Tropical Guide

Aquarium Adventures

Fish keeping is a fascinating and rewarding hobby enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Whether you are setting up your first aquarium or are an experienced fish keeper looking to create something new, an aquarium can make a fantastic feature in your home.

Watching colourful fish swim through an aquarium can be both relaxing and entertaining, while creating an underwater environment gives you the opportunity to learn about aquatic life, water quality, aquarium plants and the fascinating behaviour of different species.

There are many different types and sizes of fish tanks available, from small aquariums suitable for beginners through to large display aquariums designed to create an impressive centrepiece in your home. However, before choosing your aquarium, it is important to think about the type of fish you would like to keep.

Choosing the Right Aquarium

The aquarium you choose should always be suitable for the fish you intend to keep. Different species have different requirements for swimming space, water temperature, filtration, decoration and water quality.

Aquarium fish are generally divided into two main categories: freshwater fish and marine (saltwater) fish.

Freshwater aquariums are by far the most popular choice for many fish keepers. They can be divided into tropical freshwater aquariums and coldwater aquariums.

Tropical fish require heated water and are available in an enormous range of colours, shapes and sizes. This makes tropical aquariums particularly popular with both beginners and experienced fish keepers.

Coldwater fish, such as goldfish, have different requirements and can be suitable for appropriately sized aquariums when their long-term adult size is taken into consideration.

Marine aquariums can contain some spectacular fish, corals and invertebrates, but they generally require more specialist equipment, careful water management and greater experience. For many beginners, a freshwater tropical aquarium is an excellent place to start.

Tropical Fish

Tropical fish are some of the most popular aquarium fish available. With hundreds of species and varieties to choose from, you can create almost any style of freshwater aquarium.

From colourful livebearers and peaceful community fish to shoaling tetras, active barbs and impressive angelfish, there is a tropical fish to suit almost every aquarium.

However, choosing fish should never be based purely on appearance. You should always consider the adult size, temperament, water requirements and compatibility of each species before adding them to your aquarium.

Livebearers

Livebearers are an extremely popular choice, particularly for beginner fish keepers. As their name suggests, livebearing fish give birth to free-swimming young rather than laying eggs in the traditional way.

Some of the most popular livebearers include:

• Guppies
• Mollies
• Platies
• Swordtails

These fish are generally colourful, active and relatively easy to care for when kept in suitable conditions. They are also popular because many livebearers readily breed in a well-maintained aquarium.

Guppies in particular are available in a huge variety of colours and patterns, making them an excellent way to add colour to a tropical community aquarium.

Because livebearers can reproduce quickly, however, it is important to consider how many fish your aquarium can comfortably support. A small number of fish can potentially become a much larger population over time.

Livebearers are generally peaceful community fish, making them suitable companions for many other appropriately sized, non-aggressive tropical species.

Tetras

Tetras are another firm favourite among freshwater aquarium keepers. Their vibrant colours, active behaviour and schooling nature make them particularly attractive in community aquariums.

Popular varieties include:

• Neon Tetra
• Cardinal Tetra
• Lemon Tetra
• Penguin Tetra
• Silvertip Tetra

Tetras are shoaling fish and generally look their best when kept in an appropriate group rather than individually. A group of six or more is often a good starting point, although the ideal number will depend on the species, aquarium size and available swimming space.

A large group of colourful tetras moving together through a planted aquarium can create an impressive display.

Tetras are also a popular choice for planted aquariums, where their colours can contrast beautifully against natural plants, wood and rocks.

Barbs

Barbs are an active and colourful group of freshwater aquarium fish. They can bring plenty of movement and personality to a tropical aquarium.

The Tiger Barb is one of the best-known varieties, recognised by its distinctive dark vertical bands, golden body and colourful fins.

Other popular barb species include:

• Cherry Barbs
• Ruby Barbs
• Golden Barbs

Barbs can be energetic fish and some species may become nippy or boisterous, particularly when kept in unsuitable groups or with slow-moving, long-finned fish.

For this reason, choosing compatible tank mates is particularly important when keeping barbs. Research the specific species before adding them to a community aquarium.

When kept in an appropriately sized group and suitable aquarium, many barb species can make a fantastic addition to a lively tropical fish tank.

