When folks are just starting out, they’re often surprised to hear that bigger tanks are actually easier. A larger tank holds more stable water, which means fewer sudden swings that can stress fish. For most beginners, a 10–20 gallon setup is the sweet spot: big enough to stay steady, small enough to fit anywhere. And remember—always stock your tank based on the adult size of the fish, not the tiny youngsters you see at the store. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping everyone healthy.