PETS FISH TANK TIPS BY TRESA ERICKSON You don’t have to walk them or clean up after them. You don’t have to brush their fur, replenish their water bowl or take them to the vet. You don’t have to do much other than feed them daily and clean their tank from time to time. They are fi sh, and because they require so little care, they make the perfect pets for beginners. Fish come in two basic types: freshwater and saltwater. Freshwater tanks are easier to set up and maintain, and therefore, the better choice for beginners. Numerous species of fi sh are available, some hardier than others. As for the best type of fi sh for beginners, opinions vary. Some that routinely make the list include: • Barbs • Bettas • Catfi sh • Cichlids • Danios • Platies • Rainbow fi sh • Rasboras • Swordtails • Tetras Some experts also recommend goldfi sh, though these are best kept in their own separate tank and can get rather large. Piranhas, knife fi shes, sharks and spiny eels are not a good idea. Avoid them until you become more experienced. Whatever fi sh you select, do your homework. There are several books available on the topic, many geared toward beginners. Don’t look to sales staff at the pet store for all of the answers. Learn all you can about various fi sh species and their compatibility. Read everything you can get your hands on and consult other fi sh owners and experts. The more you know, the better environment you will create for your fi sh and the healthier your fi sh will be. As your expertise grows, you can add other species to your tank or set up a new tank entirely, perhaps even a saltwater tank if that’s your wish. Finally, start off small. Purchase a 20-gallon tank and take the time to set up it properly. When ready, purchase a few fi sh and add more over time. Don’t fi ll your tank with fi sh right off the bat and expect it to be a success. The ammonia will build up quickly and kill most, if not all, of the fi sh. It takes work to create a thriving aquarium. Put forth the effort and you will be rewarded with a beautiful tank of thriving fi sh over time.
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