Best Fish for Small Tanks in Bangladesh

Introduction: Easy Fish for Small Aquariums in BD

In Bangladesh’s urban homes—where space is limited—a small aquarium (5–20 liters) can still thrive with the ​right fish species. However, many beginners buy delicate fish that die quickly due to ​poor water conditions or overcrowding.

This guide lists the hardiest, low-maintenance fish available in ​Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet pet markets, along with ​care tips tailored for Bangladesh’s climate.

1. Top 5 Best Fish for Small Tanks (5–20 Liters)

🐟 1. Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)

✔ Tank Size: 5+ liters
✔ Why?

• Can live in small spaces (but 10L+ is ideal).
• Labyrinth organ lets them breathe air (survives power cuts).
• Sold everywhere (Dhaka’s New Market, ​Kawran Bazar).

⚠️ Warning: Keep ​only one per tank (they fight other bettas).

🐠 2. Guppy Fish

✔ Tank Size: 10+ liters
✔ Why?

• Super hardy (tolerates beginner mistakes).
• Breeds easily (great for kids to learn).
• Cheap (৳10–৳50 per fish in Dhaka pet shops).

💡 Tip: Get ​only males if you don’t want babies.

🐡 3. White Cloud Mountain Minnow

✔ Tank Size: 15+ liters
✔ Why?

• Cold-water tolerant (no heater needed, unlike most tropical fish).
• Peaceful schooling fish (keep 5+).

📍 Where to Buy: Rare in BD; ask at ​Aqua Pet Zone (Mirpur).

🦐 4. Cherry Shrimp

✔ Tank Size: 10+ liters
✔ Why?

• Eats algae (reduces tank cleaning).
• Safe with small fish (e.g., guppies).

💰 Price: ৳30–৳100 each (online shops like ​FishBD.com).

🐌 5. Nerite Snail

✔ Tank Size: 5+ liters
✔ Why?

• Cleans glass & algae 24/7.
• Can’t breed in freshwater (no overpopulation).

⚠️ Note: Avoid ​mystery snails (they overbreed).

2. Fish to AVOID in Small Tanks

❌ Goldfish – Need ​50+ liters (grow huge, dirty water fast).
❌ Angelfish – Require ​tall tanks (50L+).
❌ Oscars/Cichlids – Aggressive, need big tanks.

📌 Myth Buster: "Fish grow to tank size" is ​false—stunting harms them!

3. Bangladesh-Specific Care Tips

🌡️ Temperature Control

• No heater needed if room stays ​24–30°C (most BD homes).
• During winter (Dec–Jan): Use a ​25W heater (৳500–৳800 at ​Pet Station BD).

💧 Water Changes

• Weekly 20% changes (use tap water treated with ​AquaSafe).
• Avoid direct Dhaka tap water (chlorine kills fish).

🍽️ Feeding

• Once daily (small pinch of flakes).
• Fasting one day/week prevents bloating.

4. Where to Buy Fish & Supplies in Bangladesh?

📍 Dhaka Shops

Online Stores

• FishBD.com (Delivery nationwide)
• PetZoneBD (Facebook page)

5. Budget Setup Example (৳1,500–৳2,500)

✔ Tank: 10L (৳500, local plastic shop)
✔ Filter: Hang-on-back (৳600, ​Aqua Pet Zone)
✔ Fish: 5 guppies (৳50–৳100) + 1 snail (৳50)
✔ Food: Flakes (৳100, ​Taiyo brand)

Conclusion: Start Small, Learn, Upgrade!

A 10L tank with guppies or a betta is the ​perfect beginner setup in Bangladesh. Avoid overcrowding, change water weekly, and your fish will thrive!