What Can I Put In My Empty Fish Tank – Your Ultimate Guide To Thriving
You have just brought home a brand-new glass enclosure, or perhaps you have an old one gathering dust in the garage, and you are staring at it, wondering, what can i put in my empty fish tank to make it look spectacular? It is a common crossroads for every hobbyist, from the complete beginner to the seasoned pro.
We have all been there, and I promise you that this empty space is a blank canvas full of incredible potential. In this guide, I will walk you through the most exciting livestock and layout options, ensuring you have the knowledge to build a stable, healthy environment.
We will explore everything from vibrant community fish and tiny shrimp colonies to lush aquatic gardens and even non-aquatic terrariums. By the end of this article, you will have a clear roadmap for transforming that empty glass box into a thriving living masterpiece.
Understanding Your Tank Size and Constraints
Before we dive into the “fun stuff,” we need to address the physical reality of your aquarium. The volume of water your tank holds is the single most important factor in deciding what lives inside it.
Small Tanks (5 to 10 Gallons)
If you have a smaller tank, often called a nano tank, your options are more limited but no less beautiful. These setups are perfect for a single Betta fish or a colony of colorful Neocaridina shrimp.
Do not be tempted to overstock these small volumes. Because there is less water, chemical fluctuations happen rapidly, which can stress your inhabitants if you are not careful with maintenance.
Medium Tanks (20 to 29 Gallons)
This is often considered the “sweet spot” for many hobbyists. It is large enough to house a small school of Tetras and a couple of “centerpiece” fish like Honey Gouramis or even a pair of Dwarf Cichlids.
With a 20-gallon tank, you also have enough floor space to start experimenting with aquascaping. You can use larger pieces of driftwood and rocks to create depth and visual interest.
Large Tanks (55 Gallons and Up)
If you are lucky enough to have a massive empty tank, the world is your oyster. You can look into larger species like Angelfish, Discus, or even a dedicated African Cichlid setup with limestone rocks.
Large tanks are actually easier to maintain in terms of water chemistry because the sheer volume of water acts as a buffer against ammonia spikes. However, the cleaning process naturally takes a bit more time.
what can i put in my empty fish tank: Vibrant Fish Options
Most people immediately think of fish when they see an empty aquarium, and for good reason. There is something incredibly peaceful about watching a school of fish glide through the water.
The Beginner-Friendly Betta Fish
A Betta splendens is perhaps the most iconic choice for a 5 or 10-gallon tank. They are known for their dramatic fins and bold personalities, often interacting with their owners through the glass.
Keep in mind that Bettas are territorial. While they can sometimes live with snails or shrimp, they usually prefer being the “king of the castle” in their own dedicated space.
Active Community Schoolers
If you want a tank full of movement, look at schooling fish like Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, or Zebra Danios. These fish feel safest in groups of six or more, creating a shimmering effect as they swim together.
When choosing community fish, always check their temperature and pH requirements. You want to ensure that every species in the tank enjoys the same environmental conditions.
Bottom-Dwelling Cleanup Crews
Don’t forget the bottom of the tank! Corydoras catfish are adorable, social fish that spend their time sifting through the substrate for leftover food. They are the perfect roommates for most peaceful community fish.
Kuhli Loaches are another fantastic option if you want something a bit more unique. They look like tiny water snakes and love to hide under rocks or inside caves during the day.
Creating a Lush Underwater Forest (Planted Tanks)
Maybe you aren’t ready for fish yet, or perhaps you want the plants to be the star of the show. A “Dutch Style” or “Nature Style” planted aquarium can be a breathtaking addition to any room.
Low-Tech Plants for Beginners
If you are new to aquatic plants, start with species that do not require specialized CO2 systems. Anubias and Java Fern are incredibly hardy and can grow even in low-light conditions.
One important tip: do not bury the rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) of Anubias or Java Fern in the gravel. Instead, tie or glue them to a piece of wood or rock using aquarium-safe cyanoacrylate gel.
Carpeting Plants and High-Light Setups
For those who want that “green carpet” look, you will need stronger lighting and likely a CO2 injection system. Plants like Dwarf Hairgrass or Monte Carlo create a stunning lawn effect that makes an aquarium look like a miniature landscape.
Using a specialized plant substrate, such as aquasoil, provides essential nutrients directly to the roots. This is a game-changer for achieving lush, vibrant growth in a short amount of time.
Floating Plants for Natural Filtration
Floating plants like Red Root Floaters or Amazon Frogbit are excellent for water quality. Their long, trailing roots suck up excess nitrates and provide a wonderful natural canopy for shy fish.
Be careful, though—floating plants can grow very quickly. You will need to thin them out regularly to ensure that light can still reach the plants growing at the bottom of the tank.
Exploring the World of Freshwater Invertebrates
In recent years, “shrimp-only” tanks have exploded in popularity. These tiny creatures are fascinating to watch and come in almost every color of the rainbow.
The Colorful Neocaridina Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp (Red) are the most common, but you can also find them in blue, yellow, orange, and even black. They are prolific breeders, and before you know it, your tank will be buzzing with tiny shrimplets.
Shrimp are very sensitive to copper and sudden changes in water parameters. Always use a water conditioner that neutralizes heavy metals and perform small, frequent water changes rather than large ones.
Helpful and Unique Snails
Snails are the unsung heroes of the aquarium world. Mystery Snails have beautiful shells and long, flowing antennae. They are excellent at cleaning up algae and decaying plant matter without eating your live plants.
