensive if you go high-tech or choose better-known brands, so it’s worth balancing your budget with your goals. Decorations and live plants are optional, though keep in mind some fish will happily nibble or even destroy plants, while others thrive in planted setups.

Feeding is usually straightforward in a fish-only tank. Most fish do well on high-quality flakes or pellets, but adding frozen or live foods like brine shrimp or daphnia can boost their colour and bring out natural behaviours. The main thing is to avoid overfeeding, since leftover food quickly breaks down into waste and can crash your water quality.

Maintenance is fairly simple. Weekly or bi-weekly water changes of 20% or more are enough depending on the species and the size of fish you keep, along with routine filter cleaning depending on the type—whether you’re running sponge filters, hang-on-back filters, or canister filters. You’ll also need to clean algae off the glass and occasionally trim plants if you have them.

If you’re going on vacation, you’ve got three options: skip feeding for a few days, use an automatic feeder, or have someone check in. Skipping meals is fine for up to a week in most cases, but if you’ll be away longer, an automatic feeder or a trusted helper becomes essential.

The bottom line is, a fish-only tank gives you personality, movement, and flexibility—whether it’s a small nano setup or a big display centerpiece.

◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the channel!

#shrimp #aquarium #shrimplycanadian #plantedaquarium #aquariumhobby #fishtank #shrimptank #fish #aquarist #aquascape #aquascaping #fishkeeping #shrimpkeeping