Rainbow tanks are exciting, i.e., as they represent various colors, high activity, and vegetation. The Rainbowfish tank setup is fun and educational as well. The more exciting thing is that some rainbow species are suitable for kids’ tanks.
Content Table
In the following, you will learn about the environment, water parameters, kids’ rainbowfish species, and the proper way to set up a tank for them. The last section addresses the easiest way to maintain the tank as a kid. Scroll down the page to open a new realm of aquariums.
Environment a Rainbowfish Need
Rainbow fish are freshwater natives and present in lakes, streams, and rivers. They prefer to live in highly vegetated areas. These small, beautiful creatures are native to Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Sulawesi, and Madagascar.
Their easy management and colorful appearance make them an attractive choice for beginner aquarists. Moreover, small species are another enticing for nano or small tanks. You need a proper setup to keep it in the tank. Here is the tank environment for rainbow fish.
Tank Size
Tank size varies according to the species size and population in a tank. Minimally a 75-gallon tank is suitable.
Tank Setup
Naturally, they live in densely vegetated areas. Therefore, grow vegetation in your tank. Moreover, they are surface feeders. Provide them ample free surface to swim and feed. They spend their time from the middle to the top of the tank. So, tighten the tank with a lid to avoid their escape.
Light requirements
Proper lighting is crucial due to vegetation. A slightly cooler, i.e., 6500K, white light with blue fragment generally does well for them. It helps to pop out their rainbow coloration. Maintain a 10 to 12-hour photoperiod with a moderate to bright intensity. Typically, light intensity depends on tank size, species, and vegetation.
Substrate
Although they are middle-to-top dwellers, a suitable substrate is required. Fine gravel or sand do well as a rainbowfish substrate. It provides a natural look and highlights their coloration.
Fish Tank Water for Rainbowfish
Rainbow fish are freshwater fish. They are easy to take care of. However, they need optimal water parameters as every fish is susceptible to water. Here are some salient water-related aspects.
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Temperature | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.8 – 7.2 |
| Ammonia | 0 |
| Nitrite | 0 |
| Nitrate | Maximum 20 mg per litter |
| General Hardness | 4-12°dH |
| Carbonate hardness | 3-10°dkH |
Water Filtration
Rainbow fish tanks require an optimal mechanical and biological filtration system. Mechanical filters help to remove large debris, while biological filters help to convert ammonia to nitrite and ultimately into nitrate. External canister filters are suitable for large setups, while internal filtration systems do well in small setups. Sponge filters are optimal for breeding tanks to avoid any accidental suction.
Water Change
Weekly change up to 50% of the tank water. Water change helps to boost their mood and pop out their coloration. They become excited after the water changes. It’ll also help to maintain the optimal water parameters in the tank.
Types of Rainbowfish for Kids
Kids also love to have an aquarium. Certain rainbowfish species are suitable for kids. They are easy to take care of and highly tolerable. Here are some types of rainbowfish for kids.
Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
These small, hardy, and colorful fish are among the most suitable rainbowfish for kids. They are native to Northern and Eastern Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and Madagascar.
| Feature | Detail |  |
| Tank Size | At least 20-gallon with ample open space | |
| Social behavior | Keep them minimum in a group of 6 | |
| Water parameter | Temperature | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.8–7.5 | |
| Hardness | 5–15 dGH | |
| Diet | Omnivorous Flakes, granules, and pellets Live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods help to pop up vibrant coloration |
|
| Tank Mates | Other rainbowfish, danios, barbs, characins, corydoras catfish and freshwater gobies, angelfish, pearl gouramis, tetras, and smaller cichlid | |
Their shimmering colors and activeness bring a joyful sight. Their care helps to understand aquatic life and teaches responsibility among kinds.
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Threadfin rainbowfish are small, delicate, beautiful, peaceful, and suitable for kids’ tanks. Their stunning fins are highly attention-grabbing. Here is a brief overview of the species.
| Feature | Details |
Anyone with its pictures, please contact me |
| Tank size | Minimum 20-gallons | |
| Social behavior | Schooling, keep in minimum a group of 6 | |
| Water parameter | Temperature | 73–84 °F |
| pH | 5.0–8.0 | |
| Hardness | 10 – 100 ppm | |
| Diet | Protein-rich foods such as high-quality flake foods and small pellets | |
| Tank mates | Other rainbowfish, Corydoras catfish, Bristlenose catfish, Platies, Mollies, Tetras, and Peaceful rasboras. | |
Boesemani Rainbowfish
Boesemani rainbowfish are among the most strikingly colored rainbowfish. Their bicolor bodies and schooling nature make them an attractive option for kid tanks. Their hardiness makes them easy to maintain in a medium-sized tank. Here are some further details about this.
| Feature | Details |
Anyone with its pictures, please contact me |
| Tank size | 40-gallons | |
| Social behavior | Schooling, keep them in a minimum a group of 6 Males become aggressive during breeding Males show stunning coloration to attract female |
|
| Water parameter | Temperature | 75–82°F |
| pH | 6–8 | |
| Hardness | 8–20 dGH | |
| Diet | Krill flakes, Vibra Bites, frozen bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp | |
| Tank mates | Other rainbowfish, loaches, barbs, peaceful catfish, gouramis, danios, and medium-sized livebearers | |
Their bicolor body, i.e., half orange-red rear and a bluish-grey or purple front, and their unique patterns in schooling make them suitable residents for kids.
