A 60 cm tank (about 54 litres) suits one school of neon tetras or harlequin rasboras. Bronze corydoras need an 80 cm base (about 72 litres), so pair them with a school in a 90 cm tank. Keep the water at 24 to 25°C, which sits inside every species range below.
These fish tank setup ideas are for a peaceful freshwater community: a school, a bottom-dweller or two and some plants. Each layout starts from the tank length, because the fish decide the size, not the other way round. Group sizes and minimum tanks come from Seriously Fish species profiles. Add fish in stages, and only after the tank has cycled.
Legality note: the species named here are sold in Australia, but rules on keeping ornamental fish differ by state and change over time. Check your state Fisheries or Biosecurity department before you buy.
Want the wider look? See fish tank ideas by theme and the Tank Ideas hub. For a shopping list of species, use the best community fish roundup.
Fish Tank Setup Ideas at a Glance
| Species | Minimum base | Group size | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neon tetra | 60 x 30 cm (about 54 L) | 8 to 10 | 21 to 25°C |
| Harlequin rasbora | 60 x 30 cm (about 54 L) | 8 to 10 | 21 to 28°C |
| Cherry barb | 60 x 30 cm (about 54 L) | 6 to 10 | 20 to 27°C |
| Platy | 60 x 30 cm (about 54 L) | More females than males | 20 to 26°C |
| Bronze corydoras | 80 x 30 cm (about 72 L) | 4 to 6 at least | 21 to 27°C |
All figures are from the Seriously Fish profiles for each species, which give base dimensions, group size and temperature. They overlap at 24 to 25°C, and that also sits inside RSPCA Australia’s 24 to 26°C for tropical tanks.
Idea 1: The 60 cm School Tank
A 60 x 30 x 30 cm tank holds about 54 litres. Build it around a single school of 8 to 10 neon tetras or harlequin rasboras, with tall plants at the back and floating plants on top. One species done well looks better than four done badly. Skip the corydoras here, since bronze corys ask for an 80 cm base.
Idea 2: The 90 cm Starter Community
A 90 x 30 x 35 cm tank is about 95 litres. That fits a school of 8 to 10 harlequin rasboras plus a group of at least four to six bronze corydoras on fine sand. Seriously Fish advises fine sand or clean rounded gravel for corydoras, and says they need proper sinking food and don’t survive on leftovers.
Add the fish over several weeks and test as you go. Stocking numbers are a starting point, not a formula.
Idea 3: The 120 cm Mixed Shoal
A 120 x 30 x 40 cm tank is about 144 litres. Try 8 cherry barbs, a group of platies with more females than males, and six bronze corydoras. Seriously Fish says several females should be kept to every male, to spread out the males’ harassment. Platies breed readily in community tanks, so expect fry.
Community Fish Tank Setup Ideas: What Goes in Every Layout
- Plants and cover. RSPCA Australia recommends about half the tank as cover, with open water left for swimming.
- A gentle filter. Flow that’s too strong stresses small schooling fish.
- Safe decor. Use aquarium-made wood and rock, and test rock with vinegar. See fish tank decoration ideas.
- A cycled tank. Follow how to cycle a fish tank first.
An Australian summer can push a tank above 25°C, which is the top of the neon tetra range on Seriously Fish. If your room gets hot, keep neons out of direct sun and watch the thermometer. RSPCA NSW advises keeping tanks out of direct sunlight.
Check Before You Copy a Setup
- Tank length first. A 60 cm tank can’t hold a school and bronze corydoras.
- Group sizes. A neon tetra on its own gets stressed, and small groups are shy. RSPCA says five neons, Seriously Fish says 8 to 10, so go with the higher number if you have room.
- Betta plans. A betta is a separate case. See the betta tank mates guide before mixing one in.
- Photos lie. A gorgeous tank photo doesn’t show stocking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are good fish tank setup ideas for a beginner community?
A 90 cm tank with one school and a group of bronze corydoras. It’s forgiving, and both groups are hardy and peaceful.
How many fish can I put in a 60 cm tank?
One school of 8 to 10 small fish is a safe start. Seriously Fish gives 60 x 30 cm as the minimum base for neon tetras, harlequin rasboras, cherry barbs and platies.
Can I mix tetras, barbs and platies?
Often yes. Seriously Fish lists cherry barbs and platies as peaceful community species, but each group still needs its own numbers and enough space.
