A look at the best pets for tanks

Blub, blub. 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 kiddos, choosing a tank dwelling friend 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 pet 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?

Friendly fishes

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.

• Betta fish: These colorful fish are known for their vibrant and luxurious fins. They’re also good for beginners and easy to care for. Get a 5-gallon tank with built-in pumps and filtration. They are territorial, however, so a tank with no other underwater housemates is best.

• Goldfish: Most kiddos 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.

• Freshwater/tropical fish: If you have experience under your snorkel, get a community tank with a variety of fish. Guppies, tetras and mollies are popular options.

Find some fishies the whole family will love!

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Reptiles in tanks

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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

Make sure you find a vet that specializes in reptile care.

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Amphibians for aquariums

Submerge yourself with unique creatures that like to live with lots of water. 

• 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. They love a heated tropical underwater environment with lots of plants and light.

• 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. 

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 or 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 adoptable pets on KSL →

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