Fish for Beginners

Dive into the Swarm: The Best Schooling Fish for Your Reef Tank

A mesmerizing school of fish weaving through the vibrant colors of a coral reef is a sight to behold. If you’re looking to replicate this captivating spectacle in your own reef tank, schooling fish are the way to go. These social swimmers bring life, movement, and intrigue to any marine aquarium. In this fun, informative, and vivid blog post, we’ll explore the best schooling fish for your reef tank. So, grab your underwater camera and let’s discover the beauty of these aquatic maestros!

Green Chromis (Chromis viridis)

The Green Chromis is a classic choice for reef aquariums, known for its shimmering green hue and peaceful nature. These small, hardy fish prefer to swim in groups of six or more, creating a captivating display as they glide through your tank. They are also relatively easy to care for and adapt well to captive environments, making them a favorite among both novice and experienced aquarists.

Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)

The striking Banggai Cardinalfish, with its distinct black stripes and elongated fins, is a showstopper in any reef tank. These fish form tight-knit schools, often hovering in one area of the tank, providing a mesmerizing contrast to the more active swimmers. Native to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, these peaceful fish are also known for their unique mouthbrooding behavior, making them an intriguing addition to your aquatic community.

Blue-Green Reef Chromis (Chromis cyanea)

If you’re seeking a pop of color for your reef tank, look no further than the Blue-Green Reef Chromis. These vibrant fish sport an eye-catching electric blue coloration and exhibit a delightful schooling behavior. They are known to be hardy and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and advanced reef keepers. The Blue-Green Reef Chromis will surely make a splash in your underwater world.

Bartlett’s Anthias (Pseudanthias bartlettorum)

The Bartlett’s Anthias is an excellent schooling fish for larger reef aquariums. These beautiful fish boast a striking combination of purple and yellow hues and display an interesting social hierarchy, with dominant males showcasing brighter colors. Although they can be a bit more challenging to care for due to their specific feeding requirements, the visual impact of a school of Bartlett’s Anthias weaving through your reef is well worth the effort.

Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)

The Firefish Goby is a small, peaceful schooling fish that adds a dash of fiery flair to any reef aquarium. With their vibrant red and yellow tails and darting swimming style, these gobies create a striking visual display. They are also relatively hardy and easy to care for, making them a popular choice among reef enthusiasts. Add a school of Firefish Gobies to your tank, and watch as they ignite a spark of excitement in your underwater world.

Schooling fish bring an unparalleled sense of movement, color, and energy to your reef tank, evoking the natural beauty and dynamism of coral reef ecosystems. Whether you choose the tranquil Green Chromis or the fiery Firefish Goby, these social swimmers will undoubtedly elevate the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium. So, dive into the fascinating world of schooling fish and transform your reef tank into an underwater masterpiece.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Betta Fish: The Downsides of Owning a Betta Fish

by James Book

Betta fish, with their stunning colors and flowing fins, are a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. However, these beautiful creatures might not be the best fit for everyone. In this fun, informative, and vivid guide, we’ll explore some of the challenges and downsides of owning a betta fish. So, let’s dive in and discover why bettas might not be the ideal choice for every fishkeeper.

The Myth of the Tiny Bowl

One common misconception is that betta fish can thrive in small, unfiltered bowls. In reality, bettas require a proper aquarium setup, complete with a heater and filter, to maintain good health. They should have at least a 5-gallon tank to provide adequate swimming space and stable water parameters.

If you’re not prepared to invest in a proper setup, a betta fish may not be the best choice for your aquatic pet.

Bettas Are Not the Most Sociable Swimmers

Bettas, particularly males, can be aggressive and territorial. This limits your options when it comes to creating a community tank. Mixing male bettas with other fish species or even other bettas can lead to fights, injuries, and stress for all involved.

If you’re interested in creating a peaceful community tank with a variety of fish species, a betta fish might not be the ideal choice.

Fin Nipping and Damage

Bettas are known for their magnificent, flowing fins, which can also be their downfall. These delicate fins are prone to tearing and fin rot, especially if the water quality is not optimal. Additionally, bettas with long fins may become targets for fin-nipping tankmates, leading to stress and potential injury.

Caring for a betta fish requires vigilance in maintaining water quality and monitoring for signs of fin damage.

Special Dietary Needs

Betta fish are carnivorous and require a diet rich in protein. They cannot thrive on a generic flake food diet alone. To keep your betta healthy, you’ll need to provide a varied diet that includes high-quality betta pellets, frozen or live brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

If you’re not prepared to provide a specialized diet, a betta fish might not be the right pet for you.

Shorter Lifespan

Although betta fish can live for several years when properly cared for, their average lifespan is shorter than that of some other popular aquarium fish species. A betta fish typically lives 3 to 5 years, while other fish like goldfish or cichlids can live much longer with proper care.

