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