Responsible Fish Keeping
Thursday, 05 November 2009 14:03 | 
Written by Leonard Boyler |
Responsible fish keeping starts with your aquarium setup. Make sure that the aquarium you choose is large enough for the fish that you want. Many people believe that fish will grow to the size of their tank, but stunting their growth by keeping them in a small tank will reduce the lifespan of the fish. Eventually, you will need to upgrade the aquarium if you started with a too-small tank.
Responsible fish keeping starts with your aquarium setup. Make sure that the aquarium you choose is large enough for the fish that you want. Many people believe that fish will grow to the size of their tank, but stunting their growth by keeping them in a small tank will reduce the lifespan of the fish. Eventually, you will need to upgrade the aquarium if you started with a too-small tank.
Research the kind of fish you want to have so you will know the size of aquarium you should buy. Pick an aquarium that can accommodate your fish in their adult size. If your fish becomes bigger than your tank, putting them in a bigger aquarium is the sensible thing to do.
Before buying different species of fish, find out first if they will co-exist peacefully in your aquarium. Responsible fish keeping dictates that you ensure the safety of your fish from other fish in the aquarium and that your aquarium provides the right water temperature and pH levels to sustain all the fish in the tank. Refrain also from buying too many fish because even if your aquarium might accommodate their numbers and sizes, the oxygen in the water might not be enough for all of them.
If your aquarium becomes crowded with fish that have grown to adult size and aquatic plants, do not release them in just any body of water. People, unfortunately, sometimes dispose of their big fish this way. They will probably not survive a change of environment or if they did, might prey on local species instead.
A lot of tropical fish found in the aquarium cannot continue to live outside the aquarium especially in frigid waters. Releasing them in this environment is like giving them a death sentence. If you cannot afford an upgrade of your tank, returning your fish to the pet store is a better alternative.
Aside from the fish tank, you will also need a heater and water filter. These are essentials in your aquarium. The type of your water filter will be determined by the size of your tank. The type of the fish you plan to have will determine the type of heater you need.
Water changes and aquarium cleaning should still be done regularly even if you have a water filter attached. This is to ensure the highest water quality for your fish. Check the water weekly for the required pH, nitrites, and ammonia level. You can also reduce the maintenance required for your tank as well as reduce water changes by using EcoBio-Block Family products which help to keep your water clear and healthy with beneficial bacteria.
Small fish are often neglected when there are bigger fish around. All your fish should receive proper care and nourishment. Research their food requirements and give them only what is considered proper diet for them. Buy supplies only from aquarium stores that have good reputations. Ask pet stores for their recommendations.
Responsible fish keeping means making a commitment to keeping their environment as healthy as possible.
Responsible fish keeping starts with your aquarium setup. Make sure that the aquarium you choose is large enough for the fish that you want. Many people believe that fish will grow to the size of their tank, but stunting their growth by keeping them in a small tank will reduce the lifespan of the fish. Eventually, you will need to upgrade the aquarium if you started with a too-small tank.
Research the kind of fish you want to have so you will know the size of aquarium you should buy. Pick an aquarium that can accommodate your fish in their adult size. If your fish becomes bigger than your tank, putting them in a bigger aquarium is the sensible thing to do.
Before buying different species of fish, find out first if they will co-exist peacefully in your aquarium. Responsible fish keeping dictates that you ensure the safety of your fish from other fish in the aquarium and that your aquarium provides the right water temperature and pH levels to sustain all the fish in the tank. Refrain also from buying too many fish because even if your aquarium might accommodate their numbers and sizes, the oxygen in the water might not be enough for all of them.
If your aquarium becomes crowded with fish that have grown to adult size and aquatic plants, do not release them in just any body of water. People, unfortunately, sometimes dispose of their big fish this way. They will probably not survive a change of environment or if they did, might prey on local species instead.
A lot of tropical fish found in the aquarium cannot continue to live outside the aquarium especially in frigid waters. Releasing them in this environment is like giving them a death sentence. If you cannot afford an upgrade of your tank, returning your fish to the pet store is a better alternative.
Aside from the fish tank, you will also need a heater and water filter. These are essentials in your aquarium. The type of your water filter will be determined by the size of your tank. The type of the fish you plan to have will determine the type of heater you need.
Water changes and aquarium cleaning should still be done regularly even if you have a water filter attached. This is to ensure the highest water quality for your fish. Check the water weekly for the required pH, nitrites, and ammonia level. You can also reduce the maintenance required for your tank as well as reduce water changes by using EcoBio-Block Family products which help to keep your water clear and healthy with beneficial bacteria.
Small fish are often neglected when there are bigger fish around. All your fish should receive proper care and nourishment. Research their food requirements and give them only what is considered proper diet for them. Buy supplies only from aquarium stores that have good reputations. Ask pet stores for their recommendations.
Responsible fish keeping means making a commitment to keeping their environment as healthy as possible.
About the Author:
Leonard Boyler has been keeping fish for more than two decades. His favorite products make aquarium care and maintenance really easy from start up to clarifying your cloudy fish tank. To learn more about keeping your aquarium water clear and your fish healthy, please visit ONEdersave.com.