The Beginners Guide To Keeping Fish: What You Need To Know

Keeping fish as pets has been on the up as of late. The benefits of owning a fish as a pet are numerous - they’re affordable, easy to care for, and require minimal space compared to other kinds of animals. If you’re thinking about introducing fish into your home, read on for everything you need to know about keeping them as pets.

Fortunately, keeping fish as pets is simple with the help of this ultimate guide! Whether you have an aquarium or a pond, whether you keep tropical or coldwater fish - we’ve got everything you need to know about keeping fish at home.

Who Can Keep Fish?

Anyone who has the time and willingness to care for these aquatic creatures can keep fish. However, it’s important to choose the type of fish you’d like to keep based on your lifestyle and living conditions. For example, tropical fish need a heated tank all year round, while coldwater fish (like goldfish) can be kept in an unheated tank during the winter months. Each type of fish has specific requirements, so it’s important to think about your living situation and choose fish that will thrive in it.

Aquarium Setup for Beginners

Before you buy any fish, you’ll need to make sure that you have everything in place for your aquarium. The most important thing is to get a tank that is the appropriate size for your fish. The general rule of thumb is 10 gallons of water / 45 litres per fish, and you should always err on the side of having a bigger tank rather than a smaller one. It’s also important to have the tank cycled before you add any fish. Cycling your aquarium means that you’ll be growing beneficial bacteria in your water that will remove ammonia and nitrates from it. You can do this by adding the necessary supplies when you set up your tank.

Equipment for Aquarium Keeping

There are several pieces of equipment that you’ll need to keep fish in an aquarium. The most important is a sturdy tank that is clean and bacteria-free. Make sure that it has a secure lid since you’ll be keeping fish inside it! Next, you’ll need a filtration system that can keep your water clean and healthy. There are many different types of filtration systems — both mechanical and biological — so it’s important that you choose the right system for your tank.

Tips for Newbies: Stay Healthy and Happy

Follow the 10/20 rule when setting up your aquarium. Make sure that no fish are more than 10% of the total aquarium water volume. The same goes for a single fish — you shouldn’t have more than 20 gallons of water per fish. This will help to avoid water quality issues from ammonia and nitrates. No matter what type of fish you choose, it’s important that you follow their individual care guidelines. These can be found on the packaging of any fish you buy and also on most fishkeeping forums. Feed your fish a balanced diet two times per day — once in the morning and once in the evening — to make sure that they get everything they need from their meals. Be aware that some fish are jumpers and will try to escape the tank, so make sure to have a lid with a latch to prevent this!

Types of Fish to Consider

When choosing the types of fish to keep in your aquarium, it’s important to think about the space and temperature of your tank. Some fish are better suited to a smaller aquarium, while others thrive in a large, warm tank. When it comes to temperature, you’ll want to make sure that it’s warm enough to keep tropical fish happy and healthy. Coldwater fish, on the other hand, thrive in cooler temperatures. - Tropical fish: Tropical fish are best suited to a heated tank. These are fish like the goldfish and tetras. - Coldwater fish: Coldwater fish like trout, salmon, and blue gill thrive in unheated tanks. - Larger fish: Some aquarium fish grow to be quite large — like the goldfish and koi — so it’s important to make sure that you have enough space for them.

Bottom line

Keeping fish as pets has been on the up as of late. The benefits of keeping a fish as a pet are numerous — they’re affordable, easy to care for, and require minimal space compared to other kinds of animals. If you’re thinking about introducing fish into your home, make sure to follow these tips before you get started. It’s important to choose the right type of fish and set up the tank properly so that you can keep your aquatic friends happy and healthy. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to thriving in the world of fish keeping.