The 5 best community fish for a 20 gallon tank is A common question I get asked a lot is what fish would you recommend for a 20 gallon tank and my answer is always the same. When coming up with the species of fish you would like to keep in your tank you need to be aware of the feeding preferences of each fish, the water parameters the fish prefers, and the fishes personality. Some fish make better community fish than others and it is important to make sure that each fish gets along with the others in the tank. In this guide for the 5 best community fish for a 20 gallon tank I will show you what fish I always recommend for tank that will look good with lots of fish swimming in all parts of the tank.
What to consider when picking the 5 best community fish for a 20 gallon tank
A 20 gallon tank is big enough that you can add bigger fish and more fish to the tank, you still want to be careful not to overstock the tank right away before it has a chance to establish the bio load management in it.
1. Size of the fish
The size of the fish can be important when selecting the 5 best community fish for a 20 gallon tank. You want to choose fish that are all similar in size to one another so one species does not bully or consider another species food.
2. Water Chemistry
Different species of fish prefer different water parameters and it is important to find fish that prefer the water the same temperature and the same hardness.
3. Diet and feeding habits
Having fish that have the same diet will make it easier to feed your fish the proper diet. If your fish are carnivores it is important to make sure all the fish are carnivores or at least omnivores. And the same holds true for herbivores.
4. Temperament and compatibility with other fish.
The temperament of each fish species can be different and it is important to find fish that have a similar temperament and chemistry. This will help with the compatibility with each fish and how they interact with each other.
5 Best community fish for a 20 gallon tank
When I put together this list for the 5 best community fish for a 20 gallon tank, The main thing I paid attention to was the swimming levels each fish preferred. I have found that if you put together a tank with fish that prefer different levels of the tank your tank looks like it has more fish and is much more interesting to watch.
1. Guppies
Guppies are my go to fish for any community tank because there are so many different varieties and colors. They tend to be hardy and can tolerate a wide variety of water conditions.
Guppies are a very popular species of tropical fish that are kept in aquariums with other peaceful community fish. these brightly colored fish come in a variety of shades, including blue, green, yellow, orange, and red, making them a visually appealing addition to any tank. Guppies are known for their active and playful behavior, which adds colorful actions to the fish tank
In terms of care, guppies are hardy and easy to maintain, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists they are well-adapted to captive life and thrive in a well-cycled tank with proper filtration and water quality. Guppies prefer water temperatures between 72-82°F and a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0-7.5. They are omnivores and will feed on a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, and small live or frozen foods.
Guppies are also a social species and are best kept in a community tank with other non-aggressive fish that are a similar size and they are known for their ability to breed easily in captivity, making them a popular choice for those interested in breeding fish. With their bright colors, playful behavior, and ease of care, guppies are a great addition to a 20-gallon tank and make an ideal community fish.
Guppies are one of the most popular fish in the aquarium industry for a good reason and it make sense to add them to your community tank. I would add anywhere from 5 to 7 guppies in a tank.
2. Cardinal Tetra
The cardinal tetra is my go to pick for a community fish that prefers to hang out in the middle of the tank, they prefer to stay in schools so it is always best to make sure you have at least four to six in your tank.
The cardinal tetra is a popular and pretty fish often kept in community fish tanks, this small fish is known for its bright blue and red stripes along its body, making it a beautiful addition to a clean tank with a dark background. Cardinal tetras are peaceful and are best kept in a tank with other small, friendly fish.
Taking care of cardinal tetras is not difficult, making them a good option for new fish tank owners while they are a tough fish that can handle life in a tank and will do well with proper filtration and water quality. Neon tetras like water that is between 72-82°F and have a pH between 6.0-7.0. They eat a mix of things, including flakes, pellets, and small live or frozen foods.
When kept in the right environment, cardinal tetras are lively and social, adding a pop of color to any tank. With their peaceful nature and easy care, neon tetras are a great choice for a 20-gallon tank and will fit in well with other similarly sized fish.
3. Cory Catfish
Cory catfish, also known as Corydoras, are a popular species of tropical fish that do very good in community aquariums. These small, bottom-dwelling fish are known for their gentle and peaceful nature, and for keeping the bottom of tanks clean, making them an ideal addition to a community tank. Cory catfish have a distinctive, armored body with hard spikes and come in a variety of colors, that can include albino, spotted, green, and black.
Taking care of Cory catfish is easy because, Cory catfish are hardy and easy to feed, making them a good choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. They are well-adapted to community life and thrive in a well-cycled tank with proper filtration and water quality. Cory catfish prefer water temperatures between 72-78°F with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0-7.5. They are omnivores and will feed on a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, and small live or frozen foods.
