Guide for Tropical Freshwater Fish

Tropical freshwater fish make attractive pets. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors. These aquatic pets require a certain amount of attention and upkeep to keep them an attractive part of your home or business. It's important to keep these needs in mind when setting up an aquarium.

  1. Choosing an Aquarium

    • Choosing and setting up an aquarium is an important first step in owning and supporting tropical fish. The aquarium's size and depth makes a big difference when it comes to how many fish you want to raise in the aquarium, as well as the types of tropical fish you want. In choosing an aquarium, it's also a good idea to consider tropical aquarium plants. Such plants provide shelter and security for fish and can mimic a fish's natural environment. Though looked down upon by tropical fish purists, floating plants are also a good purchase. They offer shade from overhead lights in the room. The bottom of the tank should be covered with gravel or sand, just like a tropical fish's natural freshwater home.

    Feeding Your Fish

    • Feeding your tropical fish is one of the most important parts of keeping these fish beautiful and healthy. Like humans, tropical fish should have a varied diet so they don't become bored with their food too quickly. Purchase different types of food and feed them something different each day. However, be careful not to overfeed your fish. Tropical fish should get just enough food that they can eat in about five minutes. This prevents any extra food from decaying and rotting in the aquarium, which can cause the water to become dirty more quickly. You'll have to clean the filter more often, and you risk making your tropical fish sick.

    Maintenance

    • A tropical fish tank requires a certain amount of upkeep every day and every month to keep the water clean and disease free. Each day during feeding time, observe all the fish closely to make sure each fish is eating. A lack of appetite is the first sign of sickness among tropical fish. The thermometer in the tank should also be checked to make sure that the water temperature hasn't become warmer or cooler than normal. Each month, at least 25 percent of the water in the tank should be replaced with fresh water. The fish tank's pump should also be replaced (or at least cleaned) regularly, every two to three months.