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 overfeeding or a dead snail can push ammonia up quickly.

We recommend a 75-litre (20 US gallon) tank as a first tank. It forgives mistakes and holds a proper school.

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.