Aquarium Fish

The 4-1-1 on Fish

Do you know that aquarium fish are the most popular pet in America? There are more than 108 million pet fish in the United States. Read on to learn how easy it is to become a fish keeper.

Fish belong in the group of animals called vertebrates. This means they have a backbone and an internal skeleton made of bone or cartilage. They breathe under water through their gills, and move around using fins. Fish are cold-blooded animals, meaning their bodies are the same temperature as the water around them.

Fish come in many shapes, sizes and colors. One may choose from thousands of different types of fish.

Some of the more popular types of fish include everything from tetras, barbs and catfish to guppies, mollies and goldfish.

A Home For Your Fish

You can have a lot of fun planning a special home for your new pet. Your fish will need a tank to live in. You must also get some special equipment to keep the tank clean and the fish healthy. Ask a grown-up to help you pick out materials and set up your tank. Get everything you need and set up the tank before you bring your new fish home. It is best to circulate the water in the tank for at least 24 hours before putting fish in the water. Circulate the water by running the filter and air pump, which adds oxygen to the water for the fish to breathe.

Setting up Your Fish Tank

1. Rinse out the tank and wash the gravel with water (do not use soap).

2. Put your tank on a strong base away from direct sunlight and heat and air condition vents.

3. Gently pour the clean gravel into the tank until it is 1-2 inches deep.

4. Set up your filter and pump; follow manufacturers set-up instructions that are included with your purchase of this equipment.

5. Position the landscaping materials such as stones, wood and aquarium ornaments in the gravel.

6. Fill the tank half-way with water; taking care not to disturb the gravel.

7. Add the plants by placing them in groups. The taller plants should be placed in the back of the tank. Dig small holes in the gravel and place the base of the plants in, then push the gravel back around the plant.

8. Fill up the rest of the tank with water.

9. Add the water conditioner. There will be directions on the bottle that will indicate the amount of conditioner for the size of your tank.

10. Now you can place the cover and light on the tank. Turn on the filter, pump and light. Leave the filter and pump running all the time. Wait at least 24 hours before adding any fish to your tank.

Any Fish You Wish

Now comes the fun part - selecting your fish. Add two fish every two weeks to your tank. This gives the good bacteria time to grow in the tank. Your tank needs good bacteria to protect your fish from harmful waste. Check with the pet store clerk to make sure that the fish you choose will all live together peacefully. Some fish are considered aggressive and will cause trouble in a tank with peaceful fish.

Be careful with the number of fish you put in your aquarium. You do not want to overcrowd them. About 16 fish will be happy and comfortable in a 20-gallon tank with several plants and decorations. The general rule is one, one-inch fish per gallon of water that you put into the tank. Remember that your plants and landscaping materials also take up space.

Be aware that there are many considerations to mixing fish together in a tank including the size of the fish, the strata (or level) of the tank they swim in, and if they prefer to be in schools or the only species of it's kind in the tank. Aquarium fish generally fall into one of four categories. They are classified as either non-aggressive, semi-aggressive, aggressive or goldfish.

Here is a sample list of fish that will live together peacefully in a 20-gallon aquarium. They all live at different water depths within the tank. These fish will bring lots of excitement to your aquarium with their bright colors and different shapes!

Goldfish

Some of the most beautiful and easiest fish to keep are goldfish. Goldfish are the most common household pet in the world and they are a great fish for beginners. Goldfish are a fairly hardy species and are quite adaptable to different temperatures, water and food. Considered cool water fish, goldfish can grow to be quite large. Goldfish thrive in cool water (62-72 degrees Fahrenheit) and should not be kept with other tropical fish.

The absolute best companions for goldfish are other goldfish. Goldfish are schooling fish and are really at their best in groups of three or more.

Goldfish have their own special type of food that can be purchased at the pet store.

Goldfish can be kept in a bowl without filtered oxygen as long as it has a large opening. The more water surface exposed to air, the more oxygen and gas will exchange, resulting in enough air for your goldfish to breathe comfortably. If you use a bowl, the water should be changed frequently (at least 50 percent of the total water each week).

