Great setups for a 30 gallon community tank

Setup 1: Two schools and corys

8 neon or cardinal tetras, 8 harlequin rasboras, 6–8 corydoras, 1 dwarf gourami or pair of honey gouramis. Plenty of swimming space and a clean bottom.

Setup 2: Tetra and livebearer mix

8 black neon or rummynose tetras, 6 platies or mollies, 6 corydoras. Colourful and active; livebearers may breed.

Setup 3: Peaceful centrepiece focus

1 angelfish (or a pair if the tank is tall), 8–10 rummynose or cardinal tetras, 6 corydoras. Ensure tetras are not small enough to be nipped; cardinals and rummynose often work.

Setup 4: Hardy and easy

8 zebra danios, 8 white cloud minnows, 6 corydoras, 1 bristlenose pleco or a few nerite snails. Very forgiving for beginners.

General tips

30 gallons lets you keep two solid schools plus bottom crew and a centrepiece. Still stay within sensible bioload; filtration and weekly water changes matter. Cycle fully and add fish in stages. Track with App-aquatic.

Quick takeaways

• 30 gallons suits two schools, centrepiece, and corys or other bottom dwellers.
• Match species for temperament and size; avoid fin nippers with long-finned fish.
• Cycle first, stock gradually, keep up maintenance.