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So,
you've found your sea legs as a fishkeeper by setting
up and maintaining a coldwater tank. Are you ready
to take your hobby to the next step? As an "advanced
beginner," you're suitably prepared for the
challenge of tropical species.
Freshwater Tropical Fish Temperatures
There
are hundreds, if not thousands, of warmwater tropical
fish sold as aquarium pets. Most require a constant
temperature in the tank of about 78 degrees Fahrenheit,
but depending on the kind of fish you choose, the
optimum environment may range somewhere between
70 and 84 degrees. You'll need a a good-quality,
thermostatically-controlled heater of the correct
wattage to maintain water temperature.
As
a tropical fishkeeper, you will have a large selection
of species to pick from. Among the most popular
are members of the tetra family, from the bright
red and electric blue neon tetra to the silvery-yellow
lemon tetra. Ranging from about one to three inches,
tetras are quick movers and like to form schools,
so it's a good idea to get four to eight of the
same type. These peaceful swimmers are relatively
easy to care for and can live up to 10 years.
If
housed in a large enough tank, elegant angelfish
will grow up to six inches or larger. Members of
this species are easily identified by their long,
flowing fins and flat, triangle-shaped bodies. Although
their original coloring is silver with black stripes,
other varieties, including marbled, all-black and
pink, are available. If you plan to keep some, please
pay attention to size--larger angels have been known
to eat their smaller tankmates.
Hardy
platys are also good additions to a warmwater community.
And if you like dramatic-looking fish, consider
the swordtail--but do make sure your aquarium has
a secure cover or these champion jumpers may leap
out. Note that only the males have long, swordlike
tails.
Large Tropical Aquarium Fish
Tropical
catfish are good choices, too--and there's lots
of variety, from small one-inch species to the larger
six-inch kinds. Those from the Corydoras group make
a great clean-up crew, as they're bottom feeders
that will gobble up any food that ends up on the
floor of the tank.
There
are many different kinds of barbs--and in general,
these fish are best kept in small schools of three
or four. Among the most popular are the shy, delicate-looking
cherry barb and the black and orange tiger barb.
Note that the larger, two- to four-inch varieties
may nip at the fins of any slower, long-tailed residents
of the tank.
Fast-moving
danios are also popular and easy-to-care-for tropical
species. Consider the blue and silver zebra danio,
who can live up to 5 years, and the four-inch giant
danio, who'll appreciate lots of room for swimming.
Tropical Fish Spacing
When
selecting fish for your warmwater aquarium, the
old rule of thumb of one inch of fish per gallon
is a good guide to follow. In a 10-gallon tank,
for example, you could keep 10 one-inch fish or
5 two-inch fish. And remember, one of the hardest,
most important parts of tropical fishkeeping is
selecting species that will do well in the same
type of water conditions and will get along with
each other. Be sure to ask at your aquarium store
and determine your fishes' needs before you buy.
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