Dr. Jungle's Animal Speak

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What Type of Fish is Right for Your Lifestyle? Posted: 12 Sep 2011 07:24 PM PDT Choosing fish as a pet for your home may appear to be an easy choice, but choosing what type of fish is right for your lifestyle may need a little more knowledge and investigation. After deciding that pet fish would make the best choice to suit your lifestyle, you need to begin researching how much time and effort you have to put into this endeavor. Variety – Varieties of aquariums can fall under the categories of freshwater, marine, reef, and even pond. Size – Starting with gallon sizes, you must realize that fish tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from the standard size goldfish bowl up to tanks that hold 100 gallons or more. Aquariums vary in shape ranging from oval and tall, to wide. Remember, the larger the tank, the more maintenance of equipment or expense may be involved, and the smaller the tank, the more difficult to keep clean. Once you have decided on the size and shape of your tank, be sure to find the appropriate base or stand for your tank as larger tanks can weigh upwards of 200 pounds. Type of fish – Once you have decided on what size tank you wish to care for, you need to gain knowledge regarding what type of fish can thrive it that size tank. Some fish require larger spaces if they are a dominating species of fish. Others may be too small for a larger tank, and be preyed upon by larger fish. Compatibility is a factor as some species of fish can be aggressive, nipping at fins of other fish. Home Environment – Water temperature, PH balance, hardness, plant species, heating and filtration systems are only a few components you will need to explore as you dive into the proper care of your particular species of fish. Whether or not they eat live plants, other feeder fish or insect larvae as well as vitamins and supplements are factors for which you will need to obtain and be educated. Style – The style of the fish tank or aquarium depends upon your reasoning for owning one. If you were considering fish as a family pet, then a small to medium size (perhaps 10 gallon) tank would suit your needs. On the other hand, if you are dressing to impress, there are choices from custom made, wall-to-wall, and even floor-to-ceiling aquariums. Whatever choice you make, be sure it is a choice that you are comfortable in making. Obtaining knowledge as to what is involved regarding cost, upkeep and maintenance, but mostly the care for your fish will assist you in deciding swimmingly on what type of fish is right for your lifestyle.

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