If you’ve always wanted a pet and dogs and cats are too much for you to handle or your parents don’t think they can take collective responsibility — why not try keeping fish? Yes, today fish are a family’s best friend. They are relaxing to watch, quiet and colourful creatures. (And remember, there is no plural of fish, like sheep. So there are no fishes. Only fish!) Get yourself an aquarium, preferably a rectangular one, and start with just a few fish. Here’s how…
vGoldfish are ideal; more popular freshwater species include guppies and swordtails. Select fish that appear lively, well-fed and free of fungus.
vEach fish requires at least 50 square inches of water surface; so don’t opt for too small a tank; avoid the traditional fishbowl, the neck is too narrow and the poor fish suffer in it.
vMake sure the aquarium is safely secure on a level surface.
vGet a clear plastic or glass top for the tank; this keeps the dirt out and maintains an even water temperature.
vPlants are important; they ab-sorb the carbon dioxide, keep the water fresh and add so much life to an aquarium.
vGet aquarium sand or gravel, soak it overnight and then lay it on the bottom of the tank before bringing the fish in.
vAn air-pump with a filter device is a must for the tank.
vPlace the tank, with its stand, in a corner where there is diffused sunlight; in direct sunlight, algae begin to form and the water gets overheated
vClean the tank regularly, especially the sides, remove the sediment and decaying plants if any: this helps in keeping the fish healthy.
vFeed your fish twice a day with fish-food available from the market; observe how much they can eat in 10 minutes, that’s their capacity; don’t give more food, it will only pollute the tank.