Guide

Best fish for a 20 gallon tank

Stocking ideas: community fish, schooling species, and how to avoid overstocking.

Why 20 gallons works well

A 20 gallon gives room for a small school of tetras or rasboras, corydoras, and a centrepiece. Water is more stable than in smaller tanks. See how many fish per gallon and overstocking. Try our free stocking calculator.

Stocking ideas

  • Six to eight neon tetras, six corydoras, and a dwarf gourami.
  • One betta with a small school (see betta tank mates).
  • Livebearers: guppies or platies; they breed so plan for offspring.

Quick takeaways

  • 20 gallons suits schooling fish, corydoras, and a centrepiece.
  • Stock gradually; test water and do regular water changes.

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