Freshwater fish are by far the easiest fish to care for compared to saltwater species because they are generally hardier fish. A basic freshwateraquarium set up will be required . You will need a fish tank, some rocks or shingle or sand to line bottom of the tank. You will also need a filter, and some lighting. When choosing fish, it is most important to ensure the fish can live together . Not only do they need to be compatible for water temperature and P.H. , but they need to have eat the same food requirement . Try to keep the fish relatively the same size. A well know saying is that if a fish is small enough to fit in anothers mouth, that is usually where it ends up. Sodon’tbediscouragedif this occurs.Even fish that have been collectively intoduced for a period of time have been known to disappearon occasion. It is a good practice when fish keeping to keep a diary of effents so you know exactly that has happened in your fish tank.
Freshwater fish should be fed twice daily. Feed only a small amount that can be consumed within the first two to five minutes. Feeding to much is a quite often made mistake by the beginner fish keepers. Any overabundance food should be lifted from the tank with a net if possible, as it will become debris and quickly dirty the tank. Your freshwater aquarium water should be tested and checked every week . Any discrepancies in P.H. and water temperature should be made good without delay in order to minimize stress caused to the fish. Stress is very important because it causes sickness in fish. It is imperative to keep a check on the activity and overall well being of the fish in an aquarium. The signs of stress will be fairly obvious. Slow moving or lethargic looking fish will require a stress coat that can be purchased at a local pet storeor on line . Try not to have to may fish in your tank. This should help to reduce the amount of stress inflicted on the fish.
A third of the water should be changed in the aquarium at a time , because changing this level of water will create the least amount of disturbance to the fish and other inhabitants. This will need to be done every a minimum of once a month . Use either a bucket or a siphon to remove the water from the tank . Try to remove as much loose or floating debris at this time. When adding the new water to the aquarium, be sure that it is within approximately two degrees of the tank water. The sides of the aquarium should be scrubbed on a regular basis to remove an algae build up. Again be careful not to upset the fish. Wash your hands very well before and after handling the aquarium. Lastly , check the manufacturer’s recommendation on filters and change them as required . Filters collect any fish waste or left over food. They can’t work properly unless they are clean.
How to Keep Fish when setting up an aquarium It is recommended to choose hardy fish for a new tank. These fish ideal for aquariums, they can with stand higher nitrite levels that are often present in a new aquarium. Select freshwater aquarium fish such as danios, barbs, gouramis, and live bearers. Don’t add more than three to four small fish per week. The time need to acclimatise is different for every type of fish , so check with your retailer before introducing any more fish to your freshwater tank .
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