Before Adding Fish to Your Tropical Fish Tank

So you want to get into the hobby of keeping fish tanks? Good choice. If this is your first tropical fish tank, or if you haven’t had the best of luck, there are a few things you should know before going out and buying the fish you want to live in your tank.

First, do research on and know the fish you want to buy. For example, most people want to start off with a goldfish or a betta splendens (a siamese fighting fish). But years of misinformation has led people to believe that these “beginner fish” will be good in any little thing that contains water, from a goldfish bowl to a vase or betta bowl. This is simply not true, and detrimental to your fish’s health. These fish suffer from being hardy fish. They can often live in the worse conditions for quite a while.

The truth is, a goldfish can grow to be just over two feet. Even fancy goldfish can grow to be the size of a softball. They stay small, however, because their own wastes in the small bowl and minimal water stunts their growth, as well as their health. Goldfish need a minimum of twenty gallons for the first one, adding another ten gallons per goldfish added. Bettas don’t grow as big, but do require at least a 2.5 to 3 gallon tank. Both fish require a working filter, and the betta requires a heater. Far from the truths the pet store would tell you!

So research before you get a fish, any fish, is key, as you may find your fish have over bred, overgrown, over polluted, and overcrowded your tropical fish tank, leading to sick and dead fish. You will also need to research the proper substrate for the fish, as gravel is common place but not the best for a fish tank. Compatibility of your intended fish is also important, as some fish may seem nice when you buy them, may even be good with other fish when small, but once it reaches a certain size, will attack your other fish. A good example of this is the Chinese Algae Eater.

Another item to note is that your fish tank has to cycle before you can add fish. Cycling your fish tank is a term used for the nitrification process. This is the process by which good bacteria must form in order to convert dangerous compounds into compounds safe for your fish to live in. This process can take up to six weeks, and only then can you safely add certain species of fish. Many people lose their fish too young because they are unaware of this process, or add the fish too quickly. A good way to help the process along is to get a used filter from someone you know who has a fish tank already, and then putting it in your own filter. The bacteria in the filter will begin to populate your new tank.

Carla has a degree in Zoology, as well as having owned and taken care of many animals and pets in her career. To read up on which fish will be best suited for your needs, visit [http://tropicalfishtanksite.com], as well as [http://tropicalfishtanksite.com/?p=13] to read up on the nitrification cycle.

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