| Fish keeping has been heralded as the fastest growing hobby in the world. However, despite its widespread appeal, it can be a daunting prospect for a novice, especially when considering that there are over 30 000 species of fish, hundreds of which can be bred and maintained in your home.
Here are some step-by-step tips for getting started and will help you avoid the most common mistakes made by those starting out in fish keeping.
- Determine what kind of fish you want to keep . Different kinds of fish will require different care, conditions, space and different equipment. If you buy your equipment before you decide what kind of fish you want, you may find yourself with inappropriate equipment or insufficient space.
- Research care and compatibility of those fish . It is very important to learn about the fish you want to keep, either on the Internet or by purchasing a book. This will let you know what conditions they will need, what equipment you will require, and how to set up your tank.
- Determine space. Look through your home and select a location for your new aquarium. How much space can you allocate to the tank and accessories? Remember to account for space between the tank and the wall for filters, tubing, and/or cords.
- Determine budget. If this is your first tank, how much can you afford to spend on a new hobby that you are not sure you will be pursuing long term?
- Select equipment. Visit your local pet store and determine what equipment is available and how much it will cost. If you do not see something that you will need for your system, ask about placing a special order. See if you can get a price (or at least an approximation) before committing to an order.
- Evaluate budget/space constraints. How does your budget compare to the cost of the equipment you will need? Can you get a tank large enough for your fish that will fit into the space available in your home? You should address both of these questions, and then evaluate your fish selection.
- Purchase & setup equipment. If you need to special order anything, do so early, as it may take a considerable time to get equipment by special order. Expect to spend a couple of hours setting everything up if this is your first tank. Fill your tank with water once all your equipment is set up, and let it settle for a couple of days so you can ensure everything is working properly and that nothing leaks.
- Select starting fish. During the first couple of days, while the tank is running without fish, select a few starter fish. These fish should be hearty, inexpensive, relatively small, and something you want to keep in your tank in the long run.
- Cycle your tank . Over the next 4-8 weeks, you must be patient. Be very diligent about tank maintenance, be absolutely sure not to over feed, watch your fish's behaviour closely, do extra water changes as necessary, and DON'T ADD ANY MORE FISH. Until your tank has finished cycling, you should stick with your select starter fish.
- Maintain your tank. Feed and observe your fish daily. Check your filters at least twice a week. Perform a 10-15% water change every week, and scrub for algae at the same time. Every month, check all hoses, fittings, clamps, cords, lights and other miscellaneous equipment.
Now you are ready to venture into the exciting world of fish keeping. Whether you just want to keep goldfish, or if you want to delve into the world of exotic tropical reefs, these 10 steps will get you started on the right foot.
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