Freshwater Fish Aquarium Basics

Freshwater fish are perhaps the easiest fish to care for in comparison to saltwater species because they are usually hardier. A basic aquarium set up will be required. You will need a tank, some rocks or substrate to line bottom of the tank. You will also need a filter, and some lighting.

When choosing fish, it is imperative to make sure the fish are compatible. Not only do they need to be compatible for water temperature and P.H., but they also should have similar food requirements. Try to keep the fish relatively the same size. It has been said that if a fish is small enough to fit in another fishes mouth, that is usually where it ends up. So don't be discouraged if this happens. Even fish that have been housed together for several months have been known to disappear on occasion.

Freshwater fish should be fed twice daily. Feed only a small amount that can be consumed within the first two to five minutes. Overfeeding is a common mistake among novice fish keepers. Any excess food should be lifted with a net if possible, as it will become debris and quickly dirty the tank. Water should be kept regulated and tested weekly. Any discrepancies in P.H. and water temperature should be corrected immediately in order to minimize stress on the fish.

Stress is one of the most common causes of illness in fish. Signs of stress are fairly obvious if you consistently monitor the activity and overall well being of your fish. Are any of your fish slow-moving or lethargic? If so, they will require a stress coat, which you can buy at a pet shop.

When you change the water in the aquarium, only change about 1/3 at a time. This will create the least amount of disruption to the fish. This should be done every two to three weeks. When removing the water from the tank, use a siphon or bucket. Also remove any debris you can to keep the tank clean. Make sure that the new water you add is close to within two degrees of the tank water already there.

Clean the sides of the aquarium regularly, scrubbing away any algae. Be careful not to disturb the fish when doing this. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly prior to and after touching your aquarium. Also, do not forget to change the filter, according to the recommendation of the manufacturer. Filters perform the vital task of collecting fish waste and left over food, but they cannot function properly unless they are clean.

When your tank is new, start with hardy fish. These are fish that can tolerate the higher nitrite levels which are present in a new aquarium. Some such fish are live bearers, gouramis, barbs and danios. Do not add more than three or four small fish per week. Before adding fish, check with your retailer or do research, as acclimation times vary per species.

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