Douglas Taylor asked:


If you are thinking of starting an aquarium, then a few basic facts are essential. Deciding whether you want to have a saltwater or freshwater aquarium is the first step. Because of the many different types of freshwater aquarium fish, this tends to be the most popular choice as a starting point for this wonderful hobby.

There are two types of freshwater aquarium fish from which to choose, coldwater and tropical. Because the coldwater aquarium needs less in the way of equipment, heaters for example, they are a common starting point.

Some of the more popular types of freshwater aquarium fish for coldwater tanks are goldfish, koi and some of the tetra fish species.

But of the types of freshwater aquarium fish, the most sought after by far are tropical fish. These colorful and beautiful fish need a heated aquarium to survive and therefore cost a little more to maintain, but the sheer beauty of some of them make the expense worthwhile.

If these are the types of freshwater aquarium fish you decide to keep, then the choices you make can make this a cheap and satisfying hobby or a very expensive one indeed!

When you’re first setting up your freshwater aquarium it’s a good idea to buy young and healthy fish to start off with. If you choose to add more mature fish as you become more established, that’s fine as long as your aquarium has had time to stabilize.

Selecting the proper species of fish is essential to the success of your aquarium. The types of freshwater aquarium fish for the tropical tank should be hardy and able to withstand variations and fluctuations of ammonia and nitrite as your aquarium becomes established.

Without proper guidance of an expert to guide you in which types of freshwater aquarium fish to introduce into your tank initially, your beautiful new acquisitions could very soon become ill and die.

Some recommendations for the types of freshwater aquarium fish to start off your tropical tank with include Tetras, Danios, Barbs or Cichlids.

When choosing tetra fish for starting up your aquarium, choose those with round; large bodies over the thin, torpedo shaped ones such as neon tetras as these tend to be hardier.

Danios are an excellent type of freshwater aquarium fish. They include zebra danios, leopard danios and giant danios.

Barbs are a good choice of tropical fish for the beginner although you have to be careful about the fish you put them in with as they can a bit temperamental and nip the slower moving fish.

Cichlids are a very large and diverse group of tropical fish and African cichlids are an excellent choice for starting a new aquarium, but should not be kept with other fish, as they can be aggressive.

As there are countless types of freshwater aquarium fish from which to choose each with their own behavior patterns, it is always a good idea to take the advice of a professional before making your choices.



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Andrew Bicknell asked:


Adding a freshwater fish tank to your home can be a great way to add a decorative focal point that is fun for everyone. And because home aquariums are becoming more and more popular there is no shortage of fish shops supplying the latest and greatest tanks, accessories and of course fish. The good news is that most of these fish shops are owned by people who like to share their great enthusiasm for all things fish with their customers.

When you decide you would like to enjoy a freshwater fish tank there are several things you will need to keep in mind. Where would you like to put your new fish tank and what size will fit best in the area designated. Fish tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes so it is best to visit your local fish shop to get a good feel for what is available to fit your needs. Be sure to ask questions about what you are looking for and the shop employees will be able to point you in the right direction.

As you are deciding on the type and size of tank you will also need to think about the type of fish you would like to keep. This is where research into the different species of fish is a must. You cannot simply just pick out the fish you like best at the store and mix them al together. If you are going to have a community tank, that is a tank with many different types of fish in it, then you need to have fish that get along well with others. If you are leaning more towards a Cichlid tank then you need to be more careful as most Cichlids are aggressive towards other fish.

Once you get your new freshwater aquarium it is time to set it up. While most people don’t have the patience the best thing to do is to fill your tank with water, set up you decorative gravel, rocks, plants and anything that catches your eye and let it sit for a few weeks. Be sure to have all your filtration and air supplies running during this time. The reason it is important to do this is to let any chlorine dissipate out of the water and get the beneficial bacteria a chance to develop.

If you put fish in a tank that has had time to get established you will end up with new tank syndrome, which can be extremely harmful to any fish and cause them to die. This bacteria is the primary fish waste disposal resource. Without it toxic levels of ammonia and other waste gases will build up rapidly in the water. Giving the bacteria a chance to cycle will create a fish friendly environment that will protect your purchases.

A freshwater fish tank does take some work, both setting up and maintaining. But the rewards of its look in your home are more than worth it.



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Darren Lintern asked:


Aquarium stores will stock a wide variety of fish tank fishes. The most popular choice tends to be the tropical fishes. They are quite hardy and also breed easily. They will also find it easy to get acclimatized to the artificial aquatic environments. All that they need is the water heated to the necessary temperature.

The maintenance of fish tank fishes is not that difficult to get used to. Feeding time will consist of small black worms, dried fish flakes, small snails, frozen flakes, shrimps and clams. The feeding material is easy to location from your local pet or aquarium store. It can also be easy purchase online.

Some of the more common tropical fish tank fishes include, Arowana, Bala Sharks, Barbs, Barracuda, Betta (males and females), Catfish, Cichlids, Clown Loaches, Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Rainbow Fish, Tiger Fish (Black and White), White Clouds, and White Tip Shark Catfish.

Arowana can grow to a length of approximately 36 inches, so these fish are for very large aquariums. They are also know as the Dragon Fish, and can easily inhabit with Tinfoil Barbs and Catfish.

Bala Sharks can reach a length of 18 inches, and as it is a school fish, they should be kept in a group of at least five.

Barbs are small in size, ranging in length between 2 and 6 inches depending on species. They are colourful and active fish that are more suited for the community aquarium. This makes them one of the most popular types of tropical fish.

