Taking Care of Your Slimy Friend
Dexter York
June 2019
Fish are common pets in many households. They are quiet, clean, contained, and independent pets that are relaxing to watch. Many families choose a fish as a first pet for their children to teach them about responsibility. Going to a pet store and asking an employee to help pick out everything your fish needs can often result in a poor habitat for your new slimy friend.
Fish have the same basic needs as other animals including food, water, and a proper habitat. As pets they are dependent on us to provide everything they need for a happy life. Before purchasing a fish, it is best to research its needs and not to rely on pet store employees. For example, freshwater fish are less expensive and easier to care for than other types of fish. The most popular types of pet fish include Betta fish and the common goldfish. Both of these fish live in water temperatures that do not always require heaters, can tolerate some variation in water chemistry compared to other fish, and are generally healthy eaters. It is important that you select a fish that you can handle and provide proper care for.
After you have selected your fish, you will need to purchase food. Commercial fish food that meets the nutritional needs of specific types of fish should work well. Fish food usually comes in flake form, as pellets, or freeze dried. Like cats and dogs, fish also have treats like bloodworms and brine shrimp that can be purchased from pet stores freeze-dried and frozen. It is important to remember that fish do not have stomachs and they never stop eating. When feeding your fish, only feed it as much as it will eat in two or three minutes once or twice per day. Feeding time will depend on the fish you choose; for example, goldfish should only be fed as much as they can eat in one minute. Overfeeding is a serious issue, which is why you need to be careful.
Water and habitat is something you need to take into account before making a final decision about owning a certain type of fish. Many people believe that small aquariums are fine because the fish is small or they do not have enough space themselves, but that is a false assumption. For example, fish bowls are not suitable for any fish as a permanent living space. A fish bowl’s purpose is to provide a temporary place for a fish to stay as you clean your main aquarium. Any fish would need a minimum of a 20 gallon tank; a common goldfish would need a 30 gallon tank. Make sure you find out the size of aquarium you need.
Fish are common pets in many households. They are quiet, clean, contained, and independent pets that are relaxing to watch. Many families choose a fish as a first pet for their children to teach them about responsibility. Going to a pet store and asking an employee to help pick out everything your fish needs can often result in a poor habitat for your new slimy friend.
Fish have the same basic needs as other animals including food, water, and a proper habitat. As pets they are dependent on us to provide everything they need for a happy life. Before purchasing a fish, it is best to research its needs and not to rely on pet store employees. For example, freshwater fish are less expensive and easier to care for than other types of fish. The most popular types of pet fish include Betta fish and the common goldfish. Both of these fish live in water temperatures that do not always require heaters, can tolerate some variation in water chemistry compared to other fish, and are generally healthy eaters. It is important that you select a fish that you can handle and provide proper care for.
After you have selected your fish, you will need to purchase food. Commercial fish food that meets the nutritional needs of specific types of fish should work well. Fish food usually comes in flake form, as pellets, or freeze dried. Like cats and dogs, fish also have treats like bloodworms and brine shrimp that can be purchased from pet stores freeze-dried and frozen. It is important to remember that fish do not have stomachs and they never stop eating. When feeding your fish, only feed it as much as it will eat in two or three minutes once or twice per day. Feeding time will depend on the fish you choose; for example, goldfish should only be fed as much as they can eat in one minute. Overfeeding is a serious issue, which is why you need to be careful.
Water and habitat is something you need to take into account before making a final decision about owning a certain type of fish. Many people believe that small aquariums are fine because the fish is small or they do not have enough space themselves, but that is a false assumption. For example, fish bowls are not suitable for any fish as a permanent living space. A fish bowl’s purpose is to provide a temporary place for a fish to stay as you clean your main aquarium. Any fish would need a minimum of a 20 gallon tank; a common goldfish would need a 30 gallon tank. Make sure you find out the size of aquarium you need.
Based on the fish you chose, your aquarium will have a filtration system, water heating system, light, and decorations. For example, Betta fish are tropical and require the water to be 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit, they must be able to breathe from the surface of the water, and they prefer water with little or no current. Your aquarium has to be built to fit the needs of your chosen fish. You will need to regularly change the water in your aquarium and do pH testing in order to ensure your fish are living in the proper conditions. Depending on the size of the aquarium and filtration system you set up, you will need to perform weekly partial water replacement as well as clean the tank and change the water about once a month. Keep in mind that some fish, like goldfish, are known for being extra messy and may require more frequent water changes and tank cleanings.
When it comes to decorating your aquarium, you have a lot of options that you must base on your fish's needs. Certain fish like no decorations and prefer to interact with their owner instead; Betta fish love live plants and driftwood, but a goldfish is very active and aquarium decorations should entertain it. Some fish live well in groups and if you have a large tank you could get several to keep each other entertained, but keep in mind the specific requirements of your fish. For example, you cannot place two male Betta fish in the same tank because they are very territorial and you must be careful with goldfish – they will eat anything that can fit in their mouth, if you give them smaller friends they might consider them lunch.
When it comes to decorating your aquarium, you have a lot of options that you must base on your fish's needs. Certain fish like no decorations and prefer to interact with their owner instead; Betta fish love live plants and driftwood, but a goldfish is very active and aquarium decorations should entertain it. Some fish live well in groups and if you have a large tank you could get several to keep each other entertained, but keep in mind the specific requirements of your fish. For example, you cannot place two male Betta fish in the same tank because they are very territorial and you must be careful with goldfish – they will eat anything that can fit in their mouth, if you give them smaller friends they might consider them lunch.