Comments on: How to Choose Fish for a Freshwater Aquarium

on 11/22/2005 I don't agree that all chiclids are good together. I had two. The bigger one ate the smaller one. The bigger one is now 2 years old and very spoiled.

on 11/22/2005 I have a 55 gallon fish tank, and I have about 12 fish. They are mostly cichlids, and they arean average of about 5 inches long. Fish should have a gallon per inch of length. So do not put 13 fish in a 29 gallon.

on 11/22/2005 Bettas and goldfish do NOT mix!

on 11/22/2005 Be careful when buying a new fish. Call your pet store and ask when they get their fish in. Then buy them as far from that day as possible. This will let you know that the fish you are buying are healthy.

on 11/22/2005 I just wanted to comment on the goldfish warning. I have two very healthy goldfish. They don't have any health problems that I know of, and I feel that they are very good fish for a beginner.

on 11/22/2005 I think Tiger Barbs are the best, prettiest Tropical fish you can get! They look pretty, but they are on the mean, bully side. They are good community fish ONLY if they are kept in schools of six or more. If not, they will nip on your other fish.

on 11/22/2005 Don't ever add water from a fish store tank to your tank. New fish are chemically treated, and you don't want to contaminate your water with those chemicals.

on 11/22/2005 While Cichlids appear nice together, they are not so nice when with other community fish! Buyer beware. :-)

on 11/22/2005 I am a beginner only 3 years in the hobby. I've had some expensive and disappointing experiences. Always research your fish. "Clown Knives" are a beautiful fish and seem very docile, but when the lights are out, "fish beware." They are nocturnal feeders.

on 1/9/2008 If you have what I call a peaceful tank community such as Angels, Tetras, and Guppies, stay away from those cute "Puffers." I found out the hard way. They will kill everything in the tank they can.

on 11/22/2005 I would recommend getting a power-filter that hangs off the back of your aquarium. A good rule to go by is to get one that can do 10-12 gallons per hour for every gallon that you have. If you have a 29 gallon tank, you should have a 340-350 GPH filter.

on 11/22/2005 If you get a goldfish from a fair, the ones that usually die overnight, throw it in your fish tank. I had one for four years in a 40-gallon tank. They thrive on the air pumps and get along great with other fish. They are also a nice sight to see.

on 11/22/2005 The convict chilid is a good starter fish for someone who doesn't know much about fish life. Chilids are easier to care for.

on 11/22/2005 Be very careful when first establishing a new tank; watch your ammonia levels! It is very important to keep that at the right level.

on 11/22/2005 I think Betta splenders make a great pet fish for beginners. Feeding is simple, just 2 to 3 pellets at least twice a day. For food, I recommend Betta bio-gold fish food.