Planted Tank Mates
Planted Fish Tanks
All fish related topics including species profiles, comparisons and best types.
Overview Most types of Rasboras make great community fish. They’re generally peaceful and pair well with other tetras, danios and even dwarf shrimp. Being small in size, they can be timid and shy, often hiding in plants and shady areas. When kept in large groups, they feel more comfortable and safe and will exhibit strong...Continue reading
Overview There are many types of pleco catfish that can join your freshwater community. These suckermouth catfishes are often advertised as algae-eating “tank cleaners”, but can actually produce a lot of waste themselves. It’s a common misconception to just buy them and let them eat the crap in your tank. They do require a balanced...Continue reading
Overview Dwarf Pea Puffers are awesome little predators. They’ve become popular in the aquarium world for their adorable appearance and personality. Let’s not forget their unique way of swimming. They have tiny fins that flutter fast like a hummingbird, suspending themselves and maneuvering through the aquarium like a helicopter or drone. If startled, they can...Continue reading
Overview There are so many types of tetras in the planted tank community, it can be hard to choose one for your setup. In general, they’re a smaller size fish that belong to the Characidae family. They can be found in rivers, streams and ponds of Africa, South and Central America. Known for their vibrant...Continue reading
Overview Choosing top-dwelling freshwater fish for your aquarium can be a fun task with many options. Their size, temperament and water requirements can all vary. Some can be skittish and are prone to jumping out of the water. Others may have glamorous fins and are susceptible to fin nipping from mid and bottom dwellers. Then...Continue reading
Overview There are many different types of gourami that can make a beautiful centerpiece to your aquarium. They range in sizes from from popular dwarf sizes up to giant 24 inches. Contrary to common belief, they are labyrinth fish related to the aggressive betta species. They are generally peaceful as a single species with other...Continue reading
Overview Also known as Siamese or Japanese Fighting Fish (B. splendens), there are many different types of Betta fish in the aquarium hobby. Recognized for their vibrant colors and unique fins, betta fish can make a great centerpiece to a planted tank. Identifying them can be a bit confusing, especially when there are so many...Continue reading
Overview Looking for bottom dwelling fish to add to your tank? There’s a few things to consider with regards to the community and the setup. A lot of bottom dwellers do well in a heavily planted tank with different areas to scavenge and hide. Most like to rub their bodies into the substrate, so try...Continue reading
Overview Schooling fishes are fun to watch and they create great visualizations for a community tank. Gathering and swimming together is a social behavior that naturally occurs as a means for comfort and safety. Small fish will form packs to feel confident and appear larger in size against bigger bodies. Most freshwater nano fishes exhibit...Continue reading
Overview Cherry Barbs are great community fish! Barbs in general have a bad reputation for being aggressive, but Cherry Barbs are the exception. They max out at 2” in size and are very hardy. They can tolerate PH from 6.0 – 8.0, providing a variety of options for acidic or alkaline tank mates. Males are...