Choosing Your Fish Platys Guppies Goldfish Black Molly

What to look for Make sure your fish are active and healthy No sick or dead fish in the aquarium- as soon as see dead fish, must take out, and throw away, clean up tank, possible ¼- water change… (check ph and nitrates/nitrite levels) Ask questions- see your information cards!!! What does it eat? How big does it get? Is it a schooling fish? (if so, buy several) Is it aggressive or territorial? Are there any special care requirements? Choose less expensive fish to start.

Good Starter Fish 1.Gourami 2. Danio 3. Tetra 4. Molly 5. Cory Cat 6. Platy 7. Guppy 8. Swordtail 9. Betta—no more than one male per aquarium 1 3 2 5 9 4 8 6 9

Although it’s fun to have many types of fish, many fish need different conditions. It might not be possible to keep them all healthy in the same aquarium. Some fish are more aggressive than others, and some fish prefer to travel in schools. Some easy fish to care for are listed below. Guppies—these swim in schools, so include at least four, but it’s better to have six or more. Swordtails—these fish are very attractive, but putting too many males in one aquarium may cause them to fight. Consider having only one male. Platy fish —a large variety of colors and sizes are available. They travel in schools, so include at least four, but it’s better to have six or more. Betta fish —these fish are beautiful, but male betas are very aggressive towards one another. You may want to provide plenty of hiding spots in your tank. Danios —another group of fast swimmers that are easy for beginners. They are good jumpers, so a tight lid is important Tetras—these fish are easy to care for and are stunning. They must travel in schools. Other options could include plants to provide oxygen and hiding places for the tank. Snails will eat the algae that form on the side of the tank.

Adding Fish to the Aquarium Fish can only survive in the plastic bag for a short period of time—not overnight. Float the bag of fish in the aquarium for 10-15 minutes before releasing them. Releasing them directly into the aquarium is unsafe because the water in the bag might not be exactly the same as the water in the aquarium. It would be like taking us from a room with fresh air to a room full of smoke! To ensure that your fish is properly acclimated to its new environment, after 15 minutes, gradually add small amounts of water from the aquarium to the bag. IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!! When you think the fish are ready to be added to the tank, use a net to scoop the fish out of the bag and into the tank to avoid cross contamination from pet store water!!!!