How many fish can I keep in my 60-litre tank | Guide

A 60‑litre aquarium is a wonderful size for beginners. It is big enough to create a stable environment and show natural fish behaviour, yet small enough to be affordable and easy to maintain. The big question many new keepers ask is simple: how many fish can I keep in my 60‑litre tank? The honest answer is, it depends. The safe number changes with fish size, body shape, activity level, filtration, aquascape, and even how often you do water changes. This guide will turn those “it depends” into clear steps and examples, so you can stock your tank with confidence.

What a 60‑Litre Tank Really Means

Sixty litres is roughly 16 US gallons or 13 UK gallons. After you add substrate, hardscape, and equipment, the actual water volume is usually closer to 50–55 litres. This matters because the real water volume is what processes fish waste and helps keep toxins diluted. The footprint also matters. A long, shallow 60‑litre tank provides more horizontal swimming space and surface area than a tall, narrow one. More surface area improves oxygen exchange and allows slightly more stocking.

In simple terms, think of your 60‑litre tank as a small community tank. It is perfect for nano fish, small schooling fish, a single centerpiece fish with a small group of companions, shrimp, and snails. It is not suited to large or messy species, big shoals of active swimmers, or fish that need big territories.

Why Simple “Fish Per Litre” Rules Fail

You may see rules like “1 cm of fish per litre” or “1 inch of fish per gallon.” These can be a rough start for small, slim-bodied fish, but they break down quickly. A 6 cm platy is heavier and messier than a 6 cm neon tetra. A 4 cm molly fry becomes a 10 cm adult. A 5 cm goldfish creates far more waste than a 5 cm rasbora. The same length does not mean the same bioload.

Use rules of thumb as a starting point, then adjust for species, adult size, body mass, and behaviour. Most beginner problems come from using the rule for juvenile fish and forgetting how big they grow, or from mixing species with different needs.

The Simple Method: Start with a Conservative Bioload Budget

Here is a beginner-friendly way to plan stocking for a 60‑litre tank. First, assume the actual water volume is 50 litres once the tank is set up. Next, choose one of these goals:

For a peaceful planted community with small fishes, aim for a total “adult fish length” of 40–50 cm across the tank. For example, a group of 10 ember tetras that reach 2 cm adds up to 20 cm, plus a group of 6 pygmy corys at 3 cm each adds 18 cm, giving 38 cm total. That is a good, safe level. If your filter is strong and you have many live plants, you can go a little higher, but always leave headroom.

For tanks with heavier feeders or more active fish, reduce the total to 30–40 cm. For a single centerpiece fish like a honey gourami, keep companions small and light. When in doubt, understock slightly. Healthy, slightly understocked tanks are easier, cleaner, and look more natural.

Filtration, Flow, and Oxygen: The Invisible Limiters

Filtration is the engine that makes stocking possible. Aim for a filter turnover of 5–8 times the tank volume per hour. For a 60‑litre tank, that means a filter rated 300–480 litres per hour. If the filter is weaker, stock less fish. If you use a strong, reliable filter and good maintenance, you can add a little more.

Oxygen matters too. A gently rippled surface from the filter outlet improves gas exchange, which supports more fish. Very still water, heavy surface films, or very warm temperatures reduce oxygen and lower your safe stocking. Live plants help by using ammonia and nitrate, but at night they also consume oxygen. The best balance is moderate surface movement with healthy planting.

The Role of Aquascape and Swimming Space

Fish need routes to swim and places to hide. A cramped hardscape or tall stack of rocks can make the space feel small for active schooling fish. On the other hand, a well-planted tank with shaded spots and line-of-sight breaks lets shy fish feel safe and reduces stress and aggression. When fish are calm, they waste less energy, feed better, and are less likely to fight. That means you can keep a peaceful community with fewer problems.

Water Parameters and Compatibility

Stocking numbers are not only about how many fish, but also about which fish together. Choose species that prefer similar temperature and water hardness. Many popular nano fish like softer, slightly acidic water, while livebearers like guppies prefer harder, more alkaline water. Mixing soft-water tetras and hard-water guppies can work in the middle, but some fish will always be a little stressed. Consistent, suitable water parameters help your tank carry a stable bioload without issues.

Before You Add Fish: Cycle the Tank

The nitrogen cycle is the backbone of safe stocking. Run the tank with a filter, add an ammonia source, and wait until beneficial bacteria can process ammonia and nitrite to nitrate. Only when ammonia and nitrite are both at zero and nitrate is rising steadily should you add fish. If you add many fish before the cycle is ready, toxins will spike and fish will suffer. A 60‑litre tank becomes much easier when the cycle is strong. Always add fish in stages with a week or two between additions so the bacteria can keep up.

Safe Stocking Ranges for a 60‑Litre Tank

Here are practical ranges for common groups. These are averages for a cycled 60‑litre with a reasonable filter and weekly maintenance. Always consider adult size and the specific species you choose.