Parkinsoni Rainbow Fish
They have a captivating personality and a hardy nature. These attributes fetch the kid’s attention as a starting point for their aquarium journey. Here are a few care factors and other facts about it.
| Feature | Details |  |
| Tank size | 45-gallons | |
| Social behavior | Schooling Keep them in a minimum group of 6 Peaceful |
|
| Water parameter | Temperature | 73–86°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.8 | |
| Hardness | 150–300 ppm | |
| Diet | Flakes, pellets, live foods, and vegetables | |
| Tank mates | Tetras, danios, rasboras, and other rainbowfish | |
Turquoise Rainbow Fish
Large eyes, black and silver bands, two dorsal fins, and a forked mouth: this is a Turquoise rainbow fish for your kids. Male intense blue coloration will help you to create a focal point in kid’s tank. This rainbow beauty requires the following specific care.
| Feature | Details |
Anyone with its pictures, please contact me |
| Tank size | 30 to 55 gallons | |
| Social behavior | Form loose school Create unique swimming patterns throughout the aquarium Keep them in a minimum group of 6 or 8 Peaceful |
|
| Water parameter | Temperature | 70–77° F |
| pH | 7.0–9.0 | |
| Hardness | 10–20 dKH | |
| Diet | Larval insects and small crustaceans | |
| Tank mates | Tetras, danios, rasboras, and other rainbowfish | |
Yellow Rainbowfish
The Yellow rainbow fish, golden body, and shimmering scales are another beautiful addition to the kid’s aquarium. Their appearance and schooling nature make them a perfect choice. Here are some other factors.
| Feature | Details |  |
| Tank size | At least 30-gallons | |
| Social behavior | Keep them in a minimum group of 6 or 8 Peaceful |
|
| Water parameter | Temperature | 76–82° F |
| pH | 7.0–8.0 | |
| Alkalinity | 10–20° dKH | |
| Diet | A variety of high-quality flake foods, floating pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia | |
| Tank mates | Tetras, danios, rasboras, and other rainbowfish | |
Set up a Rainbowfish Tank for Kids
Rainbows are easy to care for as they can eat everything, have peaceful behavior, and have a schooling nature. However, a proper tank setup is inevitable. Here is a step-by-step procedure for that.
Tank Size
Small tanks can accommodate these beauties. However, the best tank will be 4 feet long and have a minimum volume of 75 gallons. It should be longer than the width, as rainbows love to swim in it.
Equipment
Filter, heater, lighting, and tank lids are some of the most important equipment for tank setup. Use a high flow rate filter as they live in a high flow rate stream in their native environment. You need a heater to maintain the temperature between 74 to 78°F. Use some moderate lights to highlight their colors. The lid is far more important because they get excited and can jump out of the water.
Installation of Substrate and Decors
Use dark substrate and background to highlight their color. Moreover, it should be easy to clean. Avoid hard decors, e.g., driftwood, rocks, etc., as they can harm them while moving in the tank. Grow plants, i.e., Java Fern, Anubias, etc., as they provide them with some hiding spots. Ensure enough free swimming space as they are active swimmers.
Tank Setup and Cycle
Rinse off the substrate and install a layer. After that, fill it with a bit of hard water. Install filters, heater, and lighting and let them operate to create a balanced and liveable environment. Frequently clean the water. Please do it for 2 to 4 weeks for proper establishment.
Fish Introduction
Introduce some hardy species in the tank after the tank is established. A group of 6 with at least a 1:1 male-female ratio. Otherwise, add more females than males, as they are frequent spawners. Less females can cause stress and loss of health among females. Before introducing them into the tank, acclimate them for 15 to 20 minutes.
Activities for Kids
- Let them feed to your rainbows.
- Let them observe and enjoy their colorful appearance.
- Engage them in simple maintenance tasks.
rainbowfish tank set up
Let the Kids Maintain the Rainbowfish Tank
As mentioned, engage your kids in tank maintenance. It’ll help them develop a sense of responsibility and educate them about fishery. Here is a simple tutorial on tank maintenance for kids.
Daily Tasks
- Feed them twice or once daily in such quantity that they finish within 2 minutes.
- Check the physical appearance and swimming pattern.
Weekly Tasks
- Check the water parameters and ensure that they are up to the mark. In their native environment, they live in crystal clear streams.
- Remove the algae and clean the glass.
- Change 50% water at once or 25% twice a week.
Monthly Tasks
- Check and clean the filter media.
- Trim the plants with the help of your parents with proper trimming tools.
General Tips
- Please keep them in at least a 75-gallon tank.
- Maintain the water quality up to the mark.
- Keep more females than males.
- Do 50% water change every week as they shine on water change.
- Avoid overfeeding.
Final Words
Aquarists love to keep rainbowfish due to their low maintenance and docile behavior. A low light, highly vegetated tank with a dark background and substrate, a 75-gallon tank is suitable for them. By maintaining proper water parameters, with adequate filtration and weekly water changes, you will see highly active and colorful rainbowfish. Some species, i.e., Dwarf Neon rainbow, threadfin rainbow, etc., are suitable for kids’ tanks. Follow the procedure and enjoy daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance.
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