The Beginners Guide to Keeping Fish

Are you thinking of dipping your toes into the water and start keeping fish as pets? They may not cuddle up to you on the sofa or accompany you on walks, but fish are truly fascinating creatures.

Fish are more interactive than you might first think. They are entertaining to watch as they navigate their way around a tank, weaving in and out of rocks and plants. They will also rush to greet you at feeding time, coming to the surface for the tasty treats that you drop in.

If you are looking for a pet to satisfy a child’s request, then fish are the perfect solution. They are not only easy to keep, but will teach children about being responsible for an animal’s life. From remembering to feed them to cleaning the tank, they will learn the importance of caring for something in order to keep it alive. It may also be an opportunity to ease your child into the subject of death and loss, when the inevitable happens and they discover a fish floating on the surface.

So what do you need to think about ahead of getting your first fish?

• The bigger the tank or aquarium the better. Most fish may be small in size, but they still need plenty of room to swim, especially if you have decided to get more than one. If you’re starting with a single goldfish, a Pet Express Cold Water Fish Bowl Goldfish Starter Kit will provide everything you need.
• Think about where you place your tank. Keep it out of direct sunlight, away from windows and heating. The last thing you want is for the water in the tank to heat up out of your control.
• Invest in a decent filter. This will keep the water in the tank cleaner for longer, removing any debris, pollutants and waste.
• Add an air pump. This will keep the water in the tank oxygenated and will keep the water moving which is great for your fish. Pumps come in different sizes depending on the amount of litres your tank can hold, such as the Marina 100 Air Pump for Aquariums which is suited for up to 150 litres capacity.
• Fish may need heat and light. Depending on the breed of fish, heating could be crucial. If your fish are tropical there will be certain temperatures that you to need to ensure the water is kept to. Goldfish and cold water fish are an exception and will require no heat. Lighting will help any plant life in the tank to grow and will also show off the colours of your fish for you to enjoy.
• Add some gravel to the tank. Some bacteria is beneficial to fish and gravel gives it somewhere to live. It will also help to break down any waste that your fish creates, as well as adding an attractive look to their surroundings.
• Include some plants and greenery. Using different varieties of plant life will give your fish somewhere to hide and play, helping them to feel safe. Real plants will help to maintain the nutrients in the tank, but artificial plants will work just as well for giving your fish somewhere to hide. The Classic Rocky Outcrops White Stone with Cactus is a great mix of tank ornaments and plants to keep your fish happy!

Fish are a fantastic choice of pet for so many reasons. They are space-saving, in that they have a fixed area of the room and you know where they are at all times! They don’t require walking and they are cheaper to look after than other pets, without the big food costs and vet bills. Fish are fairly low maintenance, although you must allocate time to keep the tank and water in good condition. If the water looks cloudy or smells, take action and deal with it, rather than wait for your fish to get ill. They are a quiet species, making no noise, ever! Fish are also known as a stress reliever, with research showing that the relaxing act of watching them swim silently and without conflict will lower blood pressure.

Ultimately, fish are beautiful breeds that come in all shapes, sizes and colours, making them wonderful to watch. As you get to know your fish, you may discover that they have their own personality, which will help them to become a member of the family!

Sources

http://www.tetra-fish.com/learning-center/getting-started/a-beginners-guide.aspx

http://www.marineland.com/guides/starting-an-aquarium-beginners.aspx