Fishkeeping Is Family Fun!
Looking
for the perfect family pet? If you've got your heart
set on a cuddly companion who'll play fetch, we'll
tell you up front--fish won't satisfy that requirement.
But if you lean towards the exotic, and are up for
the challenge of learning how to set up and maintain
an aquarium, welcome to the wonderful, watery world
of fishkeeping! It's hard to beat the beauty of
a display tank full of gracefully swimming, dramatically
hued fish.
Fish Aquarium Basics
Fish
are also a great choice if you have limited space,
are allergic to animal dander or prefer a pet who
won't wake you up in the morning demanding to be
fed. True, they require a lot less work and time
than other species, but there are still some key
skills that you will need to master. Maintaining
the water quality is the single most important,
as a contaminated tank can kill your pets. To keep
the water free of waste and chemicals and rich in
oxygen, you must set up a proper filtration system.
You'll also need to replace between 10 and 25 percent
of the water in the tank at least twice a month,
and regularly check the pH of the water to make
sure that it is at the correct level for your fish.
Sound
like a lot to learn? It is--and that's why it's
so important to find out as much as you can before
you bring your fish home. Read books, surf the Web,
check out your local club for aquarium hobbyists
and be sure to ask lots of questions. Selecting
fish that will get along together and thrive in
the same type of water conditions is crucial, and
the staff at your aquarium shop or pet supply store
can help you make the right choice.
Aquarium Tanks and Aquarium Filters
If
you're a beginner, Experts suggest that you
start with fish who live in cold water. Coldwater
species, such as goldfish and loaches, are very
hardy and easiest to care for. And keep in mind
that a coldwater aquarium requires less equipment
than a tropical, or warmwater, one. Most tropical
fish must be kept at a constant temperature of about
78 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be accomplished
with a good-quality, thermostatically controlled
heater of the correct wattage. We recommend tropical
species for those who have had some prior experience.
Whether
you're just starting out or have your sea legs as
a fish caretaker, patience goes a long way. Unfortunately,
you won't be able to set up and stock a tank in
one day. Did you know that you must get the tank
up and running BEFORE you add any fish to it? The
water in a new aquarium needs about several days
to several weeks to "age" before it's
safe enough for your new pets. And when you are
ready introduce fish to the tank, it is recommended
that you start your underwater community with just
a few individuals of the hardiest species. After
that, you can add a couple of fish every week or
so. But just think, that'll give you lots of time
to design and decorate your tank and to peruse the
other topics in our FISH section.
This article brought to you by Rolf C.Hagen (USA)
Corp.,makers of quality aquatic products since 1955.
Hagen brands include AquaClear and Fluval filters,
Nutrafin water treatment and fish foods, Glo fluorescent
bulbs, and other Aquarium products. For more information
please call 1-800-225-2700 or visit our website
at www.hagen.com.
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