Written by: Emily Joswiak • March 8, 2022• pets

A Beginner’s Guide to Successfully Caring for Fish

Want to add some fish into your home but aren’t sure where to start with tending to them? Explore this beginner’s guide to successfully caring for fish.

Fish can be a wonderful and engaging addition to your home. These lovely aquatic creatures can offer your environment a touch of beauty and sophistication.

However, before you go out and buy a large tank stocked with the most exotic-looking fish, there are a few things you should know about your new responsibility. Look below to find a beginner’s guide to successfully caring for fish.

Do Your Research

Prices for fish can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, depending on the fish’s species, age, and rarity. It’s essential to do your homework on the type of fish you want. Think about what you can adequately take care of. Some fish require a colossal tank, while others thrive in modest aquariums.

Certain fish prefer specific foods, while others eat almost everything you put in the tank. Several fish are aggressive, whereas others are non-aggressive. Knowing what kind of fish you’re purchasing beforehand will save you from dealing with headaches in the future.

Get the Tank and Equipment

Once you’ve decided on the type of fish you want, it’s time to purchase a tank and accessories. A good rule of thumb is to have 1 gallon per inch of fish when deciding on tank size. For example, if you have three 6-inch fish, you’ll need a tank that’s at least 18 gallons in size. Buy a filter and an air pump in addition to the tank to guarantee proper water filtration and oxygenation.

You also need to know the proper pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels for your fish. You can measure these using low-cost testing kits from your local pet store.

Clean and Maintain Your Aquarium

Conduct a partial water change of 25 percent every two to four weeks. Water changes are necessary because they replenish the chemicals lost during filtering and help remove excess food, debris, and minerals. Also, keep algae in your aquarium water under control by purchasing algae eaters or employing string algae scrubbers.

Consider Treats and Safety

It can be nice to add a small treat to your fish tank now and then. However, you need to be sure that whatever you put in the tank is safe for your fish. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other delicacies are staples you’ll find in most pet stores or bait shops. Just check to see whether they have a label that says they’re 100-percent safe for aquarium fish.

Watch for Signs of Illness

Keep an eye out for signs of disease. If the fish are lethargic, eating poorly, or gasping for air, they may be sick and require medical attention. Take your fish to a veterinarian right away for proper diagnosis, care, and treatment.

With this beginner’s guide to successfully caring for fish, you can ensure that you properly tend to your aquatic creatures. With a little time and effort, you’ll have your pets around for a long time.

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Last modified: March 10, 2022