Get the Gear

Ask the expert at your local pet store for help in choosing your fish tank and set up materials.

Fish Tank

There are many shapes and sizes to choose from; the larger an aquarium is, the easier it is to keep fish. A larger tank makes for a more stable environment.

Tank cover and light

The cover keeps fish in and airborne pollutants out. The light is housed in the cover.

Filter

You will need a filter to keep the tank water clear and fresh. Proper filtration of the water in an aquarium is the key to having good water quality and a clean tank. There are several types to choose from; ask your pet store for help in choosing the right filter for your tank.

Air Pump

Pumps provide oxygen in the water. Depending on what kind of filter you decide to use, you can then decide what size air pump you need.

Plants

Get several live or artificial plants to place in the gravel. Live plants will help keep your fish healthy by making oxygen for them to breathe.

Gravel and Landscaping Materials

Get plenty of pea-sized gravel to place in the bottom of the tank. Also get stones, real or imitation wood and other decorations to provide a natural environment for your fish. These can be found at the pet store in the aquarium accessories section.

Water Conditioner

Takes the chlorine and heavy metals out of tap water to make it safe for your fish.

Net

Use to place fish in the water or catch fish.

Siphon Hose

Cleans the gravel during the monthly 25 percent water change.

Algae Scraper

Cleans algae off the glass on the inside of the fish tank.

Thermometer

Water temperature should be maintained between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for most tropical fish.

Heater

Helps keep the water at a constant temperature; can be purchased if your water is cooler than the recommended temperature.

Fish Food

There are several varieties of fish food including flakes, pellets, freeze-dried, sun-dried and granular. Check with your pet store clerk to obtain the best food for the fish you have selected.

Bringing Your Fish Home

Your new fish will come home in a bag with water that is a different temperature and quality than the water in your tank. You will need to float the bag of fish in your tank to make sure that your fish adjust to their new home. Leave it floating for at least 20 minutes so that the temperature of the water in the bag reaches the same temperature as the water in your tank.

Try not to let any bag water spill into the tank when you empty the fish out of the bag. Use a small fine mesh net to transfer the fish from the bag to the tank.

Caring For Your Fish

You must care for your fish to make sure they stay healthy. Feed them the right amounts of food and change the water monthly or when it looks cloudy to keep the tank clean.

Depending on the kind of fish, the water may need to be tested for pH, ammonia and nitrites. Your pet store may offer a service to test the water if you bring in a small sample or you may purchase a test kit which comes with instructions to test the water at home.

Fishkeeping Checklist

Daily

-- Feed the fish twice a day and check their physical condition.

-- Turn the tank lights on for 8-10 hours a day for a tank without live plants and 12-14 hours a day for a tank with live plants.

-- Check the water temperature.

Monthly

-- Clean the tank's glass on the inside using an algae scraper.

-- Vacuum the gravel in the tank with a siphon hose until 25 percent of the water has been removed; refill the tank with fresh dechlorinated water (add the water conditioner to the tap water before pouring into the tank).

-- Trim plants and replace if necessary.

-- Change filter cartridge.

Dinner Time

Give your fish food that is specially made for them. Ask the pet store clerk for help in choosing the right food for your fish.

Do not give too much food because uneaten food will decay and make the tank water poisonous. You can purchase an automatic feeder or special food tablets to put in your fish tank when you go on vacation.

Feed your fish a small pinch of food every morning and evening. If the food is not completely eaten in 2 minutes then you are feeding them too much.

Can Fish Get Sick?

Yes. Just like you, fish can get sick and may need special attention. Poor water conditions, rapid temperature changes, bad food, introducing an already sick fish to your tank or any number of things could cause your fish to become sick.

Signs that your fish are sick may include inactivity, swimming on its side, swelling of the gills, spots, lumps, and even bumps.

If you think you might have a sick fish the best thing to do is to discuss the problem with your local pet store clerk and let them recommend a medication that will help your fish feel better.

In addition to giving your fish medication you may have to separate it from the healthy fish by putting it in a "hospital tank."

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Aquarium	Fished	Finball
Fish School	Sleepover