There are more than 30,000 species of fish, ranging from small to large. While only a small fraction of them will be found in your average home aquarium, it’s no surprise that aquariums are a popular hobby. It has even been proven to provide a range of health benefits, including stress relief and improved concentration and creativity!

Like the colors of the rainbow, fish species have their own needs and personalities. Some are docile and easy to take on board, while others are high-maintenance and require a lot of care. Some are solitary, while others like to hang out in groups. Learn about some of the most popular fish species and choose the one that best suits your needs before buying an aquarium.

This step-by-step guide will provide you with all the information you need to take care of your fish. So, let’s get started!

Freshwater fish vs. saltwater fish

The difference between a freshwater fish and a saltwater fish comes down to the name.  Whereas saltwater fish are found in the ocean, freshwater fish are found in rivers and streams. Freshwater fish will perish in saltwater, and vice versa, except for a few species. Freshwater fish are slightly tougher than saltwater fish.

Since rivers and ponds have a much higher salinity content than the ocean, these fish can tolerate a much wider range of water conditions in a tank. Since they are simpler to care for, the most common types of fish you will see as pets include goldfish, Guppies, Beta fish, and Neon tetras. Freshwater aquatic plants include Java moss, Water wisteria, African water fern, and Amazon sword.

Saltwater fish need more consistent and specific conditions in the water, but you’ll be rewarded for your hard work with beautiful colors. The blue hippo tang, the clownfish, the yellow tang, and the striped damselfish can make a saltwater aquarium look like a scene out of Finding Nemo. Also, saltwater fish can cost more than freshwater fish. 

The difference between the cost of the gear and the cost of the fish is often more than double. The saltwater tank can also be filled with various types of algae and colorful coral, as well as various types of plants, such as Mangroves, turtle grass shoots, and sea lettuce. All of these creatures live in harmony with your fish and contribute to the overall harmony of your aquarium.

Health

There are many things you can do to keep your fish healthy. Pay close attention to your fish, and you’ll most likely notice something that looks different. Changes in their swimming style, such as losing their equilibrium or buoyancy control, floating upside down, or “sitting” on the tank bottom, could be indicators of a medical condition.

You may also experience some physical changes, such as changes in body color and fin condition, lesions, or swelling in the abdomen.

Preventing illness is the best way to keep your fish healthy. Some ways to prevent illness include:

• Any new or sick fish must be quarantined

• Supplying a superior diet

• While keeping the water’s quality

• Regular Cleanings, Water Changes, and Filter Replacements

• Ensure that there are no predators in the tank

• Sudden changes in water temperature and loud noises can also put your fish under stress

Tanks and aquariums

One of the best parts of owning an aquarium is creating the ideal habitat for your fish. The first thing you need to think about is the amount of time and investment you’re willing to put in. There is always room for innovation, whether you choose a simple freshwater aquarium or a high-end saltwater aquarium.

How to choose the right fish tank

Like the fish that inhabit them, there are many different types of aquariums. One of the first things you’ll need to think about is the size. This may depend on your budget as a bigger tank means you’ll need a bigger filter, bigger heater, and more water conditioning. What’s surprising is that a larger tank will also be easier to maintain.

Toxins such as urine, feces, and food waste will build up in the tank and a bigger tank will dilute these toxins more and require less cleaning. You will also need to consider the amount of room you will need in your tank for water plants, gravel, and other accessories.

The size of your tank will also depend on the area you select for it. It is important to note that a large water-filled take will be heavier than a small one, so ensure you have a stand that can handle the weight. You’ll probably want to store the tank in a place where it’s easy to see and use frequently and not too hot or cold.

Ventilation systems such as heating vents, fans, and windows can cause the tank temperature to fluctuate and cause stress to your fish.

The size of your chosen tank will have a direct effect on the species and number of fish that can be housed in this new habitat. Most pet stores sell fish as puppies, and they develop over time. A good rule of thumb is one liter of water for every inch of fish.

For instance, if you have two 2-inch-long fish, a 4-gallon tank will do the trick. Find out what kind of fish you want and how big the adults are. Also, keep in mind that just because the fish is small doesn’t mean it needs less room because some fish are very territorial.

At the end of the day, you’ll need to select a tank that’s suitable for your home, your budget, and the type of fish and plants you’d like to include. If you do your homework, you’ll be sure to make a beautiful home!

Filtration

One of the last things you want to do is let your beautiful, clean aquarium become a dirty, messy, and embarrassing mess. This brings us to filtration. Filtration is necessary because fish produce waste. Filters move the water and purify it, making it suitable for fish. There are three main filtration modes: mechanical, biological, and chemical.

A mechanical filter works by debris from the water using a sponge, filter rock, and filter pad, similar to a coffee filter. It picks up the mess and the pet parent is responsible for disposing of the garbage. This helps keep your water clean.

A biological filter is perhaps the most intriguing because this is where the microorganisms come into play. Some good bacteria will break down your fish waste into less toxic compounds. This process is known as the nitrogen cycle.

Simply put waste and non-eaten food decompose into ammonia. Ammonia is toxic to fish. The beneficial bacteria break down the ammonia into less toxic nitrates. These nitrates can be ingested by some plants in your aquarium.

For this to work, the surface area must be large enough to support the growth of beneficial bacteria. Most filters include biofilter media, which increases the surface area available for good bacteria to colonize in your aquarium.

Heat and light

Temperature or temperature variations are stressors that cause poor fish health and can even lead to death. Water temperature is one of the most important factors for any aquarium, especially for tropical fish. Since there is no internal thermostat, the tank either warms up or cools down to room temperature.

Direct sunlight, a draft from the room or aquarium lights, the size of the tank, whether or not the top of the tank is covered, and water movement can also affect the water temperature.

There are two main types of aquarium fish: cool water fish and tropical fish. A cool water fish prefers an aquarium that is not heated. Cool water aquariums are usually around 60°-75°F. For most tropical fish, the ideal temperature is 78°F. However, the exact temperature will depend on the species, so make sure you do your research.

There are two main kinds of heaters: submersible and immersible. Submersible heaters stay below the surface of the water. Immersible heaters have a partially sunken glass tube that holds the heating and keeps the controls above the surface.

They come in different sizes, and the size should be based on the room temperature and the water volume in the tank. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for 5 watts of heat for every gallon of water. Make sure to include a thermometer in your tank. This will assure you that your fish are in good health.

Cleaning the tank and changing the water

While your filtration unit will help keep your water clean and safe, it won’t do all the work for you. You’ll still need to regularly clean your tank and replace the water. How often you should clean your tank depends on some factors, including the tank type and the species of fish. While some people suggest cleaning your tank once or twice a week, there is no definitive answer to this question.

For most average-size tanks, a water change every week can make a world of difference to your fish’s health and well-being. You may think it’s complicated, but it isn’t. You’ll need to drain about 25% of the water in your tank and use treated water instead. 

At this point, you can also clean the glass and other ornamental items with a clean face cloth, clean the gravel with an aquarium vacuum, and make sure the filter is working properly. Ammonia, nitrate and pH levels in your tank should be checked monthly, and filter cartridges should be emptied.

You should try not to take fish out of the tank more than you need to and only do so for a thorough cleaning every few months. Select an aquarium that is deep enough for your fish to swim in and rinse the aquarium with water.

The water should be transferred directly from the aquarium into the rinsed tank as this will help avoid shock to your fish. Gently remove the fish from the tank one by one with the net, submerge the net in the water, and allow the fish to swim freely out of the tank. When the tank is clear, carefully net the fish and place them back in the aquarium one by one.