Find a reputable store. This is the first and most important step to having healthy fish. Make sure that there are no dead fish floating around in the tanks; a good store will remove them immediately. Never, ever buy fish from a tank that contains sick fish or fish that have ich (small white spots). Finally, make sure the staff knows what they’re doing. Ask specific questions, such as what the nitrogen cycle is, how big a certain fish will grow and what temperature is ideal for a species. If they don’t know the answers, they should not be trusted to supply your future pets.
Watch out for “starter kits” sold at pet stores. They often include components that are low-quality or that you don’t need. It is better to select high-quality items. They may cost more, but you will be better off in the long run.
Buy water-testing kits. You should buy kits that test your water for the presence of ammonia, nitrate and nitrite, since significant concentrations of these substances can be lethal. A pH test kit is also preferable, although not essential. Most of these kits are relatively inexpensive.
Resources for Building an Aquarium:
Want more useful advice on building an aquarium? Check out our featured articles:
- Setting Up Your Aquarium
- Your Aquarium’s Water Quality: Biological Filtration and The Nitrogen Cycle
- Selecting Your First Aquarium
- Fish Compatibility
- What You Need to Know Before Buying Fish