The choice of Size and the shape Aquarium is a crucial step to ensure the well-being of your fish and the balance of your aquatic ecosystem. Different species of fish have specific needs in terms of space, water volume and type of movement in the aquarium. Here is a guide to help you choose your aquarium according to the species you want to host.
1. Aquarium size: a determining factor for fish health
The aquarium size is one of the most important criteria to consider when installing an aquarium. The larger the aquarium, the easier it is to maintain a chemical balance in the water and provide enough space for fish.
Why aquarium size is essential:
- Vital space : Fish need sufficient space to swim, explore and live in peace. Too small an aquarium can cause stress, aggressive behaviour or disease.
- Water volume : A larger volume of water makes it possible to better absorb chemical variations (pH, ammonia, nitrates), thus reducing the risk to fish health.
- Species distribution : Some fish species, such as benches or territorial fishes, require large spaces to feel comfortable. In addition, large fish require water volume proportional to their size.
Aquarium sizes according to fish types:
| Type of fish | Recommended aquarium size |
|---|---|
| Small fish (Guppy, Neon, Platy) | Minimum 40 to 60 litres for a group of 5 to 10 fish |
| Benchfish (Neon, Rasbora) | Minimum 60 litres for a bench of 6 or more fish |
| Territorial fish (Betta, Gourami) | Minimum 20 to 40 litres for a Betta or 60 to 80 litres for a Gourami |
| Groundfish (Corydoras, Pleco) | Minimum 60 litres for a small species, up to 200 litres for large species |
| Large fish (Cichlids, Discus) | Minimum 150 litres for one couple, up to 300 litres or more for several |
| Marine fish | Minimum 150 litres to start in seawater |
General rule for size:
- 1 cm of adult fish per litre of water is a common basic rule. This means that if you plan to have a fish that will be 10 cm tall at adulthood, you will need at least 10 litres of water for this individual. However, this rule does not take into account territorial species or fish with specific needs.
Some additional considerations:
- Fish in benches : Fish like Neon, Rasboras or Danios like to swim in groups. It is important to provide them with sufficient horizontal space for them to swim freely in a bench. A long aquarium is therefore preferable.
- Territorial fish : Fish such as Betta and Gourami are known to be territorial. Make sure they have enough space to establish their territories without feeling threatened by other fish.
2. Aquarium shape: an influence on fish behaviour
The aquarium shape affects not only aesthetics, but also how fish interact with their environment. Fish may have preferences for forms that better mimic their natural habitat.
The different forms of aquariums:
- Rectangular Aquarium (Lived) : It is the most common and often the best form for most species. It offers a large surface for horizontal swimming and allows good oxygenation thanks to a large surface of contact with air.
- Ideal for : Benchfish (Neons, Rasboras, Danios) and active species that enjoy swimming over long distances.
- Aquarium cube : These aquariums are compact and aesthetic, but may lack length for species that need a lot of swimming space. However, they are perfect for small species.
- Ideal for : Small fish like Betta, Guppys or quiet fish like Corydoras.
- Hexagonal or cylindrical aquarium : These shapes are aesthetic, but they generally offer less surface area on the ground and may limit fish movements. In addition, maintenance and filtration can be more complex in these configurations.
- Ideal for : Small fish or aquariums with very few species, such as a Betta or some fresh water shrimp.
- Aquarium with curved facade (concave or convex) : These aquariums are often used to maximize visual space, but can cause visual distortions that disturb fish.
- Ideal for : A mainly aesthetic use. These aquariums are often more suitable for inactive fish.
Choose a fish-friendly form:
- Benchfish : They need a long swim. Rectangular aquariums, often longer than high, are perfect for them.
- Groundfish : Fish such as Corydoras or Plecostomus prefer aquariums with a large surface area to explore. Choose rectangular or cubic aquariums with good depth.
- Territorial fish : They like to have well-defined areas in the aquarium. A rectangular or cube aquarium allows them to create distinct territories.
3. Other factors to consider when choosing size and shape
A. Space available at home
Before choosing an aquarium, consider the space available in your home. If you have a small space, choose a small cube or rectangular aquarium, but make sure it is large enough to accommodate your fish comfortably. Also consider the location of the aquarium to avoid direct exposure to the sun (which promotes algae).
B. Filtration and oxygenation
A larger aquarium requires more powerful filtration to maintain good water quality. It is important to have adequate filtration and oxygenation to avoid the accumulation of waste and the degradation of water quality.
- Long aquariums allow better water circulation and provide a wider surface area for oxygen exchange at the surface, which is ideal for fish that require a lot of oxygen.
- Cubic or high aquariums may require more powerful pumps or filters to ensure good water circulation at all depths.
C. The type of decoration and plants
If you wish to include aquatic plants In your aquarium, it is essential to provide enough space for them to develop. Long and rectangular aquariums offer more surface area to plant and create distinct areas for your fish.
- Deep-rooted plants : They require aquariums with a substrate deep enough to effectively root.
- The decors and hiding places : If you have fish that like to hide or are territorial, it is important to choose an aquarium that offers enough space to include hiding places (rocks, caves, roots, etc.) without overloading the volume.
D. Fish behaviour
Some fish like to swim in full water, while others prefer to stay near the bottom. Be sure to choose a size and shape of aquarium that meet these behavioral preferences.
- Swimming Fish (like Danios or Neons) prefer an aquarium with a long swim.
- Groundfish (such as the Corydoras or the Loaches) require a large area on the ground to move and seek food.
Summary table of aquarium size and shape choices by species
| Type of fish | Recommended aquarium size | Adapted aquarium shape | Behaviour to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guppy, Platy, Neon | 40 to 60 litres | Rectangular or cube | Surface fish, like swimming in groups |
| Betta | 20 to 40 litres | Rectangular cube or aquarium | Territorial, prefers an individual space |
| Corydoras, Plecostomus | 60 to 200 litres | Rectangular or deep cube | Groundfish, like to explore the substrate |
| Gourami, Angelfish | 80 to 150 litres | Rectangular | Territorial fish, like a swimming space |
| Neon, Rasbora (banks) | 60 litres or more | Long rectangular | Benchfish, prefer large lengths |
| Cichlids | 150 litres or more | Long rectangular | Territorial fish, require space |
| Discussion | 250 litres or more | Deep rectangular | Large fish, require large volumes |
Choose the Size and shape your aquarium is essential to offer your fish a comfortable and healthy environment. Taking into account their specific needs for space, swimming and territorial behaviour, you can create a harmonious ecosystem where your fish will flourish fully.
