Caring For Your Fish
David Slone
July 30, 2008
Fish are some of the most interesting creatures that can be kept as pets. Keeping an aquarium of fish can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Before you buy fish you should know how to properly care for them so you can enjoy your fish for years to come.
In order to introduce your fish into the tank there are some important yet simple steps that you should take. If you buy your fish and bring it home in a plastic bag you should leave the fish in the bag. Put the whole bag into the tank. Let the bag float in the aquarium for 30 minutes, then you can open the bag and let some of the aquarium water into the bag. Close the bag and let it float in the tank for about another 15 minutes. This will allow the fish to become accustomed to the temperature and the make-up of the water in the aquarium. Then you can release the fish into the tank.
It is better to have less fish opposed to more. Some fish species are not compatible and my tend to feed on one another. It is important for you to check your tank daily, and watch for any signs of illness in your fish. Make sure that the fish are compatible and not attacking one another. Make sure that all of your fish are eating, them not eating could be a sign of illness.
Choose one day of the week to NOT feed your fish, check the water temperature and the filter to be sure that all is running properly. It is recommended that you change 1/3 of the aquarium water at least once a week. Do not just pour the new water into the tank, this may cause the fish to go into shock. Let the water sit until it is room temperature, then slowly pour it into the aquarium. It is recommended that you use distilled water to fill your aquarium and to change the water. If you use tap water it is possible to poison your fish because of the amount of chlorine in city water supplies.
Remember that all fish do not eat the same. Some species prefer a live diet, while others will do fine with dry food. You should ask the shop owner about feeding when you buy the fish.
It is possible for fish to have health problems, the best way to notice these illnesses is to watch your fish and learn their behaviors. Some warning signs of illness may include color changes, a change in eating habits or behavioral habits. A fish can also react abnormally during the reproductive cycles. They may hide more than normal and they may even seem to shiver. If you notice changes in your fish, check the tank to be sure that all is normal with the aquarium. If you can't seem to diagnose the problem, the shop owner where you bought the fish may be able to help you.
If you would like to learn more about aquariums and fish and see detailed descriptions and color pictures of the most popular aquarium fishes visit www.TheHomeAquarium.com for information such as life spans, water requirements, tank mate recommendations, special care tips and more.
In order to introduce your fish into the tank there are some important yet simple steps that you should take. If you buy your fish and bring it home in a plastic bag you should leave the fish in the bag. Put the whole bag into the tank. Let the bag float in the aquarium for 30 minutes, then you can open the bag and let some of the aquarium water into the bag. Close the bag and let it float in the tank for about another 15 minutes. This will allow the fish to become accustomed to the temperature and the make-up of the water in the aquarium. Then you can release the fish into the tank.
It is better to have less fish opposed to more. Some fish species are not compatible and my tend to feed on one another. It is important for you to check your tank daily, and watch for any signs of illness in your fish. Make sure that the fish are compatible and not attacking one another. Make sure that all of your fish are eating, them not eating could be a sign of illness.
Choose one day of the week to NOT feed your fish, check the water temperature and the filter to be sure that all is running properly. It is recommended that you change 1/3 of the aquarium water at least once a week. Do not just pour the new water into the tank, this may cause the fish to go into shock. Let the water sit until it is room temperature, then slowly pour it into the aquarium. It is recommended that you use distilled water to fill your aquarium and to change the water. If you use tap water it is possible to poison your fish because of the amount of chlorine in city water supplies.
Remember that all fish do not eat the same. Some species prefer a live diet, while others will do fine with dry food. You should ask the shop owner about feeding when you buy the fish.
It is possible for fish to have health problems, the best way to notice these illnesses is to watch your fish and learn their behaviors. Some warning signs of illness may include color changes, a change in eating habits or behavioral habits. A fish can also react abnormally during the reproductive cycles. They may hide more than normal and they may even seem to shiver. If you notice changes in your fish, check the tank to be sure that all is normal with the aquarium. If you can't seem to diagnose the problem, the shop owner where you bought the fish may be able to help you.
If you would like to learn more about aquariums and fish and see detailed descriptions and color pictures of the most popular aquarium fishes visit www.TheHomeAquarium.com for information such as life spans, water requirements, tank mate recommendations, special care tips and more.
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