If you’re looking for a long-term aquatic companion, you might want to consider other fish species.

While betta fish are undeniably beautiful, they’re not the perfect choice for every fishkeeper. The challenges of owning a betta, such as their need for a proper tank setup, aggressive nature, delicate fins, specialized diet, and shorter lifespan, may make them less appealing to some. By carefully considering these downsides, you can make an informed decision about whether a betta fish is the right fit for your aquatic family. Remember, the key to happy fishkeeping is finding the perfect finned friend to match your preferences and lifestyle!

How to Prepare an Aquarium for a New Fish: A Splashing Guide to Welcoming Your Finned Friend

by James Book

Congratulations on your decision to welcome a new fish into your underwater world! Preparing a comfortable and safe environment for your aquatic buddy is essential for a smooth transition and a happy, healthy fish. In this fun, informative, and vivid guide, we’ll dive into the essential steps to set up the perfect home for your new fish. So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting journey of preparing an aquarium for your new finned friend!

Choose the Right Aquarium Size and Shape

The first step in preparing your aquarium is selecting the appropriate size and shape to suit your new fish’s needs. Research the adult size, space requirements, and swimming habits of your chosen species to determine the ideal tank size. For example, goldfish require at least 20 gallons per fish, while a small school of neon tetras can thrive in a 10-gallon tank.

Consider the shape of the tank as well. Some fish, like angelfish, prefer tall tanks with ample vertical swimming space, while others, like corydoras, appreciate a tank with a larger bottom surface area for foraging.

Set Up the Proper Filtration System

A good filtration system is vital for maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium environment. Choose a filter that is suitable for your tank size and the bioload of your fish. Research the specific filtration needs of your chosen species, as some fish may require specialized filters or equipment.

Don’t forget to cycle your aquarium before introducing your new fish! This process establishes beneficial bacteria that help break down waste and maintain stable water parameters.

Regulate Temperature and Lighting

Many fish species have specific temperature and lighting requirements, so it’s important to set up an appropriate heater and lighting system for your aquarium. Research the preferred temperature range for your fish and invest in a reliable heater and thermometer to maintain a stable temperature.

When it comes to lighting, consider your fish’s natural habitat and the presence of live plants in your aquarium. Some fish, like tetras, prefer dimmer lighting, while others, like guppies, enjoy brightly lit environments. Use a timer to create a consistent day-night cycle for your aquatic pets.

Create a Comfortable Aquascape

Designing a beautiful and functional aquascape is crucial for your new fish’s well-being. Choose substrate, plants, and decorations that cater to your fish’s natural instincts and preferences. For example, a betta fish will appreciate floating plants to rest on, while cichlids need rock caves to establish territories.

Be mindful of the materials you introduce into your aquarium, as some decorations can alter water chemistry. Rinse all decorations thoroughly before adding them to your tank to remove any contaminants.

Test and Monitor Water Parameters

Before introducing your new fish, test your aquarium water for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and other relevant parameters. Ensuring that your water parameters are stable and within the acceptable range for your fish will help prevent stress and illness.

Continue to monitor your water parameters regularly, especially during the first few weeks, to ensure a stable and healthy environment for your new fish.

Acclimate Your Fish Properly

Once your aquarium is set up and your water parameters are stable, it’s time to bring your new fish home! Proper acclimation is crucial to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition to their new environment. Float the fish in its bag in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature, then gradually introduce small amounts of tank water into the bag over the next 20-30 minutes to allow the fish to adjust to the water chemistry.

Setting up the perfect home for your new fish is an exciting and rewarding experience. By following these steps and paying attention to your fish’s specific needs and preferences, you can create a thriving environment that will help your aquatic buddy feel right at home. Remember, a well-prepared aquarium is the key to a healthy, happy fish, and a delightful underwater world for you to enjoy. So, grab your gear and get ready to welcome your finned friend to their new aquatic paradise!

What to Look for When Buying a Fish: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Aquatic Companion

by James Book

Welcome, fellow fish enthusiasts! Are you ready to bring home a new aquatic friend but unsure where to start? Fear not, for we’re here to help you navigate the exciting yet sometimes overwhelming world of fish shopping. In this fun, informative, and vivid guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect fish for your aquarium. Let’s dive in and discover how to reel in the fish of your dreams!

Know Your Tank Size and Compatibility

Before venturing into fish shopping, it’s essential to be familiar with your aquarium’s size and the type of fish that can thrive in it. As a rule of thumb, remember the “one inch of fish per gallon” guideline, which suggests that you should have one gallon of water for every inch of fish. Make sure to research the adult size and space requirements of the fish you’re considering.

