| Choosing the right aquarium fish can be a vitally | | | | This can also cause overcrowding, which in turn can |
| important factor in whether your tank is a success or | | | | encourage aquarium disease. |
| a failure. Some prefer warmer water than others, | | | | Types - They're not all designed to live in a tank like |
| some like specific conditions and others simply don't | | | | a big happy family. Some can be quite aggressive and |
| get along with others. | | | | territorial. If you choose to have a lot of |
| It's also important to remember that some are | | | | non-aggressive types, then don't mix any aggressive |
| happier living in schools of similar types, so just | | | | ones into the tank. However, if you prefer |
| buying one might put stress on the solo one. The | | | | aggressive, then be sure to have all this type |
| size you buy should also be taken into consideration | | | | together and leave the gentler types in separate |
| as some can grow to quite large sizes. An | | | | tanks. |
| overcrowded tank can contribute to aquarium | | | | Food - While many will happily eat food flakes |
| diseases. | | | | sprinkled onto the top of the tank water, others |
| Once you have an idea of what types you want in | | | | need a little more substance in their diet. Some love |
| your aquarium, take some time to check with your | | | | brine shrimp or mealworms. It's important you feed |
| local aquarium store. You should always let the | | | | them the right type of food to keep them healthy. |
| assistant know what types you already have in your | | | | Looks Are Everything - Before you buy any, check |
| tank and how many so that you reduce the risk of | | | | out how every one in the tank looks. If you see any |
| putting incompatible ones together. | | | | with fluffy white growths or white dots on their |
| Here are some things you should think about when | | | | scales, avoid buying any other ones from that |
| choosing new aquarium fish: | | | | particular tank. You don't want to introduce disease |
| Tank Temperature - Tropical styles won't be happy | | | | into your own tank. |
| in cool water, just the same as cold water types | | | | Only buy from tanks where they all look healthy. |
| won't be happy in warm water tanks. Obviously, they | | | | Even if you choose to buy the healthiest looking one, |
| won't mix well together so it's important to choose | | | | it could still harbor disease contracted from other sick |
| combinations that will mix well in your chosen tank | | | | ones within that aquarium. |
| environment. | | | | The key to creating a successful aquarium |
| Water Conditions - It's important to consider the size | | | | environment is to incorporate types of fish that are |
| of your existing fish before adding new ones. If you | | | | compatible with each other. Be sure to acclimatize |
| have an overcrowded tank, this can mean less water | | | | new members properly before introducing them to |
| space or an increase in ammonia levels. You will need | | | | your aquarium. And remember to recreate an |
| to be sure your water is changed frequently. | | | | atmosphere where they can all be happy, healthy, |
| Sizes - Buying small ones now is no guarantee that | | | | and stress-free. |
| they won't grow to become much larger later on. | | | | |