The rise in popularity of fishkeeping can be attributed in part to the ready availability of spectacular species, and advances in aquarium technology. But at least part of its appeal in the last few decades lies in our changing lifestyles.With leisure time diminishing, fish make ideal pets: they do not need walking or playing with; they can be kept in apartments; and they make no noise or mess.
The effects on an electricity bill of running a single tank are minimal, and, after the initial investment in tank, equipment, and fish has been made, maintenance, food, and veterinary costs are very low.
This is not to say that fish keep themselves.They must be fed regularly (though automatic feeders will reduce the time demanded here), and you will need to set aside a couple of hours every two weeks or so to carry out partial water changes in the aquarium, service the filter as required, and clean the sides of the tank.
Many people are attracted to fish-keeping by the idea of watching and nurturing a colorful collection of fish in the home. Some, however, prefer to keep just one or two fish that develop into real pets, capable of recognizing their owner and even feeding from the hand.
Most fish in the latter category— including various cichlids and catfish—grow to a relatively large size and so need spacious accommodation. For this reason, “pet” fish usually require a higher investment, both at the outset and throughout their lives, in terms of lighting, heating, filtration, and feeding.
Feeding and water chemistry
Food and water requirements can impose real restraints on the plants and fish that can be used to stock an aquarium. Some predatory species, for example, can be difficult to wean off livefoods, and may have to be fed small fish— not a practical option for a small home setup. Similarly, if you intend to establish lush, attractive vegetation in the tank, you should avoid species that are vegetarian, because the young plants will be nibbled.
Certain tropical fish are highly particular about water chemistry, while others are tolerant of varied water conditions. Discus, for example, need soft water; if you live in a hard-water area, you will need to invest in an ion-exchange water softener to keep these species successfully. However, your hard water will be ideal for keeping other species that enjoy these conditions, such as Rift Valley cichlids.
Tanks in the home
Some aquarists are primarily fascinated by the biology of the fish in their tank, or keep their fish for breeding, and are almost oblivious to the appearance of the aquarium. But for the majority, aesthetics are important—creating a harmonious design using the tank itself, the fish, plants, backgrounds, and tank furniture is part of the appeal of fishkeeping.
Aquariums are available in all shapes and sizes. Some are designed to rest on existing furniture, while others can be supported on special stands or cabinets. Larger tanks can even be used architecturally—incorporated into the fabric of the home as room dividers, for example. In general, the tank should be visible at eye level, either when standing or when seated, but otherwise there are few rules about tank aesthetics.
Breeding and longevity
Keeping fish is fun and brings great rewards, but breeding them in the home gives remarkable insights into their behavior and biology.Watching a fish build a nest from bubbles, for example, or a cichlid protecting its young, is both fascinating and educational—especially for young children.
Breeding fish for sale can also generate a little income to help support your hobby, and offset some of the additional costs of breeding tanks and other necessary equipment. If breeding fish is a priority, bear in mind that some species will reproduce in aquariums far more readily than others. In general, livebearers, such as guppies, are easier to breed than egg-laying species.
With a little experience, more challenging species can be taken on—even those with a reputation for being reluctant to spawn in captivity, or those in which reproduction is little-documented. Alongside the reproductive potential of a fish, it is worth considering its life-span before buying.
Adult guppies are notoriously short-lived, for example, and are only likely to live for a few months after purchase. Most tropical species live for about two to four years in the aquarium (although some catfish may live for well over a decade), which is longer than they would survive in the wild. As a general guide, larger fish tend to have a longer life-span than smaller species.
