What is a Good Starter Fish Tank for Beginners

If you are thinking about jumping into the world of fish keeping, or crayfish in my case, you’ll need to know what is a good starter fish tank—a beginner fish tank. Because I assure you that ending up with a lousy fish tank and tank accessories will be a total pain in the butt, and possibly a total waste of time and money. It might actually even ruin your enthusiasm for having any type of fish tank altogether.

Searching for a Good Starter Fish Tank?

When I first became interested in getting my crayfish (and a few fish), I wanted to make sure I got what I needed to make this whole project a success. So naturally, I had to think about the perfect kind of tank for my crayfish.

I read online like you are doing now. I did my research and lots of it.

There was so much information to take in and so much to consider. What size tank did I need? Which pump did I need to buy? What about the heater?

Because as it turned out, there were all kinds of different sized tanks. There were all kinds of different pumps, filters, heaters. Ugh!

So the question was just what did I need for this all to work for me? Did I need to hire a team of professionals or something? Did I really have to buy all of the individual components for my fish tank separately? Was there any type of “kit” that would provide me with everything I needed to get started?

Actually, there were kits.

The Perfect Sized Tank for Your New Hobby

When getting started with your new fish tank, it is important to remember that you are new to the hobby. Having said that, you should pick a tank that you can manage and have the time to care for as needed—and that is just what I did when I got started.

When getting started, I personally would recommend either a 10-gallon or 20-gallon tank based on my experience. They do make 1-gallon tanks but come on, that’s no way to treat a fish or crayfish. It’s just way too small. And, honestly, it’s no way for a beginning aquarist to really find out what it’s like to keep fish.

Putting a fish or crayfish in a 1-gallon tank would be like you having to live in your closet. So, in my opinion, I think it’s best to at least go with a 10-gallon tank.

Also, if you are going to keep multiple fish or a crayfish, you’ll definitely need at least a 20-gallon fish tank, in my opinion, of course. Crayfish will eat other fish and crayfish if given the chance. And they are always trying to find that chance. That’s why it’s very important you select the right fish to go in the tank with your crayfish if you get one. More on that later.

I Bought My Fish Tank

When I did finally find my own fish tank, it was after I had spent hours shopping and researching online. (I’m trying to save you that time.)

Then I simply went to a local pet store here in town and asked them their thoughts on a good starter fish tank?

Finally, I got my answer.

They showed me several tanks. Including the tiny, good-for-nothing tanks, a MarineLand tank (which I also liked), and finally, the Aqueon Background LED light kit and that is what I went with. And to this day it has been a great aquarium.

It’s one of many affordable and quality fish tank kits and great for anyone starting out.

It was a great choice for me because it came with the aquarium, of course, along with the light, pump, and heater. All I needed to buy other than the kit was gravel, an ornament (rock or other objects for the fish to hang out in) and that was it. (Oh, and my crayfish and fish!)

The other cool thing about this kit is that it took no time to put together. It was obviously not a product manufactured by IKEA. It was very easy to assemble. And “easy” is what I wanted and needed.

Go Slowly When Getting Started with a New Fish Tank

As you get your fish tank going, you will want to go about it slowly. Meaning, don’t just buy the tank, add water, and dump ten fish in it. They will die.

Before you add any fish or crayfish to your tank, be sure to read about how to set up a fish tank. It’s a step-by-step guide that shows exactly how to get a fish tank “cycled” and ready to sustain life.

Also, here is a great list of some interesting freshwater fish. Some, but not all, have good temperaments and are easy to care for.