Compatibility is another crucial factor, as not all fish get along swimmingly. Research the temperament and social habits of your potential fish to ensure a harmonious underwater community. For example, neon tetras are peaceful, schooling fish, while bettas can be aggressive and territorial.

Inspect the Fish’s Overall Health

A healthy fish is a happy fish, so keep an eye out for signs of good health. Look for fish with clear eyes, vibrant colors, and smooth, intact scales. The fish’s fins should be erect and undamaged, and its gills should be a rich, pinkish-red color. A healthy fish will also exhibit active swimming behavior and show interest in its surroundings.

Steer clear of fish with cloudy eyes, ragged fins, or unusual spots or growths, as these may indicate illness or poor care. Also, be wary of fish that appear lethargic or hover near the surface, as they may be stressed or unwell.

Observe the Fish’s Behavior

Watching your potential fish’s behavior can provide valuable insight into its health and temperament. Look for fish that actively explore their surroundings, interact with tankmates, and respond to stimuli such as food.

Avoid fish that appear listless, hide constantly, or exhibit aggressive behavior towards other fish, as these may be signs of stress, illness, or unsuitable temperament for your aquarium community.

Buy from a Reputable Seller

When it comes to purchasing fish, the source matters. Look for reputable pet stores or local breeders with a proven track record of providing healthy, well-cared-for fish. A knowledgeable staff, clean tanks, and a variety of thriving fish are good indicators of a trustworthy seller.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the fish’s origin, care, and quarantine procedures, as a reputable seller should be able and willing to provide this information.

Be Prepared to Quarantine

Once you’ve found the perfect fish and brought it home, it’s essential to have a quarantine plan in place. Quarantining new fish in a separate tank for a few weeks helps ensure they’re free of illness or parasites before introducing them to your main aquarium.

A proper quarantine setup includes a separate tank, heater, and filter, as well as regular water testing and monitoring for signs of illness. This extra step will protect your existing fish and ensure a smooth transition for your new aquatic companion.

Selecting the perfect fish for your aquarium is an exciting and rewarding experience. By considering factors such as tank size, compatibility, health, behavior, and the seller’s reputation, you can confidently bring home a new aquatic friend that will thrive in your underwater world. So, grab your fish net and embark on the adventure of finding the perfect fishy companion!

Pet Fish that Don’t Need a Filter

by James Book

It’s almost a cardinal rule in the fish keeping hobby to have a good filtration system running to keep the fish healthy and alive at all times. At the same time, there will always be exceptions to such rules. As hard to believe as it is, there are some fishes of fish that could thrive for long periods of time without the use of conventional aquarium filtration systems.

Before anything else, a disclaimer; Fishes, like all living things, need oxygen to survive. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to toxic ammonia, nitrates and nitrites could endanger the health and well-being of any fish. However, through years and years of evolution and adaptation, by biological and/or physiological design, some fish are able to thrive in environments some others cannot survive. Today, we will discuss fishes that could thrive without filtration systems. However, please note that we would still have to recommend keeping a good filtration to provide healthier living conditions for the fish.

Is it really possible? Well, according an article written by National Geographic, there are fish that have evolved to sustain life even outside of water. These fish, have either stayed the same or have evolved throughout the years. Either way these fishes have developed the ability to breathe from the air outside of the water and in environments other fish would not be able to.

For us to know what fish could thrive in an aquarium without a filtration system, first, we need to know what a system does. Generally, most filtration system works both mechanically and biologically. The mechanical part takes solid waste and keeps them out of the tank by trapping them in less permissive media such as polyester wool. On the other hand, the biological side converts toxic byproducts of decay to less toxic chemicals. These byproducts being ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. While ammonia and nitrite is extremely toxic to fishes, nitrate, the byproduct of the nitrogen cycle is only toxic to fish upon exposure to very high amounts in long periods of time. Lastly, the movement created through the filtration system also gives crucial oxygen in the water in order for the fish to be able to breathe.

Now what kind of fish will be able to survive tanks without filters? We have two main characteristics that would help us narrow down which fish could survive such environments. These are the following:

Biological adaptation/evolution
Overall hardiness

Adaptation/Evolution

Biological adaptation and/or evolution, as mentioned a while ago, gives some fishes a coping mechanism in order to survive in an environment where what a filter does is not present. These changes in the fishes’ physiology and/or biology may come in the form of them being able to breathe from the surface or their bodies being able to produce mucus to shield them from the toxicity of some chemicals.

Overall hardiness

Aside from being able to adapt well to different environments, since aquarium tanks without filtration are generally not suitable environments for fish to thrive in, fishes that we are looking for must be able to handle such stress. Hence, they should be more hardy and tolerant of such environments than other fish.

Now that we have narrowed down our search by knowing what would be the cause of not having a filter and by using our two main characteristics a fish should have, here are the survivors!