Nano Schooling Fish (2–4 cm adults)

Examples include ember tetra, chili rasbora, mosquito rasbora, celestial pearl danio, green neon tetra, and dwarf emerald rasbora. A 60‑litre tank can hold a comfortable shoal of 12–20 of one species if this is the main group. More at the low end if you add other groups, and more at the high end if the tank is heavily planted with excellent filtration. Schooling fish feel safer in larger groups, so it is better to keep one large shoal than two small ones.

Small Schooling Fish (3–5 cm adults)

Examples include neon tetra, ember tetra (on the smaller end), harlequin rasbora, lambchop rasbora, pristella tetra, x-ray tetra, and black neon tetra. Plan for 8–12 of one species, sometimes up to 14 for the smaller types with strong filtration. These fish need open swimming space and feel best in a healthy group.

Dwarf Corydoras and Bottom Dwellers

For pygmy species like Corydoras pygmaeus, Corydoras habrosus, and Corydoras hastatus, aim for 6–10. For slightly larger panda corys or sterbai juveniles, a group of 4–6 is the limit in 60 litres if they are the only bottom fish. Provide sand or very smooth fine gravel so they can forage safely. Keep them in groups; they are social and confident in numbers.

Centerpiece Fish Options

A single honey gourami works beautifully in a 60‑litre community. One male honey gourami with a school of 10 small rasboras or tetras and a group of 6 pygmy corys is a classic layout. A male betta can also be kept in 60 litres, but choose peaceful tankmates that will not nip fins and avoid other fish with long flowing fins. For bettas, keep the current gentle and provide lots of plants and resting spots.

Livebearers

Guppies and Endler’s livebearers can thrive, but they breed fast. To avoid overstocking in a few months, keep a male-only group of 6–10 Endlers or 6–8 guppies. If you mix sexes, be ready to rehome fry regularly or limit population with predators that fit your setup, which is often not beginner-friendly. Mollies usually outgrow a 60‑litre tank and prefer harder water and more space; platies can work but also breed quickly and produce a heavy bioload.

Shrimp and Snails

Neocaridina shrimp (cherry shrimp) are great for a 60‑litre. Start with 15–20 and let the colony grow. Combine with small, shrimp-safe fish if you want both. For snails, 1–2 mystery snails or 2–3 nerite snails are enough. Nerites do not reproduce in freshwater, so they will not overrun the tank. Large snail populations indicate overfeeding; feed less and keep up with maintenance.

Small Cichlids and Special Setups

A pair of Apistogramma or a single ram cichlid can fit in a mature, well-scaped 60‑litre, but this is better for keepers who already understand water quality and territory needs. These fish demand stable water and good scaping with caves and leaves. Many shell-dwelling cichlids also work in a species-only 60‑litre setup, but do not add other fish. For beginners, it is usually easier to skip cichlids until you have more experience.

Five Sample Stocking Plans for a 60‑Litre Tank

Use these as templates. You can swap species with similar size and behaviour. Add fish in stages, and test water after each addition.

Plan A: Peaceful Planted Community

One honey gourami as a centerpiece, a group of 10 harlequin rasboras, and 6 Corydoras habrosus on fine sand. Add 1–2 nerite snails. Keep the temperature around 25°C. This plan offers activity in all levels: gourami near the mid-top, rasboras in the middle, and corys on the bottom.

Plan B: Single Large School Focus

A big shoal of 16–20 ember tetras or chili rasboras. Add a small group of 6–8 pygmy corys and some shrimp. This plan shows natural schooling behaviour and is easy to maintain due to consistent bioload and simple feeding.

Plan C: Betta with Companions

One male betta, 10 green neon tetras or dwarf rasboras, and 6–8 shrimp or 1 nerite snail. Keep flow gentle and provide dense plants and floating cover. Choose tankmates that do not nip or outcompete the betta at feeding time.

Plan D: Endler’s Livebearers

Eight to ten male Endler’s livebearers with 6 pygmy corys and 1–2 nerites. Harder water is preferred. Feed lightly to avoid a messy tank. Male-only keeps colours bright without fry overload.

Plan E: Shrimp-Centered Aquascape

Start with 20–30 cherry shrimp, add a small snail or two, and maybe a tiny group of 6 ember tetras if you still want fish. Dense moss and fine-leaved plants create a beautiful setup with constant activity.

How to Choose the Right Number for Your Mix

Begin by selecting one “main” group. Most 60‑litre tanks look best with one large school instead of several small ones. Next, add a bottom group or a centerpiece fish, not both unless the fish are very small. Finally, consider cleanup crew like shrimp and snails. Keep the total adult size within the 40–50 cm range for light, small fish, or 30–40 cm if you have bulkier species.

Remember that juvenile fish grow. Stocking based on adult size avoids the common trap of a tank that looks fine for three months and then becomes crowded as fish mature. Look up the true adult size and round up, not down.

Signs You Are Overstocked

Watch for rapid algae growth, cloudy water, persistent nitrate above 40 ppm even after water changes, gasping at the surface, aggression, or constant hiding. Test ammonia and nitrite weekly after new additions. A reading above zero is a red flag. If you see these signs, reduce feeding, increase water changes, improve filtration or flow, and consider rehoming some fish.

