Keeping Tropical Fish - How to Get Started

It is easy to decide that owning an aquarium would be a nice idea, but it can be difficult to know just where and how to start. Make sure you know exactly what is involved before you acquire any equipment, let alone fishes.

Ask yourself:

What size aquarium can I accommodate (and afford)? What sort of fishes would I like to keep? Freshwater or marine? Coldwater or tropical? What are their specific requirements and habits? Will they live in my tap water and, if not, am I prepared to go to the trouble and expense of providing the right conditions? Will they get along with each other? Do I want to grow plants? Will my preferred fishes eat them?

Life being what it is, you may have to compromise when it comes to your personal inclinations, but never do so when it comes to the fishes' welfare. That must always come first.

Deciding What Kinds Of Fishes To Keep

Although considerations of expense and the space you have available may limit your options, do, if possible, let your preferred choice of fishes' dictate factors such as aquarium size rather than vice versa, as keeping the species you really want is bound to increase your motivation and enjoyment.

Establishing your preferences will require a certain amount of effort in finding out what species are available, making a list of those you find attractive, and applying the above questions to them. You are bound to find some that are incompatible with available space, each other, and your personal concept of a miniature underwater paradise, but the wide choice available should enable you to compile a suitable shortlist without undue trouble.