BEST FISH FOR A 10 GALLON TANK WITH PLANTS

If you’re setting up a 10 gallon aquarium with live plants, you’re on the path to creating a beautiful and natural aquatic environment. But choosing the right fish for such a compact setup takes a little planning. While the tank may look roomy when empty, water volume fills up fast when you add substrate, plants, and hardscape.

Fortunately, with the right fish, a planted 10 gallon tank can become a thriving, peaceful community full of movement and color. In this guide, we’ll cover the best fish choices for this tank size, how to care for them, and how to avoid beginner mistakes.

Whether you’re a new hobbyist or have a few tanks under your belt, this guide will help you make smart, sustainable stocking decisions.

Why Choose a Planted Tank?

A planted aquarium isn’t just more attractive, it’s also more stable. Live plants absorb nitrates, improve water quality, and help reduce algae by outcompeting it for nutrients. They also provide natural cover, reducing stress for fish and allowing for more natural behaviors.

Many small fish thrive in densely planted environments, which mimic the natural habitats they evolved in. For beginners, hardy plants like Java fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, and Hornwort are great starting points.

For more plant ideas, check out our article on the best plants for a freshwater aquarium.

Best Fish for a 10 Gallon Planted Tank

When choosing fish for a 10 gallon tank, focus on small species with peaceful temperaments. Avoid anything that’s aggressive, fast-growing, or too active for a confined space.

1. Neon Tetras

Scientific name: Paracheirodon innesi
Size: 1.5 inches
Behavior: Schooling, peaceful
Group size: 6 or more

Neon tetras are one of the most popular choices for planted tanks. Their vivid red and blue coloration contrasts beautifully with green plants. In a group of six or more, they exhibit tight schooling behavior that adds energy to the middle of the tank.

They prefer soft, slightly acidic water and do best with dim lighting or floating plants for shade.

2. Endler’s Livebearers

Scientific name: Poecilia wingei
Size: 1 inch
Behavior: Active, peaceful
Group size: 4 to 6 males (or trios if breeding is desired)

Endler’s livebearers are ideal for small tanks. They’re more compact than guppies and tend to produce fewer fry. All-male groups are colorful and low-maintenance. They thrive in planted tanks, especially those with dense greenery that mimics their native habitat.

Livebearers enjoy stable, hard water and moderate filtration.

3. Pygmy Corydoras

Scientific name: Corydoras pygmaeus
Size: 1 inch
Behavior: Peaceful bottom-dwellers
Group size: 6 or more

Pygmy corys are social and love to explore the tank bottom. They’re small enough for a 10 gallon and highly compatible with other peaceful fish. Use fine sand or rounded gravel to protect their delicate barbels.

Unlike larger corydoras species, pygmies will occasionally swim mid-water in groups, adding life across the tank.

4. Chili Rasboras

Scientific name: Boraras brigittae
Size: 0.75 inch
Behavior: Very peaceful
Group size: 8 to 10

These tiny red rasboras are excellent for nano tanks. They appreciate tannin-stained water, dense vegetation, and low flow. Their peaceful nature makes them compatible with shrimp and small snails.

Keep in mind they’re sensitive to water changes, so stable conditions are key.

5. Betta Fish (Solo Option)

Scientific name: Betta splendens
Size: Up to 2.5 inches
Behavior: Territorial
Group size: One male only

A male betta can be the star of a planted 10 gallon tank. They benefit from soft lighting, lots of plant cover, and calm surroundings. Betta-friendly tanks should avoid strong current and fast-swimming tankmates.

Don’t add other fish unless you’re experienced with betta behavior. Even peaceful species can trigger aggression.

For more on compatible fish species, visit our freshwater fish profiles.

Smart Stocking Ideas

Here are a few beginner-friendly setups that work well in a planted 10 gallon:

• 6 Neon Tetras + 4 Pygmy Corydoras
• 6 Endler’s Livebearers + 2 Nerite Snails
• 8 Chili Rasboras + 6 Amano Shrimp
• 1 Betta + 4 Amano Shrimp + Live Plants

All setups assume gentle filtration, regular maintenance, and plenty of live plant cover.

Compatibility and Care

Water Parameters

Most small tropical fish prefer:

• Temperature: 72 to 78°F
• pH: 6.5 to 7.5
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: under 20 ppm

Use a reliable heater, sponge filter, and test your water weekly. Even planted tanks need partial water changes every 7 to 10 days.

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Overstocking: A 10 gallon tank holds less water than you think once planted. Stick to small groups and avoid impulse buys.
• Mixing incompatible fish: Aggressive or territorial species (like barbs or some cichlids) are poor choices for small tanks.
• Neglecting maintenance: Small tanks are less forgiving. Missed water changes or poor filtration quickly lead to algae and fish stress.

For community tank ideas with larger species, see larger tetras for the community tank.

Final Thoughts

A planted 10 gallon tank can be one of the most rewarding setups in the hobby. With careful planning, it offers a lush, vibrant space that brings peace and beauty to any room.

Stick with small, peaceful species. Let your plants do the hard work of filtration and oxygenation. And most importantly, avoid the temptation to overstock.

For more help building your tank, explore our blog or browse our detailed freshwater fish profiles to find your perfect match.