Angelfish

Angelfish are one of the most recognisable and elegant freshwater aquarium fish. Their tall bodies, long flowing fins and graceful swimming style make them a popular centrepiece fish.

They are available in a variety of colours and patterns, making it possible to create a striking display aquarium around a group of angelfish.

However, angelfish should not be considered suitable for every aquarium. They can become territorial as they mature and may show aggression towards smaller or unsuitable tank mates.

Their eventual size and tall body shape also mean they require an aquarium with adequate height and swimming space.

If you are considering angelfish, plan your aquarium around their adult requirements rather than choosing a tank based on their juvenile size.

Bottom-Dwelling Aquarium Fish

Bottom-dwelling fish can add another level of interest to a community aquarium. Rather than constantly swimming in the middle or upper areas of the tank, many bottom-dwelling species spend much of their time exploring the substrate.

Corydoras catfish are among the most popular choices. These small, active catfish spend much of their time searching through the substrate for food and are particularly entertaining to watch.

Corydoras are social fish and should generally be kept in suitable groups, with the exact requirements depending on the species.

Another well-known group is the plecostomus or pleco family. These fish are often purchased because they are associated with algae eating, but it is important to understand that not all plecos remain small.

Some pleco species can grow very large and may eventually outgrow a typical home aquarium. Always identify the exact species and research its adult size before purchasing one.

It is also important to understand that algae-eating fish are not a replacement for aquarium maintenance. They still require appropriate food, filtration and water quality.

Building a Community Aquarium

One of the most enjoyable aspects of fish keeping is creating a community aquarium containing several compatible species.

A successful community aquarium requires more than simply choosing fish that look good together. Fish should be selected according to their temperament, adult size, swimming level, water temperature and water chemistry requirements.

Think about your aquarium as a complete ecosystem. Some fish prefer the upper levels of the aquarium, others occupy the middle and some spend most of their time near the substrate.

Combining compatible species from different areas of the aquarium can create a fascinating and active underwater environment.

Aquarium Plants and Decoration

Aquarium plants can transform a fish tank into a natural-looking underwater environment. Live plants provide shelter and hiding places for fish while also creating a more visually appealing aquarium.

Popular aquarium plants include Anubias, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne and many other tropical aquatic plants.

Wood, rocks, caves and other aquarium decorations can also be used to create hiding places and establish territories.

When choosing decorations, make sure they are aquarium-safe and do not contain sharp edges that could injure fish.

Aquarium Filtration and Water Quality

Good water quality is one of the most important parts of successful fish keeping.

An aquarium filter helps remove waste from the water and provides an important home for beneficial bacteria. These bacteria form part of the aquarium’s biological filtration system and help process harmful waste products produced by fish and decomposing organic matter.

Regular aquarium maintenance is also essential. Water changes, filter maintenance, testing water parameters and removing excess waste all contribute to a healthy aquarium.

New aquariums should be properly cycled before being fully stocked. Establishing beneficial bacteria allows the aquarium’s biological filtration system to develop before adding a large number of fish.

Choosing Your First Aquarium Fish

If you are new to fish keeping, start by choosing an aquarium that gives you enough space to maintain stable water conditions and provides room for the fish you want to keep as adults.

Avoid choosing too many fish simply because the aquarium looks empty when first set up. Fish need space, and stocking levels should be increased carefully as the aquarium matures.

Before purchasing any fish, consider:

• The adult size of the fish
• Water temperature requirements
• Compatibility with other species
• How many fish should be kept together
• The size of the aquarium
• Filtration requirements
• Feeding requirements
• Whether the aquarium is fully established

Taking the time to research your fish before buying them will help you build a healthier and more successful aquarium.

Start Your Aquarium Adventure

Whether you are interested in colourful guppies, peaceful community fish, vibrant tetras, active barbs, elegant angelfish or fascinating bottom-dwelling catfish, there are thousands of freshwater aquarium fish to discover.

The key to successful fish keeping is creating the right environment for the fish you choose. A suitable aquarium, reliable filtration, good water quality, appropriate food and compatible tank mates will give your fish the best possible environment.

Most importantly, enjoy the hobby. Building and maintaining an aquarium is an ongoing adventure, and there is always something new to learn, discover and add to your underwater world.