Preparation for the addition of a fish tank and its habitants to your life should begin as soon as you make the decision to add these beautiful creatures to your household. Whether you'll be enjoying freshwater or saltwater species, take the time to do the detailed research required to maintain the balanced environment your fish will need in order to thrive.

Question other aquarium owners and visit the pet shop or breeder ahead of time to become familiar with the responsibilities involved in caring for fish. Read all you can. In the beginning you will need a handy manual or instruction sheets such as those you will find throughout this site to help you master the intricacies of maintaining an aquarium.

In addition to the environment in your tank, your personal circumstances will affect your fish's well being from the moment you bring them home. You need to consider the following factors:

• Do you live alone? Are you part of an active household?
• Do you travel for long periods?
• Are there other pets in your household?
• Are there children present most of the day? Extended family members?

To get ready, choose the area of your home that will best suit this hobby and the rest of your household. All tanks should be set away from direct sunlight in areas free of the stress of extreme temperature fluctuations. You'll need access to electrical outlets and your fish tank should never be placed where it could present a hazard to curious animals or small children.

It goes without saying that one of the first priorities in setting up your system is placing it where it cannot be tipped over or shaken. Whatever it sits on, whether a stand or a shelf or a tabletop, must be strong, steady and secure. Children and other pets should not be allowed near cords that run to the electrical outlet, nor should the outlet be so far away that a length of extension cord may pose a hazard.

Get Set

Fish are easily stressed and they should be transferred from the breeders or pet store tank and into your home aquarium with a minimum of delay or jostling. Whether you have a freshwater or saltwater tank, take the time and effort to have your aquarium fully operational and ready for your fish. Remember the fresh water in your tank needs a week to ten days to cleanse itself naturally of chlorine.

Study, measure and practice maintaining the proper temperature, pH balance, and oxygen requirements well ahead of placing any fish into the tank.

Go

Now's the time to choose your fish. Do your homework so that you are completely familiar with the requirements of whatever varieties you choose. Follow professional advice as to which species tolerate each other and what their individual nutritional requirements are.

Hello There

It is likely that your pet store or breeder will net your choices and place them in small plastic bags for transfer to your aquarium. This is a good time to get a lesson on the proper handling of the net and how to avoid damage or stress when transferring fish for any reason.

Here is the procedure to follow once you and your fish leave the store:

• Get home quickly. Your fish will have at least an hour's worth of oxygen and the water will be a remnant of its previous environment.
• Make the transition from store to home tank as quick, smooth and jostle-free as possible. Transfer is stressful even under ideal conditions.
• Gently place the sealed bag in your tank and let it float for ten to fifteen minutes. This will equalize the water temperatures.
• If there is a large difference in the pH levels of the old and new water, gradually mix the two by introducing small amounts of tank water into the bag, again giving your fish time to adjust.
• Keep lights low and outside activity at a minimum for the first few hours.
• Feed lightly.

• Other pets: Your fish have no desire to meet the rest of your animal household. Cats, dogs or any other pets must never have access to the top of your aquarium. Do not let other pets sniff, bark or bat at your aquarium. Shock leads to stress, which can be deadly in fish.
  
• Children and Elders: You are the best judge of the ability of others. Precision and care is needed to maintain the proper balance of chemicals, oxygen and a myriad of elements in your aquarium. Letting others help monitor or clean can be a wonderful family activity or learning tool for children.

The soothing, drifting, darting behavior of beautiful tropical fish can do wonders for the elderly and ill and the hobby is one that can be as simple or complex as your time, talent and desire allow.