Basic rules of fish keeping

There are some basic rules of fish keeping which every avid aquarist needs to keep in mind if fish care, good fish health and longevity of the friends with fins is a priority.

Top ten rules of basic fish keeping
  1. Always keep Community Fish. These are fish that belong to species compatible with each other and can cohabit in the same aquarium with least distress. Some community fish include Rasboras, Tetras, Loaches, Swordtails, Platys, Mollies, Gouramis, Danios, Corydoras, Barbs, Plecos and these cohabit well with each other. However, the fish keeper needs to ensure that these fish are comparable in size as smaller ones may be attacked or even eaten by bigger ones.


  2. Take care not to change aquarium conditions, including temperature and water until it is absolutely necessary. If any changes, be it temperature, water, pH, is needed, it must be attended to in a gradual manner.


  3. Do not add shipping water to your aquarium and always net fish from bag to the tank.


  4. Take care to never overcrowd the tank, following the rule of keeping maximum of 1" of compatible fish per gallon of aquarium water. Allow for sufficient surface area-10-12 square inches- per inch of fish.


  5. Never overfeed and use only clean, uncontaminated food from a reliable source so you are assured of proven quality.


  6. Check regularly for changes in fish temperament and appearance as timely identification can help prevent spread of disease and aid in prompt, effective treatment. Upon sighting any symptoms of disease, immediate treatment for both bacterial and parasitic diseases must be followed.


  7. Fish are categorized as peaceful, semi-aggressive and aggressive; therefore, look out for similar classifications of fish when stocking your aquarium and do not hesitate to ask your aquarist for more details on fish cohabiting and keeping.


  8. Pay close attention to the quality of water, disinfections needed and conduct timely checks for nitrate, ammonia and ph levels in the water. When adding the fish to tank water, do so slowly and under subdued lighting to help get it accustomed to the new environment.


  9. Ensure that there are a large number of hiding places for the new fish in their new home so they can feel secure and adjust easily to new conditions. Addition of live plants and colorful ones are a good choice for helping fish adapt to a new home. Plastic plants and decor are best avoided, as they can be toxic or fatal for fish if they nibble on them.


  10. If you have burrowing fishes, like the Kuhli loach in fresh water, wrasses or some gobies in salt, take care that the type of gravel used is suitable for these delicate fish, as some varieties tend to be sharp and can cause abrasions. These in turn can prove fatal for the fish and possibly also spread to other fish kept in the tank.

Practicing these basic rules of fish keeping will help you keep them in harmony with the natural condition, limiting stress and likelihood of disease.