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Step 1
Before you choose tropical fish the first thing you should know is what kind of water you have at your home. You should take a sample of water from your tap to a pet store. Ask them to test your water for hardness and pH. You should try to match your tropical fish as closely to the type of water that you have as possible. While it is true that there are additives you can place in your water to accommodate most any type of fish, purchasing tropical fish that match your water the closest is the smartest thing you can do.
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Step 2
Next, you should know that tropical fish like warm water. You must have a heater and a thermometer in your tank. If you are not interested in having to monitor the temperature of your aquarium’s water you may want to rethink whether tropical fish are for you. You may be better suited to goldfish or another cold water fish.
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Step 3
Research the various types of tropical fish you are interested in and narrow down your choices. Once your choices are narrowed down, find out if they are compatible with each other. Why purchase tropical fish only to find they are enemies?
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Step 4
Before you bring your bring your tropical fish home, or before they are delivered if you have ordered them via the Internet, make sure your tank is ready. Make sure you have the temperature of the water correct and that the water quality if viable for your fish. You should have a test kit available that will help you determine if your tank water is up to par.
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Step 5
Do not simply dump your new tropical fish into the tank. Allow the bag to float in the tank for fifteen minutes. This will acclimate the tropical fish to the changes in the water temperature. Next, add a bit of tank water to the bag and allow it to float for another five minutes. Repeat this process two or three times. This process helps to equalize the pH of the water the fish have been packaged in with the tank’s water. Next, release the fish into their new home.
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Step 6
You should keep a watchful eye on your tropical fish. Make sure they are not aggressive toward each other. You should also be on the lookout for any signs that your new tropical fish are sick or injured since they have been moved from one tank to another. Do any of the fish seem sluggish? Are there any changes in the color of a fish? If you notice anything unusual transfer the ailing fish to a separate and smaller aquarium. This will allow it time to heal and strengthen.
