Practicing Responsible Fish Keeping

By Leonard Boyler

Responsible fish keeping begins with how you set up your aquarium tank. Choose the aquarium that will comfortably house all the fish that you want. You may have heard some people say that fish will only grow to the size of their tank. This is basically a myth. Before long, you will need to buy a larger aquarium, if you don't want your fish getting sick or dying on you due to lack of space and oxygen.

Find out as much as you can about the fish that you plan to keep, to know what size of aquarium you need to get for them. It is best to factor in the adult size of the fish when choosing the size of the aquarium. But if you got a small aquarium and later it became too small for your fish, then upgrade as soon as possible to the appropriate size.

Find out if the fish you intend to have can live harmoniously with each other. A responsible fish keeper will never combine different variety of fish unless certain that they can live together peacefully. Bear in mind that different species have different needs for food, water temperature, and ph level. Make sure that your tank is not overcrowded with fish. Do not let their small size fool you into thinking that you can fit a small aquarium with dozens of fish.

If your aquarium becomes crowded with fish that have grown to adult size and aquatic plants, do not release them in just any body of water. People, unfortunately, sometimes dispose of their big fish this way. They will probably not survive a change of environment or if they did, might prey on local species instead.

The better alternative will be to set them up in a bigger aquarium, or if you do not want the extra expense, to just return them to the pet store.

Aside from getting the right aquarium, you also need other aquarium equipment like a water filter and a heater. These are important for the good health and comfort of your fish. The type and specifications will again depend on the needs of your fish. Be sure that they are working properly before putting in your fish.

Water changes and aquarium cleaning should still be done regularly even if you have a water filter attached. This is to ensure the highest water quality for your fish. Check the water weekly for the required pH, nitrites, and ammonia level. You can also reduce the maintenance required for your tank as well as reduce water changes by using EcoBio-Block Family products which help to keep your water clear and healthy with beneficial bacteria.

Even though your fish may be small, that doesn't mean that you can ignore them, or that they require less care than other pets. Never forget to feed your fish, and make sure they receive a proper diet. Regular fish food flakes may not be the responsible choice, depending on what type of fish you keep. Research their requirements to determine the best kind of food for them.

Responsible fish keeping means a dedicated effort to take very good care of all the needs of your fish. - 32185

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