Overpopulating a fish tank is always a recipe for disaster. It can cause an overall decrease in the oxygen concentration due to increased waste, leading to the death of many fish in the tank. So, what to do if you have a 40-gallon tank? How many fish can you keep in it?
On average, you can keep 15 to 20 small-sized fish in a 40-gallon tank. However, for large-sized or medium-sized fish, you need more swimming space. So, you should keep up to 3 to 4 medium-sized and 1 to 2 large-sized fish in a 40-gallon tank.
If you wish to know more about taking care of your fish in a 40-gallon tank, read on!
Key Takeaways:
- A 40-gallon tank is a beginner-friendly one best for small and medium-sized fish species.
- As per the general rule of 1-inch fish per 1 gallon, you can keep 15-20 small-sized fish.
- For medium or large-sized fish, keep only 3 to 4 (medium-sized) and 1 to 2 (large-sized) fish.
- Guppies, tetras, mollies, and gouramis are some of the best fish species for a 40-gallon tank.
How Many Fish Can You Keep in a 40 Gallon Tank?
When you’re deciding how many fish to keep in a 40-gallon tank, there are three main factors to consider. These include:
- Waste management
- Swimming space required for each fish
- Aggression levels of various fish
However, you can make things easier by following a general thumb rule. Technically, you can keep 1 inch of fish per 1 gallon of water. Hence, if you’re planning to keep small fish (between 1 to 2 inches), like Guppies or Neon Tetra, you can keep 15 to 20 fish in a 40-gallon tank.
Although, as per experts, it is best to not follow the one-inch rule for fish larger than 3 to 4 inches. It is because the overall body volume of 10 small fish combined is usually lesser than a large 10-inch fish. So, the latter requires more swimming area.
Due to the above-mentioned reason, try to limit the number of medium or large-sized fish to 2 to 3 as some fish (like goldfish) can grow up to 10 inches.
Which Fish to Keep in a 40 Gallon Tank?
Now, you might wonder which fish is suitable for a 40-gallon tank. Well, ideally, it is best to keep small-sized (1-2 inches) to medium-sized (3-6 inches) fish in a 40-gallon tank.
The table below will give you a clear idea of which fish species to keep and how many in a 40-gallon tank.
| Fish Name | Number | Benefits |
| Cichlids | 5 to 6 (mid-sized)10 to 12 (dwarf-sized) | Suitable for community tanks due to their adaptive nature. |
| Tetras | 20 to 30 | Friendly and peaceful with most other fish species like Guppies, Mollies, Betta, and Guramis. |
| Mollies | 15 to 20 | Help in keeping the tank clean by feeding on algae. |
| Betta | 15 to 20 | Offers a beautiful appeal to the tank with its attractive features. |
| Guppies | 20 to 30 | Extremely friendly, low-maintenance, and love to stay in a community. |
| Gourami | 10 | Non-aggressive and get along with most other friendly fish species. |
| Cory Catfish | 10 | Known as “tank cleaners” as they help in cleaning out any leftovers. |
| Goldfish | 1 | Offers various benefits to humans but releases more waste as compared to other fish species. |
| Clownfish | 1 | Easy to care for but requires proper space. |
Best Setup Ideas For a 40-Gallon Tank
You need to take note of the temperament of different fish species if you’re planning to set up a proper 40-gallon community tank. But, if you’re feeling lazy, consider some of the below-mentioned setup ideas.
Setup Idea 1:
| Fish Species | Number |
| Neon Tetra | 5 |
| Guppies | 5 |
| Zebra Danio | 5 |
| Dwarf Gourami | 1 |
| Bristlenose Pleco | 1 |
Setup Idea 2:
| Fish Species | Number |
| Betta | 1 |
| Rummy Nose Tetra | 6 |
| Cory Catfish | 5 |
| Amano Shrimp | 5 |
| Bristlenose Pleco | 1 |
Setup Idea 3:
| Fish Species | Number |
| Neon Tetra | 15 |
| Bolivian Rams | 2 |
| Sterbai Corys | 6 |
Is a 40-Gallon Tank a Good Size?
If you’re planning to purchase a 40-gallon tank, then it’s a good idea. Moreover, it’s also a good size at least for tiny fish species like guppies and tetras. There are also various other benefits to having a 40-gallon tank.
- Best for Beginners Due to Low Maintenance and Cost
A 40-gallon tank is the right choice for people who are getting started with aquariums. These tanks are quite easy to maintain and clean. Additionally, they don’t cost a fortune – so you can purchase them whenever you want.
- Can House Several Fish Species
If you’re interested in keeping small fish species only, then a 40-gallon tank is one of the best sizes. It can house more than 20 small fish species.
Additionally, if you do want to keep a fish like a goldfish or a clownfish, you can keep them in a 40-gallon tank as well.
- Easily Available for Purchase
40-gallon tanks are quite popular amongst aquarium owners. Hence, you can easily purchase them and their related equipment without the need for intense searching.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guppies can I put in a 40-gallon tank?
A 40-gallon tank is excellent for tiny community fish species like guppies. So, you can keep at least 20 guppies in a 40-gallon tank. However, try to ensure that you keep 2 females for every 1 male to maintain peace.
How many goldfish can live in a 40 gallon tank?
Goldfish release more waste than many other fish species. It is recommended to keep only one to two goldfish in a 40-gallon tank. However, try to opt for a 50-gallon tank for two goldfish.
How often do you clean a 40-gallon tank?
You need to clean your 40-gallon tank at least once in two weeks.
Final Thoughts
A 40-gallon tank is the right fit for tiny fish species such as tetras, guppies, and many more. As discussed in this blog post, you can keep around 15 to 20 small-sized fish and 1-2 large-sized fish in a 40-gallon tank.
You can also keep different fish species in a 40-gallon tank after considering factors like the fish’s temperament and swimming space requirements.
We hope this article helped you figure out how many fish and what kind of fish you can keep in a 40-gallon tank!
Featured image credit: Krys Amon, unsplash