| If you want to start keeping fish as pets, | | | | and the right ones depend only on what you |
| there are several things you need to know. | | | | like. That doesn't mean however, that you can |
| Think about the decor, as this will help | | | | just put anything in the water. Gravel |
| determine the type of aquarium you will buy. | | | | especially must come from a pet store, since |
| The size and variety of fish will also play a | | | | it won't have an adverse affect on your |
| part in your decision. The systems can be | | | | aquarium system, like beach gravel would. You |
| costly, but as with everything else you buy, | | | | don't want to upset the balance you've worked |
| do some research on finding the best price. | | | | so hard to establish. |
| | | | |
| If you haven't owned an aquarium before, you | | | | Now that you have your fish and your aquarium |
| might think it would be best to start off | | | | all setup its time to add the water. The most |
| small. In truth you are establishing an | | | | important thing to know when adding water is |
| ecosystem, so buying a small tank and only a | | | | you must treat tap water before adding it to |
| few fish, is actually harder than going a bit | | | | your aquarium. This is because chlorine is |
| bigger. In order for your aquarium to | | | | added to most drinking water and this is very |
| survive, you need the correct pH balance and | | | | harmful to fish and plants. You must use a |
| also some live plants. Think in terms of | | | | chlorine remover before adding it to your |
| twenty gallons as a starting size. This will | | | | aquarium and your fish. |
| give your fish room to swim and not feel | | | | |
| trapped in a tiny space. It will give you | | | | Maintaining the correct water temperature is |
| more to look at and enjoy as well. | | | | another important consideration for your |
| | | | aquarium. It needs to be between 70 and 80 |
| When choosing the fish it will have to be | | | | degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to purchase a |
| decided whether you want salt or fresh water | | | | thermometer. If the temperature isn't just |
| fish. The tropical fish are fresh water fish. | | | | right, your fish could die. |
| They both cannot be kept together. You can | | | | |
| start with a few fish, say four or five. You | | | | The next thing to be considered is the food |
| can always increase the number when you | | | | for the fish. Most fish are not fussy about |
| desire. | | | | the food they are given, fish flakes and |
| | | | pellets are both fine with the fish. |
| It is essential to understand the | | | | Recommendation for any special food can be |
| compatibility of the fish with each other. | | | | ascertained from the pet store. |
| Some fish do not get along with others and | | | | |
| eat the smaller fish. Take the advice of the | | | | Establishing and maintaining an aquarium can |
| employee at the pet store or you can look for | | | | bring you special rewards. Too many people |
| this information on the Internet. | | | | think you just buy a tank, add some water, |
| | | | and toss in a few goldfish. A true aquarium |
| Now that you know the tank and the fish you | | | | is much more than that, so enjoy your new |
| want, it's time to think about decorations. | | | | project. |
| There are a lot of choices at the pet store, | | | | |