Aquatic pets are fascinating, but not everybody has space for a full-scale aquarium in their home. Luckily, there are plenty of creatures that are perfect for a smaller 10-gallon tank, including fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. We advise avoiding most reptiles because they usually grow larger and may need a new tank in the future.
Check out the best aquatic pets for 10-gallon tanks now!
1. Guppies Are Popular Choices for Small Aquariums
Most people keep fish because they bring color and activity into their homes. For smaller tanks, guppies are one of the best choices because of their shimmering aesthetic. They’re among the world’s most popular pet fish. This freshwater species grows to about 2.8 inches in length, and you can comfortably keep about four or five in a 10-gallon tank. Guppies are available in many colors, and they live for about three years. They’re livebearers, so this is something to be aware of if you’re keeping them in a small tank. Two guppies can quickly turn into 20!
2. African Dwarf Frogs Spend Their Lives Underwater
Not everybody wants to keep pet fish. However, there are many other aquatic pet options. African dwarf frogs are very popular because of their compact size. One of the world’s smallest frogs, they grow to about 2.5 inches in length. They spend their lives underwater but occasionally rise to the surface to fill their lungs with oxygen. You can keep up to four African dwarf frogs in a 10-gallon tank. The only issue is that they produce a lot of waste, so you’ll need an efficient filtration system. Also, ensure there are enough hiding places for them.
3. Platies Can Live Three Years in Captivity
Platies are another very common pet fish. You can keep about three or four of these beautiful tiny fish in a 10-gallon tank. They’re also livebearers, like guppies, so take care mixing males and females! Platies are community fish, so we recommend keeping at least three together. More is better, if possible, but we recognize this isn’t always possible given a 10-gallon tank! They’re a great option for first-time fish owners because they don’t have special requirements. Feed them with commercial fish flakes. Platies will live for about three years in captivity.
4. Dwarf Seahorses Thrive in Smaller Tanks
Dwarf seahorses are some of the most interesting aquatic pets. A smaller tank is actually better for their feeding needs. They need a contained space, so that they can easily reach food, like brine shrimp.
You can put about ten dwarf seahorses into a 10-gallon tank. These tiny seahorses only grow to about 1.5 inches long. We don’t advise mixing dwarf seahorses with other species. Some fish will see them as prey or at least eat their food. Also, we recommend a gentle sponge filter instead of an air filter for their tank, so they don’t get sucked inside!
5. Dwarf Corydoras Are Tiny Tank Cleaners
Catfish are fascinating aquatic pets because they’re bottom feeders. They naturally help to remove waste from your tank. However, most catfish are too big for a 10-gallon tank. Dwarf corydoras are the exception to the rule because they only grow up to an inch long. They’re community fish so you should keep about six. They live very peaceful lives and mix well with other non-aggressive species. Experts advise a soft, sandy substrate for these sensitive fish, so they don’t scratch themselves.
6. Axolotls Can Live Temporarily in 10-Gallon Tanks
Many hobbyists say that you need a 20-gallon tank for a single axolotl. However, a 10-gallon aquarium is suitable if it’s meant to be temporary. You may tub your axolotl in a cycled, 10-gallon tank if something goes wrong with their primary enclosure or if they present signs of a health condition, such as fungal growth. Remember that axolotls require cool water of 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Amano Shrimp Help Filter Aquarium Water
Amano shrimp are a great choice for a 10-gallon tank. You can put about five or six shrimp in one of these smaller aquariums. These filter feeders can help stabilize your aquarium’s water parameters. Ensure that you tightly seal the lid because they are escape artists. Amano shrimp are excellent jumpers, so keeping them in open-lidded tanks is risky.
Owners may also mix their amano shrimp with peaceful fish like corydoras. They prefer a warmer room temperature of 64 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. A heater may be necessary in cooler climates. This shrimp is a social species, so ensure that you get several to keep them happy.
8. Fire-bellied Toads Suit Amphibian Lovers
Fire-bellied toads are one of the most striking species in this guide. Their name comes from the brightly colored patterns on their chests and stomachs, giving this amphibian a dramatic appearance. These toads are a semi-aquatic species and can survive up to 20 years in captivity. You can put a pair of fire-bellied toads in a 10-gallon tank, although bigger is better. There should be a deep substrate because these toads love burrowing. We advise creating an equal amount of dry area and water for your fire-bellied toads. Ensure there are plenty of plants, too, because this will help maintain the enclosure’s humidity levels.
9. Bettas Suit Small and Medium-Sized Tanks
Betta fish are another very popular aquatic pet species. You may keep them in a five-gallon tank, but 10 gallons gives them more room to explore. Also, it’s generally easier to keep a larger tank’s parameters stable compared to a smaller aquarium.
Betta fish are available in many different colors. Remember, bettas come to the surface to breathe so the tank shouldn’t be too deep. There should also be a filter and a heater for your aquatic pets. They need a constant temperature of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a pH of 6.8 to 7.5. Bettas also mix well with many of the other species in this guide, including corydoras and guppies. That’s why they’re one of the best aquatic pets.
