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How to Choose the Right Fish for Your biOrb Aquarium
Selecting the right fish for your biOrb aquarium is an exciting part of setting up a beautiful and thriving underwater world. But before making your choices, it’s important to consider the size of your biOrb, the number of fish it can support, and the care needs of different species.
biOrb offers three sizes of aquariums—4-gallon, 8-gallon to 9.2-gallon, and 16-gallon—each designed to support the best fish for small aquariums and ensure a thriving environment—each with unique capacities. Choosing the right fish ensures a healthy, balanced environment and a stress-free experience for both you and your aquatic pets.
Consider Aquarium Size and Stocking Limits
The general rule of thumb is one inch of fish per gallon, but this varies depending on the species and their space needs. Overcrowding can lead to poor water quality, stress, and reduced lifespan for your fish. Here’s a quick guide to selecting fish based on your biOrb’s size (note these are just a few suggested species for our aquariums, so if in doubt, we recommend speaking with your local aquatics store too):
4-Gallon biOrb Aquarium – Best for Small, Hardy Fish
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Our 4-gallon aquariums are ideal for a few small fish or a single betta fish.
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Best choices: One Betta fish or Two Guppies, Platies, Mollies, or Tetras. You could also consider a small group of shrimps.
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Avoid fish that need more swimming space, like goldfish or schooling species requiring larger groups.
8-Gallon to 9.2-Gallon biOrb Aquarium – Great for Small Community Fish
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Our 8-gallon to 9.2-gallon aquariums can accommodate a small school of fish or a mix of species.
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Best choices: Up to 4 smaller species per tank. Try Tetras (Neon, Red Eye, Cardinal), Killifish, Guppies, Mollies, Platies, or Zebra Danios.
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Great for a colorful, active display with fish that thrive in small groups.
16-Gallon biOrb Aquarium – Ideal for a Thriving Aquatic Community
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Our 16-gallon aquariums offer the most flexibility for a mix of species and slightly larger fish.
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Best choices: Up to 8 smaller species per tank. Try Platies, Mollies, Tetras, Killifish, Guppies, or Danios. You can also consider no more than 2 Goldfish or Gourami but consider starting with either species alone, not mixing with a smaller species immediately. Allows for a dynamic, lively aquarium with different levels of swimming activity.
Best Community Fish for Beginners – Selecting Fish That Thrive Together
When stocking your biOrb, ensure your fish are compatible in terms of temperament, water conditions, and diet. Here are a few key stocking tips:
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Avoid aggressive fish that may nip at fins (e.g., some cichlids or large territorial fish).
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Choose fish with similar water temperature and pH needs (most biOrb-friendly fish prefer 72–78°F water). To ensure your biOrb maintains the ideal temperature for tropical fish, consider using an aquarium heater that’s compatible with curved and flat surfaces.
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Mix top, middle, and bottom swimmers to create a balanced and visually appealing aquarium.
Easy-Care Fish for Beginners – Keep Maintenance Simple
A well-planned stocking choice makes your biOrb easier to maintain. Some fish, like bettas and guppies, require minimal care, while others, like mollies and danios, may need frequent water changes due to higher waste production. Regular filter changes and proper feeding schedules help maintain water clarity and fish health.
Get Started with Your biOrb Aquarium – How to Set Up a Fish Tank for Success
Choosing the right fish ensures a thriving, vibrant underwater world in your biOrb aquarium to make sure you’re providing the best possible home for the fish. Whether you opt for a peaceful betta, a lively school of tetras, or a mix of community fish, selecting the right species for your 4-gallon, 8-to-9.2-gallon, or 16-gallon aquarium leads to a stress-free, beautiful aquatic setup.