So you have set up your aquarium.
Or you're ready to set up your tank, and you need a whole host of swimming, happy aquarium freshwater fish to fill it, right? Well, slow down and decide exactly what sort of fish you want in there.
Maybe you want some that are extremely active, so they're always moving and entertaining you.
Or maybe your interest lies with brightly coloured species.
Or maybe you want something else entirely.
However you look at it you're going to fish for a fish tank.
Choosing the type of fish that you want can take some time, especially if you plan on having several breeds together.
You risk fish loss if you don't do some research before buying anything! Do Some Research Usually the staff at your local fish store are enthusiasts and they are only too pleased to answer any questions that you have regarding information about your future fish stock.
Here are a few questions that you should ask:
Your tank is going to have a much better future if you get this as close as possible.
While we could give you the breeds of fish, you're just going to get confused - and you won't really be able to fall in love with the fish this way.
This is why we're recommending a different option.
Head for your local fish supplier and see what they have.
You may as well go to them all in your area! Talk to the resident expert and write down the names of the fish you like and their requirements.
Take it all home and see which species match the best, then cross reference the information the staff gave you to information on that species.
This is the most effective method for finding the right species of fish for you.
We All Love Food There's one thing that some people just don't consider when purchasing multiple fish, and this is food needs.
Fish eat at different levels - some at the surface, others at the bottom.
Mixing these are just fine, but try to avoid aggressive top feeders - pellets that go to the bottom might not get to the bottom feeders! Try to choose fish with similar dietary needs, and a group that doesn't steal together will live happily together, and happy fish tend to live longer and be brighter.
You also need to make sure that your fish aren't going to become their neighbours next meal.
There is a risk, this is completely serious.
Other serious risks include aggressive fish biting other, smaller fish who simply can't fend for themselves.
Almost always a target ore fish with long flowing fins.
You should match levels of aggression this usually produces a good match.
Bullies know when to back off, so serious issues are mostly avoided.
Aggression Issues Many fish - especially males - are going to be aggressive in general, so you really do need to try and avoid pairing more then one male in the tank, with the exception of less aggressive species.
Even fish with similar colors can sometimes set it off, so be careful who you pair with whom.
Two or three females to each male usually works best but there are always exceptions.
The Worst Thing You Can Do You should never never ever just take pot luck when stocking your community tank.
This is unfortunately a thing that many aquarists do.
So don't just chance it, do some research and you will end up with with a wonderful collection of bright, happy fish for a long time.
Or you're ready to set up your tank, and you need a whole host of swimming, happy aquarium freshwater fish to fill it, right? Well, slow down and decide exactly what sort of fish you want in there.
Maybe you want some that are extremely active, so they're always moving and entertaining you.
Or maybe your interest lies with brightly coloured species.
Or maybe you want something else entirely.
However you look at it you're going to fish for a fish tank.
Choosing the type of fish that you want can take some time, especially if you plan on having several breeds together.
You risk fish loss if you don't do some research before buying anything! Do Some Research Usually the staff at your local fish store are enthusiasts and they are only too pleased to answer any questions that you have regarding information about your future fish stock.
Here are a few questions that you should ask:
- Does this fish like open areas, or plenty of plants?
- What pH does this fish prefer?
- Is this fish aggressive?
- What are this fish's feeding requirements?
- Does this fish prefer to eat from the top or bottom of the tank?
- Will this fish need much space now or in the future?
- What does this fish prefer as far as temperature is concerned?
Your tank is going to have a much better future if you get this as close as possible.
While we could give you the breeds of fish, you're just going to get confused - and you won't really be able to fall in love with the fish this way.
This is why we're recommending a different option.
Head for your local fish supplier and see what they have.
You may as well go to them all in your area! Talk to the resident expert and write down the names of the fish you like and their requirements.
Take it all home and see which species match the best, then cross reference the information the staff gave you to information on that species.
This is the most effective method for finding the right species of fish for you.
We All Love Food There's one thing that some people just don't consider when purchasing multiple fish, and this is food needs.
Fish eat at different levels - some at the surface, others at the bottom.
Mixing these are just fine, but try to avoid aggressive top feeders - pellets that go to the bottom might not get to the bottom feeders! Try to choose fish with similar dietary needs, and a group that doesn't steal together will live happily together, and happy fish tend to live longer and be brighter.
You also need to make sure that your fish aren't going to become their neighbours next meal.
There is a risk, this is completely serious.
Other serious risks include aggressive fish biting other, smaller fish who simply can't fend for themselves.
Almost always a target ore fish with long flowing fins.
You should match levels of aggression this usually produces a good match.
Bullies know when to back off, so serious issues are mostly avoided.
Aggression Issues Many fish - especially males - are going to be aggressive in general, so you really do need to try and avoid pairing more then one male in the tank, with the exception of less aggressive species.
Even fish with similar colors can sometimes set it off, so be careful who you pair with whom.
Two or three females to each male usually works best but there are always exceptions.
The Worst Thing You Can Do You should never never ever just take pot luck when stocking your community tank.
This is unfortunately a thing that many aquarists do.
So don't just chance it, do some research and you will end up with with a wonderful collection of bright, happy fish for a long time.