Beginner Community Fish Stock List: Peaceful Combinations
Building a beginner-friendly community means selecting compatible temperaments, overlapping parameter needs, and sustainable bioload for the tank size.
Starter Tank Sizes
| Size | Ideal Stocking Strategy |
|---|---|
| 10 gal | Single focal species + cleanup crew |
| 20 gal | Mixed small schooling + centerpiece |
| 29 gal | Schooling + dwarf cory + color accent |
| 40 gal | Larger variety; multiple shoals |
Peaceful Species Picks
| Species | School Size | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ember Tetra | 10–14 | Easy | Vivid orange; midwater schooling |
| Neon Tetra | 10–12 | Easy | Classic color band; sensitive to swings |
| Harlequin Rasbora | 8–10 | Easy | Active schooling; copper triangle |
| Cherry Barb | 8–10 | Easy | Males deepen red with good feeding |
| Corydoras (Pygmy/Dwarf) | 8+ | Easy | Bottom activity; soft substrate |
| Nerite Snail | 1–2 | Easy | Algae grazer; no overpopulation |
| Amano Shrimp | 4–6 | Easy | Cleanup crew; needs secure lid |
Example 20 Gallon Stock Plan
- 10 Ember Tetras
- 8 Pygmy Corydoras
- 6 Amano Shrimp
- 2 Nerite Snails
Balanced across top/mid/bottom and algae control.
Feeding Framework
- Primary: Quality staple micro pellet (small mouth friendly)
- Supplement: Frozen daphnia/bloodworms weekly
- Vegetation: Blanched spinach or spirulina wafers for bottom crew
Avoiding Overcrowding
| Warning Sign | Cause | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Surface gasping | Low oxygen / too many fish | Increase aeration; reassess stock |
| Constant chasing | Territorial mismatch | Reduce aggressive species; add plants |
| Cloudy water | Overfeeding / waste | Improve maintenance; reduce feeding |
Acclimation & Quarantine
All new fish should pass through quarantine (see QT guide) before joining established peaceful shoals.
Internal Links
Final Thoughts
Start modest, let the biofilter mature, then add fish slowly. Peaceful, compatible communities age gracefully and display natural schooling behaviors.