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Tropical Fish Guide For Beginner
Melvin Ng

Keeping tropical fish is a great hobby. It is also needs careful
consideration. How do you decide which tropical fish is best for
your tank?

There are basically three breeds of tropical fish and believe it
or not they are categorized by their temperament.

Social breeds: These fish will get along with other types of
fish. Examples of such fish are Danios, Tetras, Guppies,
Swordtails, Mollies, and Corydoras.

Semi-social breeds: These fish get along with other fish that are
approximately the same size and are not aggressive. Examples are
Barbs, Angelfish, and Gouramis.

Aggressive breeds: You do not want to mix these fish with other
breeds. Just keep them in pairs with more fish of the same breed.
These fish include Male Bettas, Oscars, and Jewelfish.

Good pet stores can always supply you with more detailed
information about what kinds of fish you can keep together. Note
that all fish that you purchase should have been kept in
quarantine for at least two weeks. Fish that are put up for sale
before being quarantined are likely to catch infections. The
quarantine period is basically meant to relieve fish from
whatever stress that they might be suffering.

An important factor while purchasing tropical fish is the color.
You should opt for fish with well defined and solid colors. In
case the fish has patterns instead of solid color then make sure
the pattern does not have any color fading (or gradients).

Aquariums are the next concern and these require a lot of work.
The water in an aquarium must always be clean and well aerated.
Fish must always be supplied with ample food. In case you add
plants they must get sufficient light and nourishment. Algae
control is another chore.

For people who are thinking of keeping tropical fish for the
first time you need to purchase certain essential items. These
are:

* Aquarium, naturally, you need a place to keep the fish.

* The aquarium stand. It is best not to keep the aquarium resting
on a solid surface for efficient thermal conduction.

* Aquarium hood. This is to prevent water evaporation and also to
keep the fish safe from pets like cats.

* Water filters. These can be chemical, mechanical, or
biological.

* Chemical filters. These filters get rid of gases that can
accumulate in water as it passed through the carbon filter. While
not essential it is still a good idea.

* Lights. Plants in indoor aquariums need a source of light

*Decorations. While most decorations are up to personal taste
there are some things like backgrounds that are a must in order
to hide all the wiring in the tank.

* Substrate. The gravel or sand that is usually found at the
bottom of most aquariums.

* Plants. Many marine plants are available today. You can
purchase live plants (better but they need extra care) or plastic
imitations.

* Heater. Remember that tropical fish come from warm climates so
they need the water temperature to be slightly higher than room
the typical room temperature in cold places.

* Thermometer. This is to check the water temperature.

* Net. For scooping things (including fish) out of the aquarium.
Do not use hands or plastic bags.

* Cleaning agents. A scrubber, a brush, a bucket for exclusive
aquarium use.

* Food. If you keep fish in a tank then they need to be fed.

Keep these in mind while taking proper care of your tropical
fish.

For more info on tropical fish and fish rearing, please visit our
website. http://tropical-----fish.blogspot.com





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