Tropical Fish Keeping Made Easy

Not a big fan of furry animals? Want pets that won’t pee on your carpet? Then fish might just be the pets for you. Keeping fish has many variations. You can make it easy, or hard on yourself depending on what kind of fish you want. There’s quite a lot of choice involved. For the sake of this guide, we’re going to say you’re keeping tropical fish indoors.



Choosing A Tank

You have to know the size of the tank you want. Likewise, you need to have the appropriate space to fit it. Don’t buy a large tank if you know it won’t fit in the room you’re placing it in. Once you’ve determined the tank size you want, you first need to find a stand for it.
Be sure to get a stand specifically for the tank though. You need to know it can hold the weight of the tank filled with water. You also need to make sure the storage cabinets should have openings in the back so you can run wires from the pump up to the tank.

Getting The Equipment

Tropical fish require a few bits and pieces to make the tank habitable for them. We’ve already mentioned that a pump is required, for the purposes of keeping the water oxygenated. You’ll also need a temperature control system and thermometer to ensure the water is warm enough for them to survive.
Other aquarium supplies are needed to ensure the tank is adequate for the fish. You’ll also need a device to measure chemical levels in the water, such as nitrate. You’re also going to want a filter to help cultivate the right amount of bacteria in the water.

Filling The Tank

Before you start filling the tank up with water, you need to lay down some gravel on the bottom. While not required, it gives a more authentic aesthetic to the tank. If you want plants to take root in the tank too, you’ll need a fairly deep gravel base. You can also add a faux-rock wall to the back of the tank if you have it pushed up against a wall.
Next, fill the tank with cold water. Switch all your systems on, and leave the tank for a little while. You may need to monitor the tank’s temperature and nitrate levels for a few days before it settles into something habitable.

Fish


Finally, get some tropical fish you like the look of from a local pet store. Be sure to get the appropriate food for their type too. Some fish are bottom feeders and need specific food in the form of dissolvable tablets.