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TIME FOR A NEW FISH TANK? Nothing is more exciting than adding new fish to a newly set up aquarium. However, the fish you choose will have a big impact on your tank’s success or failure. Unfortunately, many new fish owners make the wrong choices, lose some or all of their fish right away, and give up on keeping fish. The two biggest errors made when stocking a new aquarium are adding too many fish at a time and choosing the wrong species. Tip the scales in your favor by following these basic, but important, steps. HOW MANY FISH? When you are considering the many beautiful fish at the pet shop, remember one word – moderation. In most cases, only two or three fish should be introduced to a tank initially. Once the nitrogen cycle is established and the tank is stable, additional fish can slowly be added. However, the same rule applies when adding the next round of fish. Moderation: you must add only a few at a time. FACTORS IN CHOOSING FISH Fish owners tend to opt for fish with the most physical appeal. Pretty fish are sometimes acceptable beginner 14
Pearl Danios
choices, but there are other more important factors to consider. A beginner fish should have these qualities: l T olerates a variety of water conditions, particularly the conditions during startup l Accepts a variety of foods, and are easy to feed l Does not grow to be overly large l Not aggressive l C ompatible with a variety of other fish (unless you’re creating a single species tank) Small schooling fish are generally good first fish, but take care to not add an entire school at once if the tank is new. If you want more than one species, do not start them all at the same time. Instead, build one school up before starting the next species. WOKINGHAM LOCAL • SEPTEMBER 2022
