| A reef or tropical aquarium can be an attractive | | | | to the top of the tank as you open the lead to feed |
| addition to your home that is both beautiful to look | | | | them you are giving them too much! |
| at and therapeutic. It will be a source of enjoyment | | | | - Twice a month partially change the water. Clean the |
| to guests and householders and both children and | | | | glass more often with an algae scraper and |
| adults will be fascinated and entertained. For | | | | occasionally take out the decorations and rocks to |
| beginners setting up a tropical aquarium for the first | | | | clean off any algae.Do not change all of the water or |
| time here are some tips to help you to make the | | | | clean out the filter, decorations, rocks etc all at the |
| most of your new tropical fish tank and to keep it | | | | same time. This will remove all the beneficial bacteria |
| healthy and looking beautiful. | | | | that you worked so hard to establish in the first |
| Research the types of fish you will be putting into | | | | place and cause stress to the fish as the ammonia |
| your aquarium before you go to the pet shop. Make | | | | levels sour. |
| sure you know how large the fish will grow and how | | | | - Top up the tank when necessary with chlorine free |
| many can be comfortably accommodated in your | | | | water. If you do not want to use chemicals to de |
| tank once they are fully grown. An overstocked tank | | | | chlorinate the water, leave a covered bucket of tap |
| will not be a healthy tank! Next check the types of | | | | water for two days to allow the chlorine to |
| fishes that can be placed together. A tank that | | | | evaporate |
| contains different species of fish that live peacefully | | | | - For new fish or fish that develop any symptoms |
| together is called a community tank. Some fish, for | | | | set up a small quarantine tank. Place any newly |
| example tiger barbs and rosy barbs, may be fine | | | | purchased fish into the quarantine tank for a t least a |
| when they are small but grow up into aggressive | | | | week to avoid introducing any diseases into your |
| bullies. There are many fish that can be placed in a | | | | main tank. |
| community tank including Guppy, Hatchetfish, | | | | - Continue to test the water for pH, ammonia and |
| Horseface Loach, Lyretail, Leopard Catfish, Molly, | | | | nitrite levels two or three times a week to catch any |
| Neon Tetra, Opaline Gourami, Head Tail Light Tetra, | | | | problems before they cause distress to your fish. If |
| Pearl Gourami, Harlequin Rasbora, Platy, Penguin Fish, | | | | problems start to occur a partial water change with |
| Rainbowfish and many more. | | | | dechlorinated water can often correct them without |
| Now that your tank is stocked here are some tips to | | | | the use of any harsh chemicals. |
| help to keep it healthy: | | | | - Lastly have fun and consider joining a local club. |
| - Do not overfeed - Decaying food left in the tank | | | | Chatting with other fish keeping enthusiasts is a good |
| will produce toxic chemicals and harm your fish. Only | | | | way to find out more about your hobby. |
| add as much food as your fish can eat completely in | | | | Keep you aquarium healthy and your fish will enjoy |
| about three minutes twice a day. Fish are meant to | | | | long lives and give you and your family many hours |
| be hungry most of the time and if they do not come | | | | of enjoyment. |