Why your first tank should not be a nano tank

Small tanks look manageable. They are not. Water chemistry swings faster in ten litres than in a hundred, and a missed feeding or a dead snail can shift ammonia past safe levels within a day.

A 75-litre (20 US gallon) tank is the practical minimum for a beginner. It forgives mistakes, holds a proper school, and costs little more than a nano kit once the filter and heater are counted.

What to buy instead

A rimmed glass tank, a sponge or hang-on-back filter rated above the tank volume, an adjustable heater, and a liquid test kit. Skip the light until the tank has cycled.

Stocking the first month

Start with six of one hardy schooler and nothing else. Neon tetras are fine once the tank is stable; zebra danios are better on day one.

Written by the index editors. Corrections to hello@ilovethatfish.com.