Barracuda can grow to a maximum size of 9 inches. However these fish are predatory by nature and tend to feed on smaller fish, and therefore should be kept with fishes that are bigger than them.

Cichlids can grow up to 12 inches, and otherwise know as Angel Fish. This fish can equally grow in both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks, and come in very attractive colours.

Guppies can grow up to approximately 1.5 inches and again this type of fish is one of the most popular fish species in the world.

Rainbows are another variety of fish tank fishes. They are another attractively coloured fish, and make ideal companions for Mollies, Platies, Swordtails and Catfish.

Scavengers and Catfish are important fish tank fishes incorporate in your aquarium as they help in cleaning the tank by feeding on algae.

No fish tank is ever complete without Gold Fish and Koi. The Gold fish which includes Orandas, Fantails, Telescopes and Black Moors can make excellent fish. They will grow well in fish tanks and are also mild tempered, and can have a life span of around 20 years.

The Koi are beautiful fish that are only really suited for the larger aquariums. This is due to the fact that most of them will grow to 15 inches or more and have an average life span of some 15 to 20 years.



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Li Ming Wong asked:


Catfish are common fish found in freshwater aquariums. Catfish are very unique and differ from other fish in regards to their health and care. The most distinguishing feature of a catfish is the prominent “barbells”, which look like whiskers on a cat, hence giving these one of a kind fish their name. The other thing that set catfish apart from any other fish is the fact that they have no scales. They also possess a strong, hollow ray on their fins that a stinging protein can be emitted from if the fish is irritated or in danger.

The most common catfish found in aquariums are the armored catfish. This group is smaller in size than other types of catfish and make a great addition to an aquarium. When you are setting up your tank initially, it is best to decide then whether you are going to house catfish. Your decision will impact the type of gravel or sand you will use as well as the pH of the water within the tank. Armored catfish prefer soft bottom material because they forage for food within the substrate. Catfish feel more secure when they are hidden from the light, so be sure to have caves and hiding places for this type of fish.

Overall, the care of catfish does not vary from caring for your other fish. You should try to include a food that will settle on the bottom of the tank as these fish are bottom feeders. The water should have a temperature in the middle to upper seventies and the pH should be neutral. This is usually the same set up and water balance you will use to house other fish as well, so it should not be a major concern when you add your catfish.

Catfish are known to be somewhat goofy and comical, but this may depend on the species of catfish you have. Their behavior will vary, but as a whole, the catfish is an entertaining addition to an aquarium. There are group and schooling catfish that get along well with each other. There are also loners who always stay away from their neighbors. Catfishes are the ideal candidates for community tanks because they inhabit niches and shelters on the bottom not occupied by other aquarium inhabitants. They generally get along well with all types of fish. Only in combination with some larger Cichlids can there be a problem as the Cichlids tend to extend their territorial claim to the entire tank.

The one thing to consider before adding a catfish to your existing aquarium set-up is the size of the other fish. While catfish generally get along with most fish, they are a predator and will attack and feed on smaller fish. Catfish are also nocturnal, and should be fed later in the day or at night. You may have to adjust the feeding times depending on what your schedule is now and what other types of fish inhabit the tank. With the number of species of Armored catfish, you will be sure to have a colorful and amusing aquarium with the addition of these comical fish. As with all fish, be sure to keep the aquarium clean and healthy so as to ensure the health of the fish as well as your enjoyment for years to come.



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thegendoikari asked:


Discus Fish Tank Mates

I believe that a Discus fish aquarium should be entirely geared toward keeping Discus fish, as other species generally do not require the dedication and environment that Discus fish need. The setup, plants and other inhabitants should be carefully chosen for optimal conditions, giving the Discus fish first priority. Discus fish are calm, timid fish who like to be kept in small groups of 5-8 fish, as like other schooling fish they need the security of a school around them. This also helps in reducing stress of acclimating to their new environment. Outside of other Discus fish, what tank mates you choose again entirely depends on the purpose.

If you want a nice display tank, Discus fish feel comfortable with small schooling fish such as characins. When Discus fish see the characins in the open, they are likely to come out sensing that they are safe to swim. I would recommend a large school of characins like Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetra and Rummy Nose Tetras. It emulates their natural environment and both flourish in the same water conditions. However, you can keep most peaceful slow moving South American fish and Dwarf Cichlids with Discus fish, so long as they don’t dominate or out compete for food and space. Many have had Dwarf Gouramis as well as Pearl Gouramis with Discus fish, though I would not recommend the larger more aggressive Blue and Golden Gouramis. Smaller peaceful catfish such as the Corydoras will get along well with Discus fish and do a great job as bottom feeders.

As much as I adore freshwater Angelfish I also would not recommended keeping them with Discus fish as they can grow large and bully the Discus fish, outcompete the Discus for food and carry diseases that Discus fish are particularly prone to catching. It can be done, but usually requires a much larger aquarium and a skilled aquarist. I’ve also known people that have kept Kribensis with Discus fish, but much like freshwater Angelfish I would not recommend that right away. One of my favorite fish is the Blue Ram (German Blue Ram, Ram Cichlid), a beautiful dwarf cichlid that will complement your Discus fish quite well.

For a breeding tank, only Discus fish should be kept and I would strongly recommend against adding anything else. While many love having Plecostomus and other algae eaters, they are notorious for latching onto Discus fish and sucking on their mucus covering, leaving the Discus fish vulnerable to stress and decease. That is not to say that the two have not been successfully kept together, but in my personal experience it has been nothing but issues. For a new Discus fish breeder it is best not to take unneeded risks, even more so with a fish as fragile as the Discus fish.

 

For more information visit this Discus fish guide.



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