Endler Tank Setup Guide For a Happy & Healthy Habitat

Endler livebearers are often described as tiny fish with big personalities, and I agree. These colorful dynamos light up any tank with their vibrant patterns and lively behavior.

Endlers have been gaining popularity over the years; they are a delightful addition to any aquarium.

And while they may be hardy and easy to care for, they still need an aquarium suited for them. In this blog, we’ll cover everything Endlers need to have an ideal environment—from tank size and water chemistry to filtration and décor.

Let’s go!

Choosing the Right Tank

Endlers thrive in bigger tanks. Sure, they're tiny fish, but they're active swimmers who need room to zoom. A ten-gallon tank, at least, is recommended for a small group of 6 to 8 Endlers.

This size gives them enough space to explore and show off their natural behaviors.

But if you have something larger, like 20 gallons or more, then that’s when you’ll see Endlers really thrive. The extra space means more stable water conditions, which Endlers (like all fish) love.

And if you can add more plants and hiding spots, you can create a mini underwater jungle for your fish to explore.

Pro tip: Make sure the females outnumber the males by about 3 to 1. Otherwise, the males will harass them or fight with other males incessantly.

Creating the Perfect Water Environment

Getting your Endler tank water parameters right is important, so let's break it down into easy-to-follow steps.

First up, temperature. Endlers like reasonably warm indoor room temperatures. Aim for 65-80°F.

Next is pH. Endlers prefer slightly alkaline water. Shoot for 5.5-8.0. If your tap water's in this range, you're golden.

Hardness matters, too. Endlers enjoy moderately hard water. GH between 10-20 dGH works great.

Now, here's the crucial part: cycling your Endler tank. Give it 4-6 weeks before adding fish. Use a liquid bacteria starter to speed things up. We often use Seachem Stability.

Test your water regularly. Ammonia and nitrites should be zero and nitrates under 20 ppm. Once you hit these numbers, your tank's ready for its colorful new residents.

Filtration: Keeping Your Tank Clean

For Endlers, sponge filters are ideal. They're gentle, effective, and won't suck up your tiny fish. Plus, they're great for beneficial bacteria growth.

If you want more power, a hang-on-back (HOB) filter works well, too. Just cover the intake with a sponge to protect your Endlers.

Go for one rated for at least your tank size, if not a bit larger. A filter rated for 20 gallons in your 10-gallon Endler tank gets the job done, and that overfiltering will really keep your water clear.

Substrating for a Thriving Ecosystem

Choose your Endler tank substrate wisely—it's your aquarium’s foundation.

For many Endler fans, fine sand or small gravel works very well as substrate. They look natural and won’t hurt your Endlers’s delicate fins. It's also perfect for the live plants that almost all fish thrive on.

Decorating Your Endler Paradise

For Endlers, live plants are a must. They're not just pretty; they provide hiding spots, reduce stress, and improve water quality.

Easy plants like hornwort and guppy grass grow fast and don't need to be planted. Endlers love darting between them! 

Java moss is another favorite. It creates perfect hiding spots for any fry you might have.

Don't stop at plants, though. Add some rocks and driftwood for a natural look. A small piece of driftwood with Java fern attached looks amazing. 

The driftwood has an added benefit of releasing tannins into the water. These beneficial substances modulate the water chemistry, and act as a soothing balm for your fish's slime coat... ensuring they heal faster from any fin nips or rips.

Remember, Endlers love to explore. Create little nooks and crannies with your decorations. It's fun watching them zip in and out of their hiding spots.

Keep it simple at first. You can always add more as you go!

Lighting Up Your Endler's World

Remember, the best natural nano setups mimic mother nature.

Use a timer to mimic natural daylight, giving your fish 8-10 hours of light daily. Moderate brightness works best. On the other hand, too much light could stress them out.

A good LED setup should have adjustable intensity to create a cozy Endler environment. Remember, good lighting isn't just for the fish—it helps your plants thrive, too!

Keeping Your Endlers Well-Fed

Endler fish food doesn't need to be fancy, but quality matters. High-grade flake food made for livebearers is best. Very small meals twice a day keeps your Endlers happy and healthy.

There's been some evidence that fasting them once or twice a week helps with health and longevity too! Something to think about.

For extra pep, toss in some frozen brine shrimp or chopped bloodworms once a week—they go crazy for it! 

If you have the time, try a live hatch of baby brine shrimp. That live food also helps with color, activity level, and encourages breeding.

Just remember, overfeeding is worse than underfeeding. So keep portions small. Your Endlers will stay active and colorful with this simple feeding routine.

Maintaining a Happy & Healthy Habitat

Endler tank maintenance is easy once you get into a routine.

• A 20% water change every week is sufficient.
• Use a gravel vacuum to suck up waste while you're at it.
• Keep an eye on those water parameters. Test weekly using a liquid test kit or test strips.
• Spot clean daily. Scoop out any visible debris or uneaten food.
• Trim plants as needed to prevent overgrowth. Your Endlers will appreciate a cleared space for swimming.

A little effort each week keeps your tank sparkling and your Endlers thriving.

A last consideration: Like livebearers such as Platys, Guppies, and Swordtails, Endlers breed easily and often. You could have a new batch of 40 babies every month per female. Be prepared for that, and have a plan for the babies.

Consider an all- male fraternity if you'd rather not mess with breeding possibilities. There are a myriad of patterns you could choose from to mix and match!