Freshwater Aquariums

Freshwater fish are perhaps the easiest fish to keep in comparison to saltwater species because they are generally hardier fish. A basic freshwaterfish tank set up will is needed . 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 picking fish, it is of the utmost importance to make sure 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 . Preferably keep the fish a similar average size. A well know saying is that if a fish is small enough to fit in anothers mouth, that is generally where it ends up. Sodon’tbediscouragedif this happens.Even fish that have been kept together for several months have been known to go missingon 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. 

Feeding two times a day is important for freshwater fish. 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 among beginner fish keepers. Any excess food should be taken out of the aquarium with a net if conceivable, as it will become debris and after not to long dirty the tank. Your freshwater aquarium water should be kept regulated and tested weekly . Any discrepancies in P.H. and water temperature should be made goodimmediacy 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 brought from an aquatic centeror on line . Try to avoid overcrowding the tank. This should help to minimise the amount of stress caused to the fish.

A third of the water should be changed in the aquarium on a regular basis , because changing this level of water will cause the least amount of disturbance to the fish and other inhabitants. This will need to be done every two to three weeks . Use either a pail or a siphon to remove the water from the tank . Try to remove any loose or floating debris at this time. When adding the new water to the aquarium, make sure that the temperature 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 disturb the fish. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the aquarium. Finally , keep to the manufacturer’s recommendation on filters and change them as required . Filters collect any fish waste or left over food. They will not function correctly unless they are clean.

How to Keep Fish when setting up an aquarium introduce hardy fish to a new tank 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. Choose freshwater aquarium fish like 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 kind of fish , so check with your aquatic center before introducing any more fish to your freshwater tank .