How to Take Care of Fish at Home

Keeping fish can be a fascinating and relaxing hobby, but it is important to care for your aquarium properly. Tropical fish need specialized care and the right environment in order to stay healthy, and it is up to the aquarium hobbyist to provide the care they need.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Heater
  • Filter
  • Aquarium pump
  • Fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a suitably sized aquarium for the fish you plan to purchase. Plan the tank size with the adult size of the fish in mind. Most pet stores sell young fish, and those fish can grow to a much larger size as adults. The staff at your local pet store can assist you with choosing the right size tank.

    • 2

      Place a heater in the tank and make sure it is securely fastened to the aquarium glass. A submersible heater that attaches to the glass with suction cups works best. Do not plug the heater in until the tank has been filled with water.

    • 3

      Choose a power filter to keep the tank clean and provide the filtration your fish need to stay healthy. When choosing a filter, always opt for one that is designed for a larger tank than the one you have. So if you have a 20-gallon tank, choose a filter designed for a 30- or 40-gallon aquarium.

    • 4

      Give your fish plenty of places to hide by placing pieces of driftwood and rocks in the tank to create caves. Shy fish will need a place to hide from their more aggressive tank mates.

    • 5

      Feed your fish a high-quality commercial fish food, supplemented with good frozen food like bloodworms and brine shrimp. High-quality food is essential to the well-being of your fish.

    • 6

      Attach a piece of air tubing to an air stone and attach the other end to an aquarium pump. Place the air stone in the tank to provide water movement and aeration.

    • 7

      Watch your fish carefully for any signs of illness. Common symptoms include lethargy, torn fins and spots on the body. If you note any of these problems, talk to the staff at your local pet store to get the right treatments and medications.