Instructions
Purchase a fish tank the size of your liking and remember its measurements. As a general rule, a gallon of water should be used for each inch of fish.
Fill the tank with freshwater. You will have to leave it for a few weeks to make sure that everything is running smoothly. The lights, thermometers, heaters and filters all have to be working properly for your fish to survive in their new environment.
Do your research to figure out which fish need similar pH levels, and make sure they all require the same temperature of water. A good temperature for a beginner tank is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit with a pH of around 7.
Do your research on how large each fish will grow, whether or not they swim in schools, whether or not they are aggressive, and what their diets consist of. For beginner tanks, it is best to use fish that swim in schools because it is easier to tell if there is something wrong with one fish when comparing it to the rest of the school.
Find some fish who are top feeders, middle feeders and bottom feeders. Having fish at every level keeps your tank balanced, clean and healthy.
Write down the types of fish that you are considering and bring that list to a fish shop or fish expert.
Ask any questions you may have and observe each type of fish in the store.
Make sure to buy from a store whose fish look healthy and happy.
How to Choose Freshwater Pet Fish
Having freshwater pet fish requires a lot more than simply picking and choosing which fish you like the best, or which fish will match the best with your home decor. You will have to make sure each type of fish will get along, and you will have to choose fish that require the same water temperature, pH levels, and so on. Once you research the necessities, you can pick among the beautiful colors and different sizes of fish for your tank.