Fish suitable for the home aquarium fall into three categories: tropical, cold water and marine. Marine Fish require varying temperatures, ranging from very cold to warm, depending on their natural habitat or origin. The problems that are experienced because of keeping these fish in saline water render them not as easy to keep as the tropical and cold water fish. If you are thinking of buying fish, you should read some informative booklets about fish before purchasing any fish or their necessary equipment. Fish are very sensitive and sometimes very expensive and will not survive for long in a poor environment.

Tropical fish are kept in a water temperature of about 72 degrees and are more expensive to purchase than cold water fish. Therefore they are usually provided a better quality aquarium and given extra attention to ensure their survival. Tropical fish generally are less susceptible to build up of ammonia and nitrites, but again this could be the result of a better living environment. There are many types of tropical fish for the home enthusiast. Just drop by your neighborhood aquarium shops and take a look at what is available.

Cold water fish for the home environment are confined to the Goldfish, which like a water temperature of about 68 degrees and should be kept in either neutral or slightly alkaline water. Goldfish are not very tolerant to build up of nitrites or acidity in their water. They tend to not survive long in many homes because they are inexpensive to purchase and often are not provided proper care. They are often purchased by young newcomers to fish-keeping and are placed in bowls with out aerators, heaters or covers and many times are overfeed and do not receive often enough water changes, which all tend to test the ability of the fish to survive. Goldfish will live long respectable lives if given proper care, much like your tropical fishes, with lower temperature needs. Goldfish fall into many different types including: Comet, FanTail, Calico, Blackmoor, Shubunkin, Oranda, Lionhead, BubbleEye, and Celestial.

Marine fish are kept at varying temperatures depending on their natural habitat or origin.

Some marine fish come from tropical areas, while others come from temperate areas and will be kept at lower temperatures. Be sure to ask your aquarium shop for the most suitable temperature for the specific fish you are purchasing. The seawater that you keep your fish in can be natural or synthetic. But, if you live near the ocean and want to use the water from it, collect the water from where it is clear. Use a non-toxic, non-corrosive vessel and store the water for six-weeks in the dark before using. It is imperative that you always keep a reserve of water on hand. Artificial seawater mixes are available, but follow the directions carefully. Marine fish are very sensitive to nitrite and copper build up, therefore each aquarium should only contain a few fish. There are many beautiful marine fish suitable to home aquariums, but remember they are expensive and mistakes will be costly, too. Some experience with fresh-water fish is recommended first.

In selecting an aquarium for your fish to live in it is just as important to select where you are going to place the aquarium in your home, office or other location. There are several factors to consider that will influence your choice of site for your aquarium.

First, water is heavy. One gallon of water weighs almost eight pounds and when you add the weight of the tank, the gravel, and any rocks or other accessories you may add for beauty you soon see that even a small ten-gallon aquarium becomes quite heavy. This is nearly one hundred pounds, so, be sure your support is very, very sturdy. Remember to figure a larger aquarium based on the information given above.

Second, you should avoid exposing your aquarium to direct sunlight. Although it does not affect the health of the fish, it will promote rapid growth of algae, which creates added maintenance problems. Also, direct sunlight can cause your aquarium to over heat. Overheating can also be caused by nearby room heaters. Do not place the aquarium by air conditioning units, open windows or outside doors either. Changes in water temperature more than 4 degrees above or 2 degrees below the desired temperature for your fish can cause shock or illness.

The third consideration in selecting your site to place your aquarium is if you will be able to easily reach your heat controls and air valves. Be sure you can comfortably reach all you need in order to maintain your aquarium, including cleaning and changing the water on occasion.

When you have decided on the type of fish you want and where you are going to place your aquarium, your next question is how many fish? This will determine how large of aquarium you should purchase. Your aquarium shop can help you decide just what capacity you will need for your desired setup.

Other necessary equipment you will need. Covering the aquarium is necessary for several reasons, it saves money by reducing heat loss, controls the air temperature above the water so your heater is not over worked, and slows down the water loss by evaporation. Covering will also protect your fish from jumping out or other ‘pets’ from jumping in. It also protects against aerosol insecticides from getting into your tank and serves as a holder for your lighting.

The aquarium will require a thermostatically controlled heater to maintain the water temperature. Heaters vary in cost, accuracy and reliability, always purchase the best you can afford.

Filtration and aeration equipment, the main objective here is for clear water plus aeration. Filter systems vary in cost and complexity, so consult your pet shop or aquarium shop for advice on the system most fitted to your needs.

Sand or gravel is best acquired from your pet shop to be sure it is non-toxic and colorfast.

Rocks, plants and decorations add color and beauty to an aquarium and offer areas of retreat for your fish. You can use live plants, artificial plants or both but remember metals other than stainless steel can poison your fish and coral, limestone and marble will dissolve in freshwater and contaminate the water. If you use live plants in your aquarium remove them and replace with fresh ones when they begin to decay so they will not increase pollution in the aquarium.

There are many books available on setting up an aquarium so we will not go into a lot of detail here but we do suggest you purchase a book devoted entirely to fish and aquariums. You should completely wash the aquarium, the sand, the rocks and decorations before you put them into your aquarium. NO soap or detergents as they are highly toxic. Now fill your aquarium about three-quarters full, pouring the water slowly and against your hand or cup so you do not disturb the gravel.

Connect air pump, filters, and any other items you are placing in your tank. Be sure to install the air pump above the waterline level so that back-flowing water will not destroy it, or empty the aquarium, if the pump fails. Decorations and plants can now be added and arranged to conceal the equipment to some degree and enhance the appearance of the aquarium. Add the balance of the water pouring slowly again so you do not disturb the gravel and plants. Fill the aquarium near the top, leaving about an inch of air space between the water and the cover. Install your outside filter, heater and thermometer according to manufacturers’ instructions. Now turn them on by plugging them in. It will take some time for the temperature to stabilize and you will have to make some adjustments. Water in new aquariums will often turn ‘milky.’ In a few days this should disappear naturally. Check the pH and hardness of the water. After your aquarium has been in operation a few days check your equipment and the water again.

If everything is working right, you may now go and purchase a few fish. When you bring your fish home they usually are transported in a plastic bag. Keep the bag closed and float it in the aquarium for a while to allow the water in the aquarium and the water in the bag to become the same temperature. Transferring the fish, now tip the fish into a net and release it into the aquarium. DO NOT pour water from other tanks into your aquarium, it may introduce unwanted organisms. DO NOT allow the bags to collapse, be sure the bags are still tight with air when you place them to float.

It is best not to feed your fish until they have had some time to adapt to their new environment. Watch them closely-if they do not begin in a short time to move around and swim easily, or hiding too long in the corners then check your temperature, etc. Tropical and Goldfish are good eaters, and a wide range of commercial fish food is available. Marine fish are a bit more particular about their diet, but, again, there is a good selection of foods available. Remember to feed your fish sparingly, but often. NEVER tap the glass, this is like a sonic boom to your fish. Blue algae is bad, green algae is good.