This Cute Pet

How to Start a Tropical Fish Aquarium

Are you interested in starting a tropical fish aquarium?
Here are some tips for you. It is advised that you check with the experts at a fish store for more precise instructions as well.

1. If you are just starting out, you should start small. Your local discount store is a good place to pick up your beginning supplies. This will be 5 or 10 gallon sized.

You will also need to pick up distilled water (6-11 gallons, depending on the size tank), a filter (check the size so that is best fits the tank), a heater (again, check the size to make sure that it fits the tank capacity), and start checmicals (ask the nice people at the store to suggest the correct ones).

Do not buy the fish,. Fish will not be able to live in your tank for a couple of weeks. The tank needs enough time to grow the correct type of bacteria needed for fish.

2. Stocking your tank.


After the initial two weeks have gone by, you can start thinking about filling it up with goodies. It is said that you will need one gallon of water to keep 1 inch of fish. Make sure that your keep this ratio in mind before deciding to add more fish to your aquarium.There are many kinds of beginner fish out there that are inexpensive. Zebra Danios, White Clouds, and Platys are great starters.
Other suggestions- Give the fish plants to hide in.There are also neat looking statues etc. that they can swim through.



3. Maintenence.
Clean/change the tank water at regular intervals.Every one to two weeks is suggested. This will help to remove any solid waste that will accumulate, keep the ammonia and other byproducts in tact, and also greatly improve the appearance of your tank.By cleaning your tank, it is suggested that you remove 1/3rd of the water and replace it with DISTILLED (not tap) water, wipe the algae from the sides, replace your filter cartridge, and check/maintain your chemical balance (easy to do- check with your pet store for advice).

4. Feeding.
Check the label on the food container. Generally, you will feed them 2-3 times a day. Be careful about choosing fish food that will not discolor your water.

Keep in mind that some fist do better in cool water (gold fish for example) and others do better in warm water and some do better in salt water. Do not mix these fish.

Don't get upset when fish die. Often it is because of something you had nothing to do with. When they do die, be sure to scoop them out asap and check your chemicals in case there is something wrong with your water.

That's it!
Again, check with a professional for the best advice!