| Many people would not consider a fish to be a | | | | away. Tropical fish do require more care than |
| "real" pet, but keeping tropical fish is a | | | | a plant; you must know how to change the |
| pleasurable hobby for families around the | | | | water, clean the tank, and what to feed them. |
| world. It's also great for the person who is | | | | A little research will help you keep your |
| allergic to fur but stills wants some kind of | | | | aquarium free from algae blooms and snail |
| company at home. If you are a complete | | | | infestations. An absolute necessity for |
| beginner then beginning with a goldfish would | | | | tropical fish is a tank heater, and you may |
| be your best start, but if you want a little | | | | also find a tank thermometer to be very |
| more of a challenge then tropical fish are | | | | helpful. The most commonly used heater for |
| the way to go. Most people choose tropical | | | | aquariums is a submersible heater, which you |
| fish because there are more choices and | | | | should position where it will circulate the |
| typically more brightly coloured fish then | | | | most water, so it can spread out the heat. |
| among freshwater fish, and it's much simpler | | | | The thermometer should also be a submersed |
| than having a reef aquarium. There is also an | | | | one because they are usually more accurate |
| aesthetic appeal of keeping a tropical fish | | | | and if you are keeping tropical fish the |
| tank in your home because you get to design | | | | temperature of the tank water is of the |
| and decorate your tank. Tropical fish don't | | | | utmost importance. As with any new hobby or |
| tie you down to a lot of expenses after you | | | | endeavour, it is important to learn about the |
| set up the aquarium and buy the fish; it | | | | needs of the different species of tropical |
| should cost you around $25 a year to feed a | | | | fish before you invite them to share your |
| fish. But what most people appreciate most is | | | | home. But with a little advance planning and |
| that you don't have to walk them, wash them, | | | | preparation, you will soon come to see that |
| groom them, play catch with them or take them | | | | keeping fish as pets can be pleasing and |
| in for check-ups. But that doesn't mean that | | | | quite fun to do! |
| you can just put your fish in a tank and walk | | | | |