Cory catfish play an important role in maintaining the health of an aquarium by scavenging for food and cleaning up waste. They are also active and social fish that will add both interest and liveliness to a community tank. With their peaceful nature, hardiness, and ease of care, Cory catfish are an excellent choice for a 20-gallon community tank and make an ideal addition to any community of similarly sized fish.
4. Otocinclus
Otocinclus catfish, also known as “otos,” are a species of small algae eating fish that are kept in aquarium to clean up and control algae. They are known for their peaceful and hardy nature, which makes them an ideal addition to any community tank. Otocinclus catfish have a slender, brown or black body and are known for their ability to clean algae from aquarium plants and surfaces.
In terms of care, otocinclus catfish are easy to take care of and is well-adapted to captive life. They prefer a well-cycled tank with proper filtration and water quality and some live plants. Otocinclus catfish require water temperatures between 72-82°F and a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0-7.5. They are strictly herbivores and require a diet consisting mainly of algae wafers or blanched vegetables.
Otocinclus catfish can play an important role in maintaining the health of an aquarium by keeping surfaces of the aquarium and plants free of algae.
5. Shrimp
Freshwater shrimp are a popular addition to many aquariums due to their interesting appearance and behavior. They come in a variety of colors, including red, green, yellow, and brown, and are known for their active, cleaning behavior. Freshwater shrimp are also a great source of food for other fish in the tank, making them a valuable addition to any community.
Taking care of freshwater shrimp is relatively easy, making them a good choice for both new and experienced fish tank owners. They require a well-cycled tank with proper filtration and water quality. Freshwater shrimp prefer water temperatures between 68-82°F and a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0-7.5. They are omnivores and will feed on a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, and small live or frozen foods.
Freshwater shrimp are social creatures and do best in a tank with other friendly fish. They are also good for people who want to breed fish because they are easy to breed in captivity. With their active behavior and ease of care, freshwater shrimp are a great addition to a 20-gallon tank and will fit in well with other similarly sized fish.
The importance of hiding places in a community fish tank
Having places to hide in a community fish tank is essential for the well-being of the tank’s inhabitants. When fish feel safe and secure, they exhibit more natural behavior, feel less stress, and are less likely to become sick and die. As well as providing fish with protection from predators, hiding places also help to create shade and give the aquarium a more natural look.
Aquascaping with caves, rocks, driftwood, and live plants is a great way to help create secure hiding places for fish. A large decoration that provides lots of places to hide can be a good centerpiece to your fish tank. By providing comfortable and predictable hiding areas, the community of fish will feel more confident and be more likely to venture out and explore the rest of the tank. Hiding places also help alleviate overcrowding in tanks that have a high population of fish.
By providing secure cover in a place, smaller fish can get away from the bigger guys. This helps reduce the chance of stress and aggressive behavior, ultimately leading to healthier, more relaxed fish and a more balanced tank. Furthermore, hiding places can create more depth and diversity to an aquarium, boosting its overall aesthetic. A variety of decorations, rocks, and plants will make the environment much more interesting, creating a stimulating atmosphere for the fish to enjoy.
What fish go good together in a 20 gallon tank?
Fish that go good together in a 20 gallon tank generally are all the same size and have prefer the same water parameters. Fish like guppies, platies, mollies, tetras, and some barbs all go good together in a 20 gallon tank. You can also add in bottom feeders like cory catfish and shrimp.
How Many community fish can you have in a 20 gallon tank?
You can have a combination of fish and invertebrates in 20 gallon tank. It will really depend on how much maintenance you want to do and how much filtration you have. The more fish in your 20 gallon community tank will mean more water changes to keep the level of ammonia and nitrites down.
When it comes to creating a harmonious aquatic environment in a 20-gallon tank, selecting the 5 best community fish for a 20-gallon tank is crucial for a thriving and visually appealing setup. These fish not only coexist peacefully but also add vibrant colors and unique personalities to your aquatic oasis. At the top of the list, the peaceful and colorful Neon Tetras are an excellent choice 5 best community fish for a 20 gallon tank, their vibrant hues and schooling behavior create a mesmerizing spectacle. Adding to the charm are the graceful and hardy Platies, which come in a variety of colors, making them versatile additions to your community. The charming Dwarf Gouramis, with their vibrant patterns, provide a touch of elegance to your 5 best community fish for a 20 gallon tank tank. The versatile and lively Corydoras catfish, known for their bottom-dwelling nature, help keep the substrate clean. Lastly, the serene and adaptable Harlequin Rasboras add a subtle beauty to your aquatic haven. In conclusion, selecting the 5 best community fish for a 20-gallon tank is pivotal for an enchanting and balanced underwater world, where these fish can thrive harmoniously while offering a delightful spectacle for aquarium enthusiasts.
