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Aquarium Care for Freshwater Fish

By: Bob Evanston Freshwater fish are perhaps the easiest fish to care for in comparison to saltwater species because they are usually hardier. A basic aquarium set up will be required. You will need a tank, some rocks or substrate to line bottom of the tank. You will also need a filter, and some lighting.

One of the basic things to know is that all of your fish are compatible. They must require the same temperature and P.H. and have similar diets. They should also be of roughly the same size. One truth about fish to remember is that if one fish is small enough to fit into another's mouth, it will probably end up there. If this does occur, don't be discouraged but learn from it. It's part of nature, but you can minimize it by careful planning.

Freshwater fish should be fed twice daily. Feed only a small amount that can be consumed within the first two to five minutes. Overfeeding is a common mistake among novice fish keepers. Any excess food should be lifted with a net if possible, as it will become debris and quickly dirty the tank. Water should be kept regulated and tested weekly. Any discrepancies in P.H. and water temperature should be corrected immediately in order to minimize stress on the fish.

Stress is significant because it causes illness in fish. It is important to monitor 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 store. Try to avoid overcrowding the tank. This should help to reduce the amount of stress

When you change the water in the aquarium, only change about 1/3 at a time. This will create the least amount of disruption to the fish. This should be done every two to three weeks. When removing the water from the tank, use a siphon or bucket. Also remove any debris you can to keep the tank clean. Make sure that the new water you add is close to within two degrees of the tank water already there.

The sides of the aquarium should be scrubbed regularly to remove an algae build up. Again be careful not to disturb the fish. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the aquarium. Lastly, check the manufacturer's recommendation on filters and change them accordingly. Filters collect any fish waste or left over food. They can't function properly unless they are clean.

Introduce hardy fish to a new tank. These fish can withstand higher nitrite levels that are present in a new aquarium. Choose fish such as danios, barbs, gouramis, and live bearers. Don't add more than three to four small fish per week. Acclimation times vary per species, so check with your retailer before adding any other new fish.