Tropical fish are fantastic to keep as pets. They are as simple to look after as cold water fish, yet are far more diverse in variety, colour, size and personality. Because there are so many species to choose from, keeping tropical fish can be as simple or complicated as you make it. In any case, keeping tropical fish is interesting and fun, not to mention relaxing. It easy to attain social groups in a tropical aquarium, so you can have a school of neon’s, while there are also larger fish and ground dwellers to watch.

Proper Temperature Required

A tropical aquarium is usually kept between 22 to 26 degrees Celsius, but the proper temperature depends on the species of fish you intend to keep. Some tropical fish can tolerate a wide range of temperatures including cold water, however they are usually stressed or susceptible to disease if it is too far from the normal range. This is also a problem if the temperature changes suddenly.

Plants required

Creating a complete aquatic environment is perhaps one of the most interesting and enjoyable aspects of setting up an aquarium. The decorations should be chosen in consideration of the species of plants and fish that will be kept. Plants require room to grow and their locations should take into account their full size and light requirements. The value of live plants in the aquarium goes well beyond that of decoration, as they are major contributors to water quality and benefit fish in many ways.

For species of fish that cannot be housed with live plants, the use of plastic plants represents an excellent solution. Others may choose a completely unrealistic setup, with funny ornaments and a ferris wheel!

Fish keeping can provide experiences and events that stimulate the learning process. Having fish that spawn and the resulting rituals and activities that are demonstrated provide hours of entertainment and fascination.

Dynamic Underwater World

Children and adults can gain a sense of responsibility and accomplishment from establishing and maintaining an aquarium. The dynamic underwater world will present changing situations where fish, plants, corals and invertebrates grow, mature and reproduce, providing a living demonstration of various life processes.

Many excellent sources of information concerning all aspects of the aquatic hobby exist and continue to be developed, check out some books or the web, and don’t forget to talk to us!

Basic Requirements

If you are about to get any tropical fish, you need to make sure you have the basic requirements, before you even bring them home! Here is a list of the basic requirements for any tropical aquarium.

• Aquarium
• Filtration (under gravel or power filter)
• Aeration (air pump & air stone)
• Lighting (or natural light)
• Heater
• Substrate (gravel, sand, pebbles etc.)
• Food
• Treated/Stabilized Water

Optional Requirements

• Filters
• Aeration
• UV Lighting
• Ornaments
• Plants (live or plastic)
• Test Kits (pH, ammonia etc)
• Aquarium Backing

Breakdown

Suitable For People Aged: 10 & over
Experience Required: None. Care sheet & info
Feeding Care Time Required: 10 Min a Day
Maintenance Time Required: 1 Hour a Week
Minimum Space Required: Aquarium (as large as possible)
Cost of Upkeep: (approx) $12.50 Per Week (Power Required)
Life Span: (approx) 10 to 30 Years (Depending on Species)
Availability: All Year