Continued from page 1

2. Do not buy several fish at one time, especially with a new tank.

Often in the enthusiasm that is understandable, the hobbyist sees to many varieties of fish, all of which are beautiful and desirable. The introduction of too many fish can easily overload the capacity of the filter and especially a new one, whereas the same number of fish introduced over a period of a week or two will allow the filter to expand it's capacity with no problem at all. Always monitor the water quality with a reliable test kit when new fish are being added.

3. Quarantine if possible all new purchases for about 10 days, in a small aquarium.

We have already referred to the advantage of such an aquarium for "running-in" a new tank's filter bed, but it will pay off "in spades" as the saying goes, if all new fish are kept in such a tank to observe them and to ensure that no disease is evident before placing them into the main aquarium. Should any problem develop, it is much easier to treat without problems in such a tank than later when in the main tank other inhabitants may become infected, as well as the possibility that rocks, plants, invertebrates, may make many treatments near to impossible.

4. Ensure compatibility between the species you intend to keep.

Far too often, the only criteria the hobbyist makes, is the shape and color of the fish. In freshwater many species are shoaling fish, such most of the Tetras for example. Obtaining a single specimen of such fish is abnormal and the fish can feel stressed by not having others of its own kind.

Some fish are happier in schools, which is natural to their behaviour in nature. When selecting such fish, ensure that you buy several so they feel ar ease.

Some fish are most aggressive, Tiger Barbs are known fin nippers to other species. In salt water the large Angel fish, will not tolerate another of the same species in the tank, especially if it is of a similar size. Some fish are carnivorous and like to eat other fish, of these Oscars are one good example, so are Pacu's and many others.

Some fish are incompatible. This gorgeous Lionfish, will swallow live small fish, especially at night. Ensure that if you keep such a specimen, it will not be able to swallow other fish.

You should work out in advance which kind of a Biotope you wish to have, then read about the water conditions preferable for the species: hard water, soft water, pH required, Temperature etc. Then ensure that such can be tolerated by any fish you intend to buy, and that they are all compatible with one another.

White Cloud mountain minnows for example are very attractive, especially so when young. However they prefer low temperatures around 58-63 F, and many other species such as Discus would die at such a low temperature or at least get diseased as they lose condition. The White Clouds will slowly succumb at the temperature preferred by Discus 80 F and over.

Therefore to be successful, ensure that you to not make impetuous decisions to buy any fish before working out what other fish you already have, or intend to have, ensuring you have read up on their compatibility, their water requirements, their feeding habits and more. This way your chances of having " a happy fish family" will be greatly enhanced.

NetPets® Main Page

contact information NewsRoom

The Fish Center