When thinking of buying the perfect pet, a fish is never the first thing that will cross your mind. So, if you are considering buying a pet fish but are concerned about not knowing where to start, look no further. This guide will walk you through everything that you need to know about buying a pet fish. However, fish are more than just a decoration for your home. Depending on the type of fish you get, you will be surprised to learn how much fun they really are.
Where Will You Keep The Fish?
The first thing you need to decide before buying your pet fish is how much space you can give them. Are you planning on keeping your fish in a fishbowl on a countertop? Or are you planning on installing an aquarium? So, when you are decided make sure you know about the ‘inch to gallon’ rule for slim fish and are aware of the tank size required for round fish. It is important for your fish to have ample room to swim around and explore since the tank is the only place your fish will ever live.
What Type Of Fish Should You Get?
There is more to selecting the type of fish as a pet than meets the eye. Since there are thousands of different types of fish to choose from, the process may seem intimidating at first. The type of fish you choose depends on what environment you can provide for your fish. If you want to go all out with your aquarium by installing a heating system, you can buy platy fish since they thrive in warm water. If you are looking to keep your setup basic, opt for a type of fish that does not require warm water or high pH. It is very important to research the type of fish you should get because, like all living things, fishes also thrive in an environment they are made for.
What Equipment Will You Need?
Buying a pet fish does not have to be a huge investment on your part, and if you do enough research about what type of fish you want and subsequently the equipment you will need, you can avoid being ‘convinced’ by salespeople that you need fancy and unnecessary equipment for your aquarium. However, some essential equipment includes a good quality water filter, an air pump to keep the water moving, and some gravel and plants to create an ambiance that your fish will enjoy. It is always better to shop around and compare the equipment you want to buy rather than purchasing ‘starter kits’ since you can customize your aquarium or tank according to your budget.
How Many Fish Should You Buy?
Again, this is a question that can only be answered after deciding on what type of fish you want to get. Just like other animals, fishes also have various preferences of how they like to live. Some fish species prefer to live in solitude, whereas others thrive in schools. These preferences vary from fish to fish. If you want to get just one fish as a pet, you may want to get a rainbow fish, but you should probably get catfish or guppies if you want a bunch. You also need to be careful of keeping predatory fish in the same tank with their prey.
How Do You Take Care of Fish?
Perhaps the most important thing you need to know before buying a pet fish is how to take care of it. You need to know the type of food the fish eats and the environment the fish thrives in. It is also important to know what type of fish can tolerate being touched and what species cannot. Part of taking care of your pet fish is to always give them a clean and safe environment to live in. Regular tank and aquarium cleanings are necessary for your fish to stay healthy. Although fish may be considered a low-maintenance pet, if they are not cared for properly, they will die as they are more delicate than most people believe them to be. You should also take your fish to the vet often for check-ups since it is hard to spot symptoms if it is sick.
Regardless of what many people say, fish make excellent pets, especially if it is your first experience keeping one. They can become a beloved part of your family fairly quickly, and contrary to popular belief, fishes have amazing personalities and make great companions for you and your family.
