| Adding a freshwater fish tank to your home | | | | need to have fish that get along well with |
| can be a great way to add a decorative focal | | | | others. If you are leaning more towards a |
| point that is fun for everyone. And because | | | | Cichlid tank then you need to be more careful |
| home aquariums are becoming more and more | | | | as most Cichlids are aggressive towards other |
| popular there is no shortage of fish shops | | | | fish. |
| supplying the latest and greatest tanks, | | | | |
| accessories and of course fish. The good news | | | | Once you get your new freshwater aquarium it |
| is that most of these fish shops are owned by | | | | is time to set it up. While most people don't |
| people who like to share their great | | | | have the patience the best thing to do is to |
| enthusiasm for all things fish with their | | | | fill your tank with water, set up you |
| customers. | | | | decorative gravel, rocks, plants and anything |
| | | | that catches your eye and let it sit for a |
| When you decide you would like to enjoy a | | | | few weeks. Be sure to have all your |
| freshwater fish tank there are several things | | | | filtration and air supplies running during |
| you will need to keep in mind. Where would | | | | this time. The reason it is important to do |
| you like to put your new fish tank and what | | | | this is to let any chlorine dissipate out of |
| size will fit best in the area designated. | | | | the water and get the beneficial bacteria a |
| Fish tanks come in a variety of shapes and | | | | chance to develop. |
| sizes so it is best to visit your local fish | | | | |
| shop to get a good feel for what is available | | | | If you put fish in a tank that has had time |
| to fit your needs. Be sure to ask questions | | | | to get established you will end up with new |
| about what you are looking for and the shop | | | | tank syndrome, which can be extremely harmful |
| employees will be able to point you in the | | | | to any fish and cause them to die. This |
| right direction. | | | | bacteria is the primary fish waste disposal |
| | | | resource. Without it toxic levels of ammonia |
| As you are deciding on the type and size of | | | | and other waste gases will build up rapidly |
| tank you will also need to think about the | | | | in the water. Giving the bacteria a chance to |
| type of fish you would like to keep. This is | | | | cycle will create a fish friendly environment |
| where research into the different species of | | | | that will protect your purchases. |
| fish is a must. You cannot simply just pick | | | | |
| out the fish you like best at the store and | | | | A freshwater fish tank does take some work, |
| mix them al together. If you are going to | | | | both setting up and maintaining. But the |
| have a community tank, that is a tank with | | | | rewards of its look in your home are more |
| many different types of fish in it, then you | | | | than worth it. |