A look at the 8 best pets for tanks and aquariums

Don’t be freaked out by the scaly, slimy, rubbery or spiny textures of these pets. There’s more than meets the eye! Tank dwelling pets are fun, manageable and can be beautiful additions to your home. Some tanks need miniature habitat setups, so it’s a fun way to bring nature indoors. 

If you’ve got kids, choosing an aquarium pet can be a great introduction into pet ownership as they don’t require as much upkeep or daily interaction. Our guide has some of the best pets for tanks and tips for care. 

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Types of pets for tanks

Do you want a pretty friend to look at? Something with flowy fins and rainbow colors? Or a pal you can hold and let roam around your living room for a bit? Explore several animals that could work well in your aquarium, including fish, reptiles and amphibians.

Best fish pets

What did Bruce from “Finding Nemo” say? Ah, yes, “Fish are friends, not food.” Fish are great tank dwelling pets and usually pretty low maintenance. You can make their tank as elaborate or as simple as you like.

Search all fish available on KSL →

Bettas comes in a rainbow of colors.

Betta fish

These colorful fish are known for their vibrant and luxurious fins. They’re also good for beginners and easy to care for, which makes them one of the best pets for your aquarium. Get a 5-gallon tank with built-in pumps and filtration. They are territorial, however, so a tank with no other pets is recommended.

Search bettas on KSL

Go for the gold fish.

Goldfish

Most kids yearn for a pet goldfish at some point. However, they require a bit more upkeep. You’ll need a 20-gallon tank or a larger, complex filtration system and a more complex diet. These are best for pet owners with more experience.

Find goldfish on KSL Classifieds

Tropical fish will bring color to your tank.

Freshwater/tropical fish

Guppies, tetras and mollies are popular freshwater aquarium options, but they are recommended for more experienced tank owners. A water heater, a large tank and aquatic plants can quickly become overwhelming and are not for the faint of heart.

Look for freshwater and tropical fish on KSL

Best reptile pets

If you’ve ever wanted your own pet dinosaur, these may be as close as you’ll ever get. Be aware that you’ll need to find a vet that specializes in reptiles if your little buddy ever gets sick or injured.

Bright is an understatement when it comes to anoles.

Anoles

These bright green buddies are great for beginners. They don’t grow as large as other reptiles and are generally sociable. Get a vertical tank with branches so they can climb and lounge in a well-lit basking spot.

Look for anoles on KSL Classifieds

Need a friend? Leopard geckos are social pets.

Leopard geckos

These bespeckled critters are generally friendly and social. They like to run fast, so be sure you keep a close eye on them. These are great pets for kids with adult supervision, as their diet and habitat requirements need to be dialed in. They’ll need a 20- to 40-gallon tank with proper temperature regulation.

Search gecko listings on KSL

Turtles are best for older kids and adults.

Turtles

Turtles can get stressed if overstimulated by rambunctious children. These creatures are best for those with teens or for adults. Mud and musk turtles are more beginner friendly, with less space needed in their habitat. They’ll need half water and half landscape in their tanks to thrive.

Find turtles listed on KSL

Best amphibians for aquariums

Submerge yourself with unique amphibians that like to live with lots of water and make some of the best tank pets. 

American dwarf frogs can live over a decade.

African dwarf frogs

These amphibians are popular, but are best for those with a little more experience. They can live up to 15 years if they are properly cared for, so it’s important to know what you’re doing. American dwarf frogs love a heated tropical underwater environment with lots of plants and light.

Search all frogs available on KSL

Newts are considered exotic.

Newts and salamanders

The iconic scene in “Matilda” where Ms. Trunchbull nearly drinks a newt made us all want one as a pet. These are considered exotic pets, but still kid-friendly with a lower upkeep needed. However, they aren’t the most interactive of pets. 

Search newt and salamander listings on KSL

Tank setup tips

Make sure your scaly buddy has the right setup to live a long and comfortable life.

• Tank size: Each animal will require a different living space. Make sure you take their adult size into account when picking out a tank. 

• Equipment: You’ll need different filters, pumps or plants for fish, amphibians and reptiles. A good filter is essential for clean water. Heaters are a must for tropical fish and reptiles. Proper UV lighting is usually recommended for most as well.

• Cleaning and maintenance: To reduce the risk of disease and keep your pets living a long time, you’ll need to be on top of cleaning. Weekly tank cleanings are usually recommended. 

Find pet tanks and equipment on KSL

Looking for a lizard friend or fish pal for an aquarium or tank? Browse adoptable pets on KSL Classifieds and search for the equipment they’ll need.