Freshwater Fish Tanks - Great Fish Species Meant For Beginners

The joys of keeping freshwater aquarium fish as pets are well-known by amateur and veteran hobbyists alike. With a seemingly endless variety of species, a novice fish keeper may be challenged with some tough options. Which types of fish should I get? How many?

A good method of making your choices is to pick the species which have been proven to be appropriate beginner fish. Generally they are hardy, small in size, they aren't picky eaters, (some fish will not only have "live" foods) they don't produce massive amounts of waste, have a harmonious nature and will tolerate other fish. (This means they are not particularly territorial) These traits make them easy to look after.

It would be good to set up your freshwater aquarium in the appropriate environment that your fish are used to. For example, if you have lots of schooling fish, make sure to leave ample space for them to group and swim. If you have a fish that is generally shy or secretive, give him a few hiding places. Doing some research on the traits of the fish you decide to keep will assure that your wet pets are happy.

Now, onto the varieties...

Tetras - These are perhaps the most common starter fish available. There are numerous kinds and all are very inexpensive. As they are considered "schooling" fish, they do well in groups of 6 or more.

Minnows, Danios, Rasboras, and Barbs - Very hardy. They exist in multiple colours and design patterns. Interesting, if not endearing schooling behavior.

Gouramis - Generally nonviolent, they have an interesting appearance and come in various colors. There is also a type of this species known as "kissing" gourami. Certainly these fish can add a bit of personality to your tank.

Guppies, Platies, and Swordtails - Very colorful and have unique features. They stay small. (Usually, no more than 3 inches) Very peaceful and flourish in a community environment.

Loaches, Cory Cats, Plecostomus and other bottom feeders - Let's start off with loaches. These fish have an exclusive look as they have a bottom oriented snout. Good for looking after your snail population, if you happen to have a problem with it. Usually secretive and nocturnal, these would do well in pairs.

Cory Cats are named aptly so because they have what appear to be whiskers. They use these to sift the bottom for additional food. These guys are dynamic and seem to have lots of energy.

Plecostomus are a good add-on because they primarily feed on algae and excess food. They have tough scales and feature a suction cup mouth. They are quite interesting to watch when feeding. There are some rare 'plecos' which do cost more, but the regular ones are widely available and fairly cheap.

One important aspect you must consider, is the size of your tank (it is usually advisable to have no less than 10-15 gallons) will decide the number of fish that are suitable to have. A general rule of thumb is one inch of fish for each gallon of water. Do not make the common mistake of overpopulating your starter tank. If you do, you will soon find the levels of dangerous chemicals (produced by waste) will quickly get out of hand.

Keep your freshwater aquarium fish happy and fit and they will provide you with an interesting, if not peaceful view into their world.

Wall Mounted Aquariums - Offer An Exceptional, Dramatic Effect Combining Elegance Of Art Without Occupying Precious Floor Space
Wall mounted aquariums offer an unique, dramatic effect, without occupying precious floor space. In both professional and home settings, these aquariums create the fresh ambiance of living art. Combining the elegance of art with proprietary technology proves a worthy investment in any home or office.

Quick And Effortless Tricks To Help You Purchase The Highest Quality Coffee Machine
If you have been looking around for an espresso machine, I am sure you already know that there are a lot of them out there to choose from.

LED Lighting: An Alternative Option
Lighting is an important aspect of not just households and industries but also life, in a larger perspective. A perfect illumination pattern can remove the gloominess around and instill happiness and life.

Free And Cheap-Web Space And Web Hosting Ways For The Cash Conscious In Mind
There are some good deals on the internet concerning web space and hosting but you have to look to find the best deals. You should also consider how long a provider has been in business.

World Cup Soccer Posters: Celebrate The Earth's Most Favorite Sporting Activity
World Cup soccer posters are an excellent way to celebrate the world's most favorite sport and also the world's biggest sports event apart from the Olympic Games.

Controlling Heartburn Or Acid Reflux In Babies Or Infants So That Their Quality Of Life Is Better
Acid reflux in infants is one most common ailments among newborns and young children. Discover how you can stop these symptoms.

When Credit Report Repairs Should Be Done By Everybody Who Thinks Of Getting A Loan Or A Terrific Price For Any Real Estate Property Or Home
A bad credit report can also make it more difficult or even impossible to buy a home, a car, or otherwise provide for your family's interests. For this reason, it is vital to know how to monitor and clean up credit report.

Job Interview Groundwork - 3 Beneficial Ideas For Preparing For An Interview
Job interview preparation does not have to be difficult. You can land that job, we are just going to help you a little bit. Let's go on to look at those 3 helpful tips for preparing for an interview.