If you have an algae problem, Nerite Snails are the undisputed champions. They are unable to reproduce in freshwater, so you won’t have to worry about a “snail explosion” taking over your tank.
Essential Considerations for what can i put in my empty fish tank
Before you rush to the local fish store, there are a few technical steps you must take. Setting up a tank is a marathon, not a sprint, and patience is your best friend.
The Nitrogen Cycle: The Most Critical Step
You cannot put fish into a brand-new tank immediately. You must first establish a colony of beneficial bacteria that will process toxic fish waste (ammonia) into less harmful substances (nitrates).
This process, known as cycling the tank, usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. You can speed this up by using “bottled bacteria” or getting some used filter media from a friend’s established aquarium.
Choosing the Right Substrate
The “dirt” on the bottom matters. If you plan on keeping bottom-dwellers like Corydoras, use smooth sand so they don’t hurt their delicate barbels. For a heavily planted tank, use a nutrient-rich soil.
If you just want a simple, clean look, standard aquarium gravel works fine. Just make sure to rinse it thoroughly before putting it in the tank to remove any dust or debris.
Filtration and Aeration
Your filter is the heart of the aquarium. It keeps the water clear and provides a home for your beneficial bacteria. For smaller tanks, a sponge filter is often the best choice because it won’t suck up tiny shrimp or small fish.
Ensure there is enough surface agitation to allow oxygen to enter the water. A gentle ripple on the surface is usually enough to keep your inhabitants breathing easily.
what can i put in my empty fish tank if I don’t want water?
Believe it or not, your fish tank doesn’t actually have to hold a full volume of water. You can repurpose the glass enclosure for a variety of “dry” or “semi-dry” hobbies.
The Tropical Terrarium
If you have a tank that no longer holds water reliably, or you just prefer plants to fish, a terrarium is a beautiful option. You can grow tropical plants like Fittonia, Ferns, and Mosses in a high-humidity environment.
Layer the bottom with pebbles for drainage, followed by a charcoal layer to keep things fresh, and then high-quality potting soil. It is like having a tiny piece of the rainforest on your desk.
The Paludarium: The Best of Both Worlds
A paludarium is a semi-aquatic setup that features both a land area and a water area. This allows you to keep both aquatic life (like small fish or shrimp) and land-dwelling life (like mosses or even vampire crabs).
These setups are more advanced but are incredibly rewarding. They allow for unique “above-water” hardscaping, such as waterfalls or branches that emerge from the water’s surface.
Hardscaping: Designing the Layout
Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements of your tank, like rocks and wood. This is where you define the aesthetic character of your setup.
Selecting the Right Wood
Driftwood adds a natural, aged look to the aquarium. Mopani wood is heavy and dark, while Spider Wood has thin, reaching branches that look like tree roots. Wood also releases tannins, which can turn the water a tea-like color.
Don’t worry—tannins are actually very beneficial for many fish species as they have antibacterial properties. If you don’t like the look, you can remove them with active carbon in your filter.
Using Stones for Structure
Dragon Stone (Ohko Stone) is a favorite among aquascapers because of its unique, craggy texture. Seiryu Stone is another popular choice, though it can slightly raise your water’s pH and hardness over time.
Always perform the “vinegar test” on rocks you find outside. If the stone fizzes when you drop vinegar on it, it contains calcium and will likely alter your water chemistry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Your Tank
Even experienced keepers make mistakes. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid when you are deciding what to put in your empty tank.
The “Impulse Buy” Trap
Never buy a fish just because it looks cool at the store. Always research its adult size and temperament first. That cute 2-inch “Common Pleco” will eventually grow to 18 inches and outgrow almost any home aquarium.
I recommend making a “wish list” and then checking compatibility tools online or asking an expert at your local fish store before making any purchases.
Overstocking Your Tank
It is tempting to fill every inch of the tank with life, but less is often more. An overstocked tank leads to high nitrate levels, frequent disease outbreaks, and stressed-out inhabitants.
A good rule of thumb for beginners is to start with about 50% of your planned stocking and wait a few weeks to see how the biological filter handles the load before adding more.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest thing to keep in a 5-gallon tank?
The easiest setup for a 5-gallon tank is a Betta fish or a small colony of Cherry Shrimp. Both are hardy and require minimal equipment compared to more sensitive species.
Can I put goldfish in a 10-gallon tank?
Unfortunately, no. Goldfish are very “dirty” fish that produce a lot of waste and grow quite large. A single Fancy Goldfish needs at least 20-30 gallons to thrive long-term.
How long should I wait before adding fish to a new tank?
You should wait until your nitrogen cycle is complete, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. You will know it is ready when your water tests show zero Ammonia and zero Nitrites.
Do I need a heater for my aquarium?
If you are keeping tropical fish (like Bettas, Tetras, or Guppies), yes. Most tropical fish require a stable temperature between 75°F and 80°F to stay healthy and active.
Final Thoughts on Filling Your Empty Tank
Choosing what can i put in my empty fish tank is the beginning of a wonderful journey. Whether you decide on a high-energy community tank, a peaceful shrimp colony, or a meditative planted forest, the key is to take your time.
Remember that an aquarium is a living ecosystem. It requires balance, care, and a bit of patience. Don’t worry—this setup is perfect for beginners if you follow the basic rules of cycling and stocking! With the right approach, your empty tank will soon be the center of attention in your home.
Happy fish keeping! We at Aquifarm are excited to see what you create. Feel free to explore our other guides for more specific tips on plant care and advanced aquascaping techniques.
