With 75 gallon tank you have a lot more options than smaller tanks and the reason is this. With small tanks there are not as many separate areas that fish can call their own space. With a 75 gallon tank you can use a centerpiece driftwood or large rocks to break it up into specific areas for each fish species. In this guide to the 11 best community fish for a 75 gallon tank we will talk about the pros and cons for each fish and how many you can have in your fish tank.
The 11 best community fish for a 75 gallon tank
As with any tank set up with multiple species of fish it is always a good idea to separate the fish tank into separate zones called the top half, middle and bottom half. Each species of fish is going to have a preferred swimming zone within the tank and when you are setting up your tank you should definitely tank that into consideration when choosing your species.
Pro Tip
Choose fish based on where they prefer living in the tank.
The tank can be broken up into 3 zones; top, middle, bottom.
Top half of the tank: Some species of fish like guppies prefer the top half of the tank because in their natural environment they feed on the surface of the water.
Middle of the tank: Some species on the other hand like tetras, angel fish, and cichlids prefer the middle of the tank.
Bottom of the tank: Bottom of the tank feeders are going to be your traditional bottom feeders like cory catfish and plecos. These fish are scavengers and feed primarily on the bottom of the tank in the substrate.
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.
The Best 11 fish for community 75 gallon fish tank
1. Molly (poecilia sphenops)
Mollies (Poecilia sphenops) are a staple in the freshwater aquarium trade, and for a good reason – they are perfect for beginners and are often sold for only a few dollars each. These lively little fish are a joy to watch and have been a favorite of aquarium hobbyists for many years.
The Molly is an ideal choice for a freshwater community tank because it is peaceful by nature and requires minimal care. They are native to North and South America, frequenting slow-moving, tropical rivers full of vegetation. Thanks to cross-breeding, there is an abundance of different species and colorings available today.
Due to their popularity among aquarists, the Cherry Barb has been listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. This is due to overharvesting, as well as the dwindling quality and availability of their natural habitats. Therefore, it’s important to practice responsible tank stocking when considering these fish as pets.
If you’re interested in owning Cherry Barbs, here are some tips for making the best decision for you and your tank:
• Start small – Add a group of no more than six to your tank to start with and observe how they interact before adding any more, especially if you’re new to owning this species.
• Water parameters – Make sure that the pH, temperature, and hardness levels are suitable for this species.
• Tank mates – Select other fish that are of similar size and temperament to the Cherry Barbs, making sure to avoid anything that might be aggressive or overly enthusiastic.
• Diet – These fish are omnivorous, so they’ll happily nibble on a range of beginner-friendly flakes and pellets. In conclusion, the Cherry Barb is an ideal fish to own both in terms of looks and care requirements.
As long as you practice smart tank stocking and look after them properly, these fish are sure to bring life and color to your aquarium.
These fish are known to be peaceful and tolerant when it comes to their tankmates. They can easily be combined with a range of other freshwater fish species, regardless of their size. Thus, Cherry Barbs make an excellent addition in a diverse aquarium community.
3. 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 with bettas. 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.
6. 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.
5. 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.
8. Glass Catfish
Glass catfish are a great addition to any freshwater tank due to their low-maintenance nature and active behavior. With their striking translucent bodies, they make for a unique and eye-catching addition. Adding other tank mates to your community tank is easy and hassle-free as long as you keep away from large and aggressive species. Glass catfish will thrive in a well-maintained aquarium, keeping your tank lively and vibrant.
7. Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose Plecos (sometimes referred to as the Bushy Nose Pleco or Bristlenose Catfish) can be a fun, distinctive addition to any freshwater aquarium. While not all aquarists may appreciate their unusual look, many view them as an interesting and eye-catching inhabitant in the tank.
Bristlenose Plecos (Ancistrus Cirrhosus of the Loricariidae family) are a great choice for novice fish tank owners, as they’re easy to care for and help to keep tanks looking clean and clear thanks to their unique algae-grazing habits. Originally indigenous to the streams and tributaries of the Amazon Basin, these fish have spread throughout Central and South America, where they are a popular choice for home aquariums. Not only practical but also fun to watch, these little critters are an interesting addition to any aquatic home.
8. Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasbora is beautiful fish with its beautiful metallic coloring. Good for a community tank, it is a peaceable fish and should be kept with other fish of similar size; otherwise, the larger fish in the tank might look upon it as a snack. A school of these fish creates a dynamic and vibrant display in any aquarium.
The Harlequin rasbora (often referred to as a red rasbora) is one of the most popular species of rasbora, distinguished by its reddish-copper body and striking black wedge covering the rear half of the body. Native to Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and southern Thailand, they inhabit streams and water ponds with low mineral content and high concentrations of humic acids, found in the blackwater habitats of South America. These fish can be found in almost all community aquariums due to their excellent schooling charistics and swimming behavior.
9. Guppies
Guppy fish are an incredibly popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene, sporting gorgeous tailfins filled with color! Low-maintenance and beginner friendly, these fish have a minnow-like profile with a pointed snout and upturned mouth. With luck and genetics, the guppy fish lifespan can be between two and five years, with adults reaching up to two inches in length. Appropriate tank size would be at least a five-gallon tank, but preferably a 10-gallon tank or larger. The best environment for guppies would be one with a water temperature of 64°F to 84°F, pH level of 7.5 to 8.0, and water hardness of 8 to 12. When it comes to decorations, guppies aren’t picky and prefer natural items whenever possible.
Guppy fish are an ideal choice for those looking to start their own fish-keeping tank, as they are well-suited to peaceful multi-species tanks. These small fish possess vibrant fan-like tails in a variety of colors, making them an aesthetically pleasing addition to any aquarium. Guppies tend to swim towards the top of the water and do best in tanks with plenty of vegetation. Furthermore, breeding is easy, since guppies are livebearers and the fry are born fully-formed.