Maintenance for a Well-Stocked 60‑Litre

Do a 25–40% water change every week. Vacuum lightly, clean the glass, remove debris, and rinse filter media in old tank water to avoid killing bacteria. Clean the filter regularly so flow stays strong. Replace filter media only when it starts to fall apart, and never all at once. Healthy plants help keep nitrates in check, so trim and replant as needed. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, only what fish can eat in about a minute. Overfeeding is the fastest path to a dirty, unstable tank.

Compatibility and Temperament Matter

Some small fish are nippy, some are shy, and some are pushy at feeding time. Avoid mixing fin-nippers like serpae tetras with a betta, and avoid very active danios in a small, slow-paced tank. Match energy levels and keep fish with similar temperature needs. Quarantine new fish if possible, especially in a small tank where disease can spread quickly.

Water Parameters for Common Choices

Most nano tetras and rasboras prefer soft to medium water with a pH around 6.0–7.2 and temperatures from 23–26°C. Endler’s livebearers and guppies prefer harder water with a pH around 7.0–8.0 and temperatures from 22–26°C. Corydoras pygmaeus and similar species enjoy cooler to mid-range temperatures, around 22–25°C, and need smooth substrate. Bettas prefer 24–27°C and calm areas to rest with a gentle current. If your tap water is very hard or very soft, choose species that match it rather than chasing exact numbers with additives.

How Plants Influence Stocking

Fast-growing plants like stem plants and floating plants absorb nutrients and help keep water clean. Heavily planted tanks can support slightly more fish because plants act as a natural filter and provide cover. However, plants do not replace water changes, and they consume oxygen at night. Balance good plant growth with stable flow and regular maintenance.

Upgrading Capacity Safely

If you want to keep the higher end of the ranges, invest in a reliable filter with turnover near 8 times the tank volume, use a large prefilter sponge for biological area, add many plants, and keep a strict maintenance routine. Always increase stocking gradually over weeks. If your filter or routine is light, keep stocking at the lower end, and your tank will be calmer and cleaner.

Putting It Together: A Practical Stocking Calculator for 60 Litres

Here is a simple approach. First, subtract 10 litres for displacement, giving around 50 litres of real water. Next, put fish into three categories. Small nano schoolers under 3 cm count as 1 unit each. Small schoolers of 3–5 cm count as 1.5 units each. Heavier-bodied or messy fish of 5–7 cm count as 2–3 units each. For a basic filter and weekly water changes, aim for a total of 24–30 units. For a strong filter and heavy planting, 30–36 units is doable. As an example, 12 chili rasboras (12 units) plus 6 pygmy corys (9 units) plus 1 honey gourami (3 units) equals 24 units, a comfortable load. This method is not exact science, but it helps you compare mixes safely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not stock based on juvenile size. Do not mix fish that need very different water parameters. Do not skip the cycle. Do not add all fish at once. Do not trust the label “suitable for community” without checking adult size and temperament. Do not overclean the filter with tap water or replace all media at once. Do not feed more to make fish “happy”; clean water and good space makes them far happier than extra food.

Step-by-Step Plan to Stock Your 60‑Litre Tank

Start by cycling the tank fully. Add your first group, such as a school of 8–10 small fish. Wait one to two weeks, test water, and observe behaviour. If all is stable, add a bottom group like 6 pygmy corys. Wait again. Add a centerpiece fish or shrimp and snails last. Each stage allows the bacteria to grow to meet the new bioload. Patience at this step prevents many problems later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep goldfish in 60 litres?

No. Goldfish grow large and produce heavy waste. They need a much bigger tank from the start.

Can I keep two bettas together?

No for males. Keep only one male betta per tank. Female groups require larger, well-managed tanks and are not recommended for beginners.

Is a 60‑litre tank enough for mollies?

Usually no. Mollies get big, prefer harder water, and are messy. Choose smaller livebearers like Endlers instead.

How many shrimp can I keep?

Start with 15–30. In a shrimp-focused tank, a colony can grow to over 100 in 60 litres, but growth depends on food, cover, and tankmates. If you add fish, expect fewer visible shrimp, and stock fish lightly.

Do I need a heater?

Most tropical species do best with a heater. Keep temperatures stable. Rapid swings are stressful.

Realistic Stocking Examples at a Glance

If you prefer one type, try 16–20 tiny rasboras or 12–14 small tetras. If you want variety, try 10 small schoolers, 6 pygmy corys, and 1 centerpiece fish. For livebearer colour with control, pick 8–10 male Endlers and add 6 pygmy corys. For a calm display and low maintenance, a shrimp colony with a small fish group is ideal. All these plans fit a 60‑litre tank when filtered well and maintained weekly.

Conclusion

In a 60‑litre tank, the best question is not “How many fish can I cram in?” but “How many fish will thrive here?” With a cycled filter, weekly care, and smart choices, a 60‑litre aquarium can hold a vibrant community. Aim for one main school, add a bottom group or a centerpiece, and keep total adult size in the 40–50 cm range for light species. Match water parameters and temperament, add fish slowly, and let your plants and filter do steady work. When you stock with intention, your 60‑litre tank becomes the perfect stage for natural behaviour, bright colours, and a calm, healthy slice of underwater life.