Keeping aquarium fish is one of the most relaxing and rewarding hobbies to do. Can you imagine coming home after a long day, sitting down in front of your (fish tank opener) and watching your colourful little swimmers move gracefully around your tank? It’s kind of like therapy; calming, beautiful, and endlessly captivating.
That said, the fact is, setting up an aquarium is much more than buying a glass tank, adding water, and fish. It’s about knowing what fish is right for you, and how to look after them, and create a healthy underwater environment. If you are a beginner (or have had an aquarium before), this guide will cover everything you need to know about aquarium fish, in the easiest way possible for you as a human.
Why Do People Love Aquarium Fish?
Aquarium fish make a popular pet for hundreds of reasons. First, they are beautiful creatures! Whether you have tiny shimmering neon tetras or the elegant motions of angelfish, regardless of species, there is beauty in all species.
Second, fish tanks are peaceful! Research has been done documenting the fact that just by observing a fish swim can lower your stress and provide a calming effect. This is one of the reasons why aquariums can often be found in waiting rooms and offices in order to alleviate nerves or anxiety.
Thirdly, fishkeeping can be extremely educational! While you are staring at your aquarium, you will learn about biology, ecosystems, water chemistry, and animal husbandry. Fishkeeping is a hobby that provides many levels of engagement, from simply feeding your fish, to performing the maintenance to keep your tank operational, to designing a new aquascape (decorating your aquarium with plants and rocks).
Common Aquarium Fish
If you are new to fishkeeping, you’ll want to select beginner-friendly hardy species. Here are some of the most common fish:
Guppies – Tiny, colourful, and very active. Guppies are also easy to care for and are prolific breeders!
Betta Fish – These fish are notorious not only for their extravagant fins but also their unique personalities. Bettas can be kept by themselves, but also with other non-aggressive fish.
Neon Tetra – Very small, peaceful fish that will thrive in a community tank. Neon Tetras do best in larger groups.
Goldfish – A classic, but goldfish need more care and room than most aquarists realise.
Mollies and Platies – Hardy Livebearers in many different colours.
Angelfish– A graceful fish that is bigger than a beginner fish, but still doable if you have the proper set-up.
Every fish has their different necessities, such as tank size, water temperature, diet, and compatibility with other fish. That is why planning your new aquarium before you purchase any fish is important.
Setting Up An Aquarium: The Basics
To make things easy for you, here is a simple list of what you need to basically get started:
Tank– Bigger is better. Small bowls are too hard to manage and too cramped for your fish. A 20-gallon tank is a good starter size.
Filter– Keeps the water clean and removes waste and toxins.
Heater– Necessary for tropical fish that need warmer water.
Lighting– Not only for you to view your fish, but plants as well, if you have a planted tank.
Gravel or Sand – This will be the base of your tank and can be inhabited by beneficial bacteria.
Plants and Decorations– These create hiding spots, reduce stress and make your tank visually appealing.
Water Conditioner- Neutralises harmful chemicals in tap water.
Once you have everything set up, you will need to let your tank cycle (build up beneficial bacteria) with it running for at least a week before you can add fish. This is important because it avoids “new tank syndrome”, which can be lethal to fish.
Caring for aquarium fish
Caring for Aquarium Fish
Feeding: Most fish will thrive on a high-quality flake or pellet food. In addition to bread and butter, feed them a treat of frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp occasionally. Feed them small amounts- only what they can finish in a couple of a minutes and always remove uneaten food. Overfeeding is the biggest mistake new fish owners make. It will degrade water quality and make it dirty quickly.
Water Changes: 20-30% of the tank water should be changed on a weekly basis. This reduces harmful toxins such as ammonia and nitrates.
Tank Maintenance: Lightly clean any algae from the tank glass, vacuum the fish gravel, and only rinse any filter media in tank water (from the water changing routine) to avoid killing any good active beneficial bacteria that is in your filter
Observing: Watch your fish for a couple of minutes every day. If they are hiding more than usual, showing loss of colour, or acting strangely, that could mean they are either sick or stressed out.
Basically, you should consider your aquarium as a micro-ecosystem. The more you can create a healthy environment for your fish, the happier they will be.
A Few Keys to a Healthy Aquarium
- Avoid overcrowding the tank. More fish will produce additional waste products. Worst-case scenario, the water can become toxic quickly!
- Pick compatible species to mix. Some fish are aggressive, and some fish are peaceful. Mixing the two can result in stress and fighting.
- Content fish are happy fish (and will show themselves more). Just like humans, fish prefer stable temperatures.
Conclusion
Aquarium fish are not just another pet; they are living art. They provide colour, life, and tranquillity, no matter where you place your fish tank. Whether it’s the bright colored fins of a betta, schooling tetras, or the slow, graceful movement of a school of goldfish, there is an aquarium fish for everyone.
The most important aspect of keeping fish, preparation! Select the right tank, select beginner species to start, and be committed to weekly maintenance. If you do these things, your aquarium will become not just a decorative space, but a tranquil oasis you will appreciate for years to come.
FAQs
1- What is the easiest fish to keep as an aquarium fish?
Guppies, mollies and bettas are the three easiest fish to take care. They are hardy, adaptable and beginner-friendly.
2- How many fish can I keep in my tank?
The common rule of thumb is “one inch of fish per gallon”, but that should be taken with a “grain of salt”. Make sure you think about how big the fish will be as an adult, not how small they will be to start.
3- Can I have different fish species living together?
Yes, but again, they must be compatible species. Peaceful community fish like tetras, guppies and mollies usually get along. Avoid fastening aggressive species together.
4. How frequently should I clean my aquarium?
Partial water changes once a week, clean the glass or decorations as needed. A properly cycled tank shouldn’t require being drained and scrubbed.
5. Do fish get bored in aquariums?
Fish don’t get bored in the traditional sense that we do, but they do prefer variety. Adding plants, caves, or toys can lessen stress and promote activity.
