How popular is fishkeeping? Very. According to the American Pet Product Association, nearly 12 million U.S. households own freshwater fish.
Not only are they fun to look at, but they can also improve your overall well-being. More specifically, they can reduce stress and lower blood pressure levels.
Are you thinking of getting into the hobby? Want to know how to choose different types of aquarium fish for your tank?
Because that’s exactly what we’ll be going over in this post. Keep reading for more information on how to start an aquarium!
Start With a Species That’s Easy to Maintain
Some types of fish are harder to keep alive than others. Take discus, for example, they’re notorious for being difficult to keep. Not only do they require pristine water conditions, but they’re also sensitive to water temperature and pH.
Given that, it’s best to avoid them if you’re a beginner fish owner. Consider choosing a breed that’s easy to maintain instead. Some examples include guppies, tetras, mollies, and platies.
Betta fish are another good option, though they can’t be kept in a tank with other fish due to their aggressive tendencies.
Make Sure That the Fish Are Behaviorally Compatible
Consider the temperament of your fish if you plan on keeping a community tank. The reality is that not all species can live with each other peacefully. For example, you should never keep pea puffers with other fish as they’re territorial and aggressive by nature.
Opt for peaceful community fish instead such as cory catfish, guppies, zebra danios, neon tetras, and swordtails. If you want, you can even add shrimp. They’ll live amongst the fish peacefully and eat any food that’s left behind.
Keep in mind, however, that some species of shrimp require saltwater tanks (such as Harlequin shrimp).
Consider the Size of Your Tank
Overstocking a fish tank with too many fish can lead to various problems. For one thing, it can affect the water quality (they’ll produce too much ammonia).
Not only that, but a lack of space can also stress out your fish and that can make them more prone to disease. Some might even turn aggressive. For example, they might start nipping at each other’s fins.
That’s why it’s so important to introduce the right number of fish to your aquarium. How many can you add? One inch of fish per 1-2 gallons of water.
Keep in mind, however, that that rule mainly applies to small fish breeds. Larger fish will require more swimming room.
Choosing Different Types of Aquarium Fish
There are many different types of aquarium fish that you can add to your tank, some of which are easier to care for than others. Given that, it’s highly recommended that you do your research before building an aquarium.
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