Word Count: 658 Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2009 3:28 PM
What You Need to Know About Tropical Fish Compatibility
If you own tropical fish or are considering starting a new hobby keeping tropical fish one of the most important things to take into consideration is tropical fish compatibility. It is important to know about compatibilities so you can build an environment that is safe for your fish. Along with compatibility is knowing about the food types that your tropical fish will need and how to go about the tank care that should be given. Because caring for these types of fish is a bit of a delicate issue, you must learn all the basic and even some of the complex information you can in order to provide the best environment for your pets.
Tropical Fish Compatibility With Other Types of Fish
Before you purchase different fish types, you have to know if they can live together. If you already have fish you have to know if the new species that you're considering purchasing is compatible with your existing fish. If you are just stocking your aquarium then be sure to know what fish can live together before you put them in a tank together. If you're planning to keep tropical fish alone, you still have to determine the incompatibilities between their varieties because some just can't live with each other. Of course, beyond compatibility is the size of the fish. If you have some big fish and you buy some more fish that are compatible but they are small then your big fish - if they could talk - would thank you for a nice fresh dinner. So always check the variety of fish and know if they can co-exist with the other types of fish that you already have or are planning to buy.
Tropical Fish Compatibility With Water Temperature And Food Requirements
Tropical fish and water temperature are synonymous - you have to get a good match or your fish could be in trouble. Remember, most tropical fish do not do very well with extremes in temperature; after all they are from the tropics. Usually, they thrive well in an average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this is only an average and whatever specie of fish you have you need to know what specific water temperature range they need to have. If you're bringing some new fish home you'll need to acclimate them to your tanks water temperature by submerging the inflated plastic bag in the aquarium water. Allow the bag to set for 15 to 20 minutes before you let the fish out. This way the fish can more easily adjust to the water temperature in your aquarium.
What to feed your fish is another thing that is worth reviewing. You need to know if the type of fish you bought eat plants, live food, meat or fish food only. This is very important because you have to give them the right nutrients or it could lead to sickness and disease and possibly death.
Tropical Fish In A New Environment
One thing to consider that many seem to overlook is some of the tropical fish you bought might have come directly from their natural environment in the wild, whether salt or freshwater. Due to this possibility it is important to recognize the compatibility your tropical fish have with their new environment. You need to know if they have any special needs such as pH levels or a specific set up such as rocks for hiding etc. Live plants or plastic and what type of lighting they may need.
Finally, there are a lot of things to assess and consider before you can really say that you're ready to have fish as pets. You'll always want to know about your tropical fish and any fish you consider getting in the future compatibility needs because this knowledge will serve you well and guide you in caring for your fish.
About the Author
Steve Hales - Is a tropical fish enthusiast. Learn all about tropical fish care at our ever expanding knowledge base, where we are always adding more for you to learn from.
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