If you were an animal-friendly child, we’re sure you’ve probably had a pet fish at least once in your life. Compared with other types of pets, fishes are one of the most favored first pet options simply because it’s a little bit easier to care for. It’s also a great way to transition little kids into having a sense of responsibility.
However, when it comes to tropical and saltwater fish, it takes a little more than just some fish flakes and a goldfish bowl. These special craniate animals need a lot of care. For many fish owners, taking care of tropical fish is even classified as “tricky.” However, with the right tactics and the help of the proper tropical fish care guides, it’s something doable. Tropical fish are very beautiful to look at, so it’s understandable that despite the difficulty in taking care of this kind of fish, many would love to own this in their aquarium.
The first step obviously, would be to choose the right type. The perfect type goes a long way and determines how much work you’ll have to put in. Regardless of the breed, you would never want to put an unhealthy fish in your tank. Else, it’s only going to infect the healthier fish. Other than that, most tropical fish species make great pets.
So, here are seven ways you can take care of your delicate creatures.
- Tank Hunting
Searching for the perfect tank for the fish is the biggest task of this ordeal. Remember that in choosing an aquarium for your fish, you’re essentially choosing their home. Similar to humans, to have a happy home to grow, one must be comfortable enough inside. Generally, make sure that the size of your tank is enough to fit all the fish that you intend to place. You need to give them room to swim so they can grow and be happy.
You can start with the one that holds up about twenty to fifty gallons. You will also need gravel, a filter for the water, plants, and other extra materials. What’s more important though, is the acclimating of your fish. This basically means putting in some necessary minerals, etc. to balance all the levels in the water.
For example, you can ask your seller about pH, nitrate, and ammonia levels for the particular type of fish you’re purchasing. Don’t decide on these matters on your own. Better yet, if you know anyone who’s an expert on tropical fish, you can ask them for tips and insights as well.
- Premature Floating
You’ve probably heard of how some people put the sealed bags with fish in it into the tank first. This technique is actually really beneficial, and experts recommend it. People do this to actually help the creatures get used to the temperature you’re introducing to them. Temperature acclimation, if you may. However, make sure to leave them into the actual water after fifteen minutes. Do not leave them in the sealed bag for longer than that time. You can also open up the bag and add a cup of the water from your tank. Slowly add cup by cup so the fish get used to it.
- Give Them Space
Overcrowding isn’t good for any type of fish. Whether its freshwater or saltwater, fish of all kinds need ample space to roam. If not, they may even perish from the lack of place. This happens due to the decrease in oxygen levels in the water when overcrowding takes place. You can’t just fit several sorts of fish in one tank. So, pick the right size of the tank. We recommend consulting an expert.
- Water Conditioning
Taking care of fish equals taking care of the water they live in. just as we use air purifiers and air-conditioners to breathe the best quality air, we must condition the water your fish will swim around in. tap water has a lot of properties that may be harmful and not efficient in improving your pet’s health. Ask your local pet store on any de-chlorinators that they may have if tap water is your only option.
- Feeding Tips
If you’ve chosen easily maintainable fish, then feeding them won’t be too much of a problem. Bloodworms are a great source of nutrients for tropical species. However, you can perfectly find a tropical fish food package. The worms can be an additional sort of vitamin dose to introduce to them. Overall, keep them well-fed and find what works for the particular fish you have.
- Water Maintenance
Of course, cleaning out the water every now and then is super important. You will have to commit to at least changing out 25% of tank water once a month. This is the minimum amount. It will help you maintain a clean and healthy environment for your pet fish.
- Inside Matters
When cleaning the inside of the tank, make sure not to miss the sides. Sometimes algae (slimy green stuff) might build up on the sides. Clean that right up and do not allow it to build up too much. If you do, it can murk-up the water and that’s not really recommended if you want to keep the fish healthy and happy. If you need help cleaning, check your pet store for any special scrubbing tools and brushes.
Final Word
With these tips, now you can be the proud owner of tropical fish! This kind of fish can literally add color to your room because they’re just so beautiful to look at. For starters, you should expect to experience quite difficulty in caring for it. But, in the long run, once you’ve mastered how to do so, as you look at the beauty of your fish, you realize that all of the efforts were worth it. Because you now know where and how to start, all that’s left for you to do is to head on out and shop, you realize that all of the efforts were worth it. Because you now know where and how to start, all that’s left for you to do is to head on out and bring home or adopt your very own tropical fish.
