| So you're ready to discover the very exciting and | | | | Make sure that your tank is completely clean and |
| rewarding world of owning tropical fish? You have | | | | then add about an inch of rocks to the bottom of |
| made an excellent choice! Exotic pet ownership is | | | | the tank. There is a variety of colored and ornate |
| fun and challenging. You have a lot of | | | | gravel that you can purchase for your tank. Get |
| responsibilities at the beginning but once you've | | | | creative and give your new pets a beautiful home |
| learned about how to care of your tropical fish, | | | | to enjoy. Begin adding water and set your tank |
| you'll be good to go. This beginner's tropical fish | | | | heater to approximately 80 degrees. This is the |
| guide should help make things a bit easier as you | | | | ideal temperature for most tropical fish. Be sure |
| prepare for your new pets. | | | | and check with the pet store before putting your |
| The first thing you need to do is figure out what | | | | fish in their new home. |
| you have room for and what you're prepared to | | | | Tropical fish should not be kept near windows or |
| take care of. Knowing how big of a tank to buy | | | | other bright, natural light sources. The light helps |
| can be tricky. The people at your local exotic pet | | | | produce algae that can dirty your tank and kill |
| and tropical fish store can be a huge help to you. | | | | your fish. A 5 watt light should keep your fish |
| Typically the best size for new tropical fish | | | | happy and under the right lighting. Once your tank |
| owners is anywhere from 10 to 20 gallons. You | | | | is full and at the correct temperature, you are |
| can manage this size easily and once you've got | | | | ready to go pick out your fish. |
| good experience handling this size tank, you can | | | | Since you're new to this, ask the pet store owner |
| move up to a larger tank. | | | | to show you the lower maintenance fish they |
| Many pet stores these days sell tank kits. They | | | | have to offer. Select a few of several kinds of |
| can be useful when you aren't very familiar with | | | | fish that will be both bright and fascinating to |
| what fish need to live and what they like. | | | | watch and also easy to care for. Some fish, |
| However, be careful that you don't buy a kit that | | | | contrary to popular belief, do not get along well. |
| is cheaply made. It's going to be a little bit | | | | They may not warn you at the pet shop, but |
| expensive when you first start this venture. Don't | | | | some fish are highly predatory. Read up on the |
| go the cheap route; you could end up putting | | | | kinds of fish that you shouldn't mix together |
| your fish in jeopardy. Cheap parts can fall off and | | | | before buying your new pets. |
| kill your pets. | | | | Make sure that you are feeding your fish the |
| You need to buy a solid tank with a lid and a | | | | right food. It's important to do this unless you |
| stand that will hold your fish tank. You also will | | | | want to make your fish sick or possibly kill them. |
| need to buy a light and a filter for your fish tank. | | | | Feed your fish the right amount of food and feed |
| Before you do anything, clean your fish tank with | | | | them at the same time, every day. Don't |
| warm water. If you use any sort of soap or | | | | overfeed fish, they can actually eat themselves |
| detergent, it is imperative that you rinse your | | | | to death! Keep your tank clean and keep a close |
| tank thoroughly. You don't want to poison your | | | | eye on your new housemates, especially for the |
| fish! | | | | first few days after you bring them home. |