So you want to get an aquarium. Your first step is to figure out what kind of fish you want. But just how do you choose from the colorful tanks on the wall of your local pet store?
This can be a daunting experience for new fish keepers. Of course, you want fish that appeal to you and have the right 'look,' but when selecting fish for your new aquarium, there are three important questions to keep in mind. First, how large will this fish grow? Second, what are the fish's water quality requirements? Finally, how well will this fish live with the other fish I want?
Community fish are fish that are usually about one inch or less. Fish keepers usually choose to populate their tanks with groups of similar community fish. Some examples of community fish are sword tails, guppies, Dwarf Gourami and Platies. When you have chosen a variety, find fish that are close to the same size. Get some advice on which varieties get along well with each other if you want to mix them. Avoid getting just one community fish because they are used to swimming in schools and will just be lonely in your aquarium. As a rule of thumb, provide one gallon of aquarium water for every inch of these fish.
Other bigger species of fish can grow from 6 inches to several feet in length. They are generally best kept alone for they are known to attack or eat smaller or weaker fish. You will need a larger aquarium to keep them in. A ten gallon tank may suffice while they are still young, but eventually, you will need to transfer them to something bigger.
It will be better to just purchase the aquarium that can accommodate their adult size, when you first get your fish. Once you've selected the kind of fish you want, find out the maximum size they will grow to, then buy the appropriate aquarium.
There are some types of fish that can thrive in almost any type or condition of water. The goldfish is the most popular of these varieties. They are recognized as almost invincible. They will no doubt continue to survive even with no aquarium lights or filters, but this is not exactly wise fishkeeping practice.
Some of the more delicate tropical fish will live only in certain water temperature and in waters of higher quality. Some need a specific pH or nitrate level. This will require you to do your research to find their specific requirements and maintain correct water condition. A good filter will have to be installed, plus some products added, like the EcoBio-Block, which greatly improves water quality and reduces the need for frequent aquarium cleaning.
Marine or saltwater variety is the last group of fish. Keeping them, however, is recommended only when you have enough fish keeping experience with freshwater fish. Though these fish are attractive, they do require a lot of maintenance work in order to keep them healthy. Other than keeping watch over the water quality, lighting and temperature, you also have to keep track of the salt level in your aquarium. Note also that you cannot mix freshwater fish with the marine varieties in just one aquarium.
Lastly, whatever the species you decide on, always remember to buy only those fish that are healthy. Inspect them carefully for uneven scales, irregular growth or injuries. Check also if they have bright eyes and intact fins. They should have healthy appetites and move actively and naturally in the water.
As you can see, choosing your fish is an important factor when creating your aquarium and good choices will mean many years of enjoyment to come.
This can be a daunting experience for new fish keepers. Of course, you want fish that appeal to you and have the right 'look,' but when selecting fish for your new aquarium, there are three important questions to keep in mind. First, how large will this fish grow? Second, what are the fish's water quality requirements? Finally, how well will this fish live with the other fish I want?
Community fish are fish that are usually about one inch or less. Fish keepers usually choose to populate their tanks with groups of similar community fish. Some examples of community fish are sword tails, guppies, Dwarf Gourami and Platies. When you have chosen a variety, find fish that are close to the same size. Get some advice on which varieties get along well with each other if you want to mix them. Avoid getting just one community fish because they are used to swimming in schools and will just be lonely in your aquarium. As a rule of thumb, provide one gallon of aquarium water for every inch of these fish.
Other bigger species of fish can grow from 6 inches to several feet in length. They are generally best kept alone for they are known to attack or eat smaller or weaker fish. You will need a larger aquarium to keep them in. A ten gallon tank may suffice while they are still young, but eventually, you will need to transfer them to something bigger.
It will be better to just purchase the aquarium that can accommodate their adult size, when you first get your fish. Once you've selected the kind of fish you want, find out the maximum size they will grow to, then buy the appropriate aquarium.
There are some types of fish that can thrive in almost any type or condition of water. The goldfish is the most popular of these varieties. They are recognized as almost invincible. They will no doubt continue to survive even with no aquarium lights or filters, but this is not exactly wise fishkeeping practice.
Some of the more delicate tropical fish will live only in certain water temperature and in waters of higher quality. Some need a specific pH or nitrate level. This will require you to do your research to find their specific requirements and maintain correct water condition. A good filter will have to be installed, plus some products added, like the EcoBio-Block, which greatly improves water quality and reduces the need for frequent aquarium cleaning.
Marine or saltwater variety is the last group of fish. Keeping them, however, is recommended only when you have enough fish keeping experience with freshwater fish. Though these fish are attractive, they do require a lot of maintenance work in order to keep them healthy. Other than keeping watch over the water quality, lighting and temperature, you also have to keep track of the salt level in your aquarium. Note also that you cannot mix freshwater fish with the marine varieties in just one aquarium.
Lastly, whatever the species you decide on, always remember to buy only those fish that are healthy. Inspect them carefully for uneven scales, irregular growth or injuries. Check also if they have bright eyes and intact fins. They should have healthy appetites and move actively and naturally in the water.
As you can see, choosing your fish is an important factor when creating your aquarium and good choices will mean many years of enjoyment to come.
About the Author:
Leonard Boyler has been keeping fish for more than two decades. His favorite products make aquarium care and maintenance so easy from start up to clarifying your cloudy aquarium. To find out more about how to have clear water and healthy fish please visit ONEdersave.com.
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