Neon Tetra community
- 6 × Neon Tetra
- 2 × African Dwarf Frog
- 3 × Amano Shrimp
71% stockedOpen in builder
Tank size guide
15Gallon Tank: Stocking Ideas, Heater & Filter Size
A 2-foot tank with room for a proper nano community: a small school, a bottom crew and shrimp.
- Dimensions
- 24" × 12" × 12"
- Volume
- 15 gal · 57 L
- Heater
- 45-75 W
- Filter flow
- 60-90 GPH
- Filled weight
- ~150 lb
- Gravel (2" bed)
- ~33 lb
- Weekly water change
- 3.8 gal (25%)
- Water weight
- 125 lb
15 gallon stocking ideas
Each plan passes the Tank Builder's compatibility check with no conflicts and room to spare. Open one to tweak it.
Cardinal Tetra community
80% stockedOpen in builder
Zebra Danio community
- 6 × Zebra Danio
- 1 × Scarlet Badis
- 10 × Cherry Shrimp
79% stockedOpen in builder
Try it yourself
Build your own 15 gallon tank
Pick your tank size, add fish, and instantly see if they get along, how full the tank is, and the heater and filter you need.
Your fish will swim here
15 gal · 57 L
1. Tank size
gal
2. Add fish
Start with the fish you want most
Search above or tap the box for popular picks. Schooling fish come in at their minimum group size.
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Compatibility, stocking level, heater and filter sizes, and the water each fish likes all show up here as you build.
Fish that fit a 15 gallon tank
Popular freshwater species whose recommended minimum is 15 gallons or less. Check they get along in the builder before you buy.
- Neon Tetra1.5" · 10+ gal · groups of 6+
- Green Neon Tetra1" · 10+ gal · groups of 8+
- Cardinal Tetra2" · 15+ gal · groups of 6+
- Betta2.8" · 5+ gal
- Crowntail Betta2.8" · 5+ gal
- Halfmoon Betta2.8" · 5+ gal
- Peaceful Betta2" · 10+ gal
- Plakat Betta2.8" · 5+ gal
- Guppy2.4" · 10+ gal · groups of 3+
- Platy2.5" · 10+ gal · groups of 3+
- Zebra Danio2" · 10+ gal · groups of 6+
- Harlequin Rasbora1.8" · 15+ gal · groups of 8+
- Ember Tetra0.8" · 10+ gal · groups of 8+
- Cherry Shrimp1.5" · 5+ gal · groups of 10+
- Otocinclus1.6" · 10+ gal · groups of 6+
- Honey Gourami2" · 10+ gal
- Dwarf Gourami3.5" · 15+ gal
- Cherry Barb2" · 15+ gal · groups of 6+
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow1.5" · 10+ gal · groups of 6+
- Chili Rasbora0.8" · 10+ gal · groups of 10+
- Amano Shrimp2" · 10+ gal · groups of 3+
- Nerite Snail1" · 5+ gal
- Mystery Snail2" · 5+ gal
- Glowlight Tetra1.5" · 15+ gal · groups of 6+
Popular fish that need more than 15 gallons
15 gallon tank FAQ
How many fish can go in a 15 gallon tank?
It depends on the fish, not a fixed number. A good example for a 15 gallon is 6 Neon Tetra, 2 African Dwarf Frog, 3 Amano Shrimp, which comes to about 71% of a cautious stocking limit. Small, tidy fish like tetras and rasboras let you keep more; messy fish like goldfish and plecos fill a tank much faster.
What size heater do I need for a 15 gallon tank?
A 45 to 75 watt heater. Go toward 75 W if the room runs cool.
What size filter does a 15 gallon tank need?
Look for 60 to 90 gallons per hour of flow. For messy fish or a busy tank, go up to about 120 GPH.
What are the dimensions of a 15 gallon tank?
A standard 15 gallon is about 24" long, 12" wide and 12" tall. Brands vary slightly, so measure before buying a stand or lid.
How much does a 15 gallon tank weigh?
The water alone weighs about 125 lb. With glass, gravel and decor, plan on roughly 150 lb, so use a stand made for aquariums.