Animal Care/Freshwater aquarium fish

FRESHWATER AQUARIUM FISH: A GUIDE TO KEEPING THEM

Freshwater fish are one of the most popular of all tank-suitable fish. They are fairly easy to keep, and are great for beginners. Freshwater fish divide into two sections - coldwater and tropical. In this article we shall be looking just at one section - freshwater fish. If you are looking up marine fish, then try Marine Aquaria.

Before you rush out to buy a fish tank, you must consider several things...

1. You have an area in your home to put the tank. Don't put it near windows, it can get too much algae growth, don't put it near doors or areas of heat, as the temperature can be too variable.
2. That you have thought about all equipment and medicines to buy, etc.
3. That you have enough electrical outlets near the place you have chosen to locate the tank.
4. That you have read up on the subject.

So let's get started... we'll begin with a guide to the equipment needed. And the most important thing you'll need will be a filter.

Equipment

Filters

There are several forms of filter: an internal filter, an external filter, and an undergravel filter.

The undergravel filter was popular in the 80's, but now is rarely used because it does not filter powerfully enough, and is difficult to maintain. However, some fishkeepers like to use it in conjunction with other filters.

The internal filter is the most popular type: It is usually a small box with foam cartridges in it. The water is sucked in through the grills, gets filtered through the foam, and exits from the nozzle at the top. These are fairly easy to maintain, and many have extra features such as metres indicating when cleaning is due, venturi valves (to let oxygen into the water), and carbon or polyester filter pads. These filters are tough and durable: They should last you a long time.

Finally, the external filter: these are usually very expensive (£50-£150), but are by far the best to get, especially if you have lots of fish and plants, and are much easier to clean and maintain.

Heater

Once you have chosen a filter, you can decide which heater to buy. If you are getting coldwater fish such as goldfish, you will not need one, but these are a must for any tropical tank. They help keep the water at the right temperature for your fish-too cold and your fish might die, too hot and there won't be enough oxygen in the water for them to breathe.

Tank

Once you've chosen your heater, think about a tank. Make sure the heater and filter are the right size for your tank: if you want a large or small aquarium you may need to change the size of your equipment. Get some gravel, some ornaments, maybe a few plants, and anything else which your local shop might recommend. Don't forget to buy a test kit, to monitor the health of the water, and some water treatment: you don't want your fish being killed by untreated tap water.

Preparing the Tank

When you get home, rinse the gravel in a bucket to remove any dirt and gently pour it into your tank. Fill the tank up about halfway with water. Put the plants and ornaments in at this stage.

Next, fill the aquarium up the rest of the way. When you have filled up to the level stated by the manufacturer, add your filter and heater. Follow the instructions in their boxes to make sure you don't do anything wrong.

Finally, when all this is complete, add in your water treatment. This will remove any dangerous chemicals from your tap water which may stress or kill the fish. Some places have water that is not typical and before simply following the istructions on the water treatment container, get advice on the correct rate for your area.

Adding Fish

Just when you're thinking "Phew! After all that I can finally add the fish!" , stop yourself. DO NOT ADD ANY FISH YET! You have to leave your tank running for two weeks (Or a few days if you use a product such as Bactozyme or Cycle) to let the good bacteria in your filter mature to a safe level. After this time, test your water using the test kit you should have bought earlier. When your water parameters are OK, you can add your first fish. Build up your stock slowly, week by week, so your filter doesn't have too much to cope with in the early stages. It is a good idea to start with a few hardy fish like Danios or White cloud mountain minnows, so they don't put too much strain on your filter.

I hope this article helps!

Don't forget, if you have any concerns ask at your local pet shop.

Further reading

• Marine Aquaria
• Animal Care/Goldfish