Beginner Aquarium Information

Great beginner fish are peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for. They are also relatively inexpensive!

Best Beginner Saltwater Fish

chromis

Chromis

Peaceful, inexpensive, and easy to feed! The chromis stands out as one of the best beginner saltwater fish.

Goby's

Relatively inexpensive and are a very pretty and delicate looking fish. Make sure to have a tight lid on your tank though!

Angels

Angels will keep moving and are a beautiful addition which make your new aquarium very attractive. 

Other Beginner Saltwater Fish

  • Bicolor Blenny

Inexpensive and hardy the bicolor blenny will be a fantastic addition to your tank. They also eat up your algae!

  • Flame Hawkfish

Not very friendly with clean-up friends like hermits and small snails. But otherwise perfect for a beginners aquarium.

  • Pajama Cardinal

Pajama cardinals are a great beginner fish that are available almost everywhere. Super hardy and inexpensive, what more can you ask for?

  • Royal Gramma

The royal coloration they have is beautiful and they are very popular in the aquarium world. A perfect addition to any tank.

Frequently Asked Questions About Owning a Beginner Aquarium

  • Improper acclimation to new habitat
  • Poor water quality (i.e. ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)
  • Improper water chemistry (pH, hardness, alkalinity) and temperature
  • Improper Diet
  • Improper habitat - lack of cover, hiding places
  • Aggression from other fish
  • Sudden environmental changes
  • Lights on 24 hours a day

  • Compromises Immune System - When fish are stressed, their immune systems are weakened. This makes them more susceptible to diseases.
  • Inhibits Feeding Response - When fish are stressed, they are usually not interested in eating.
  • Shortens Lifespan - diverting energy to counter chronic stress means fish have less energy in reserve to stay healthy.
  • Inhibits Growth and Development - Chronically stressed fish have less energy for growth and proper development.
  • Mutes Colors - Putting on bright colors requires energy and stressed fish may not have enough energy reserves to devote to color.
  • Affects Behavior - Stressed fish may hide, swim nervously or dart about the aquarium risking injury to themselves or other tank mates. They may even try to escape by jumping out of the aquarium!

Here are some signs your fish may be stressed:

  • Little or no appetite
  • Physical injuries, torn fins
  • Hiding behind objects or laying on the bottom of the tank
  • Remaining motionless, nose up in an upper corner of the aquarium
  • Loss of color
  • Rapid breathing, gasping at the surface
  • Proper Acclimation
  • Feed them the correct amount of high quality foods
  • Maintain pristine water quality with regular water changes & maintenance
  • Maintain proper water chemistry with regular water testing
  • Create the right habitat with reef rock structures
  • Choose compatible tank mates - VERY IMPORTANT!
  • Avoid overcrowding
  • Provide a consistent day/night cycle

Get in contact with us about your new aquarium today!

We want to make reefing fun and easy. That’s why we provide expert reefing knowledge and quality saltwater aquarium products. From saltwater tanks with clownfish and anemones to full-blown reef tanks, Aquatic Reef Design has your reefing needs covered.