An Introduction of Aquarium Fishes in a Small-Scale Production

Once you've set up a small aquarium, it's time to introduce some fish. This, however, can be trickier than it sounds as many fish species are incompatible with others. You have to decide whether to purchase a mixture of different species or stick to one species only. Aside from incompatibility issues, each species has a different tolerance of water temperature and some can be badly affected by sudden changes in water or water quality. These are factors that need to be thoroughly researched before stocking an aquarium.

  1. Compatible Fish Species

    • If you'd like several species of fish in your tank, it's advisable to choose those that get along with others. Favorites in this respect include guppies, danios, neon tetras, mollies and female Siamese fighting fish, although you should be aware that fish with long colorful fins will inevitably catch the attention of others, so fin-nipping is always a possibility. Another favorite is the plecostomus catfish, a bottom-feeder which likes to hide in crevices but which can grow exceptionally large, and corydora catfish.

    Incompatible fish species

    • Unless you're planning to keep only one species of fish in your tank, it's advisable to avoid some fish, such as the paradise gourami, which has a nasty habit of nipping other fishes' tail fins, and head-butting its own kind. Don't keep more than one male Siamese fighting fish (betta) as they are slow-moving, making their fins a natural target for smaller fish. Also avoid mixing tiger barbs, which have a nasty habit of nipping and chasing more placid fish species, and any type of shark, such as the aggressive bala shark, with other fish.

    Space Problems

    • A small aquarium is suitable only for small to medium-small fish. Species such as oscars and several types of cichlids should be kept in larger tanks -- they will wreak havoc in a small space, disrupt other fish and ultimately die because of their need for more room. In addition, it's wise to keep a minimal number of small fish in a small tank. Too many fish can cause hygiene and water quality issues, regardless of their size.

    Water Temperature and Quality Issues

    • Although a small aquarium should theoretically be easier to manage, water temperature and quality will almost always be problematic for beginners. To avoid this causing problems for your fish, choose White Cloud Mountain fish, which are tolerant of temperature swings, or black tetras, which are unperturbed by rising nitrite and ammonia levels. Always purchase the tetras in shoals of four or more so that domination issues don't become a problem.