Gourami

An Anabantoid or more commonly know as labyrinth fish the many different kinds of Gouramis have evolved to be able to breathe air from the surface of the water. They do this through the help of their labyrinth organ which takes oxygen from the surface of the water to their bloodstream. Without dissolved oxygen, which is another byproduct of a filter, a fish will usually die. However, with the presence of its labyrinth organ the Gourami will be able to survive.

Also, Gouramis are known to be very hardy. They are amongst the fish that are recommended for beginners. Indeed, Gouramis have a good chance of surviving waters without filtration.

Betta

Yet another Anabamtoid or Labyrinth fish, the Betta or more famously known as the Fighting Fish, is like the Gourami because it could also breathe through taking air from the surface of the water.

What makes the Betta more suitable to aquarium without filter is how they are bred and kept. For decades, Bettas have been bred and kept in very small tanks tanks without filtration. Because of this, the Betta might have already adapted to conditions wherein the benefits of a filtration system are not present.

Lastly, as a mostly solidary fish, its lack of tolerance of fish of the same kind makes it less likely to be kept with other fish. Since it is alone, it would produce less waste than a normal small community of fish. With less fish comes less waste and a lesser need for a filtration system naturally follows.

Mudskipper

These species of gobies are one of the most unique fishes in the entire animal kingdom. They are considered as “amphibious fishes” due to their ability to thrive outside of water. As a matter of fact, mudskippers are known to spend parts of their days outside of water. They are able to do this through their skin and their mouth like most amphibians. However, they need to be moist to be able to do this.

This extreme adaptability to thrive on both land and water also gives the mudskipper extreme hardiness since they are able to tolerate such conditions. Thus, the Mudskipper is one fish that could thrive in tanks without filters.

Lungfish

If there’s one fish that we’d bet on surviving tanks without filters, it is the mighty Lungfish! Lungfish, as their name suggests, have very complex lungs that enable them to breathe air and get oxygen even when not underwater. This complex characteristic of the Lungfish enables them to survive months outside of the water.

They are also able to cover their body with mucus for protection especially in times of drought when they burrow themselves under thick mud. This mucus membrane could also serve as their food for such times of hibernation since they are able to consume them while they slow down their metabolism.

Lastly, the most important yet interesting thing about lungfish is that this characteristic have been present for thousands of years. Hence, as weird as it seems, perhaps it is the lack of evolution that enables the lungfish to survive such dire environments. They are extremely hardy since they have remained unchanged for thousands of years. Indeed, the Lungfish is the ultimate Unfiltered-SURVIVOR!

4 Aquarium Fish to Breed for Profit

by James Book

2021 update: With most of the world still in some form of lockdown, more people are filling their homes with pets to help them feel less lonely. This has increased the demand for all pets across the board, including pet fish. And with global supply chains under additional stress from the pandemic, many fish distributors are looking to source more locally. Meaning now is a great time to start. So enjoy this updated article for 2021.

Breeding fish for profit may sound like a daunting task, but I assure you it’s not only incredibly rewarding, but also a great way to make some extra pocket money from your favorite hobby. You could make enough to be profitable and have your hobby pay for itself. Some people take it even further and turn it in to a full-blown business that pays their bills. To successfully breed for profit like that requires skill, commitment, knowledge, technique and maybe a little bit of luck of course! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves for now, and talk about the things to think about when just starting out.

Stay with me here. Knowing the easy fish to breed and how to breed them with minimal investment and resources will make all this make sense. And before anything else let’s set down a few characteristics a potential breeder should look for in picking a fish to breed. These characteristics will help us narrow down our selection and come up with the most viable options when it comes to breeding ornamental fish.

Ease of Breeding
Number of Spawn and Survival Rate
Frequency of Spawning
Value of Fish

Ease of Breeding

Like any other animals, fishes breed differently. While almost all of them lay eggs, the process of courting mates to fertilizing eggs may differ from one fish to another. Also, when it comes to rearing their fry, there are a plethora of ways on how fish go about it. For example, some fish are mouth brooders while others make nests.

We have to greatly consider the ease of breeding because it will allow us to know which fishes would render a higher success rate when it comes to breeding. Since this is the backbone of the industry we are trying to penetrate, a fish that is easy to breed will be more favorable than another which may be complicated.

Number of Spawn and Survival Rate

The amount of fish per spawning and their survival rate is also very important when breeding for profit. Simply put, the more fish that is produced, the more income it generates.

If fish are more likely to survive from being a fry to a juvenile, then they are more likely to be sold for profit. Even if a fish is easy to breed, if it does not have a good survival rate and a good number of fries produced upon spawning, then it would not be as profitable. Hence, these fish should breed in good numbers and are have a high survivability rate.

Frequency of Spawning

The frequency of spawning is another very important aspect to consider when looking for the best fish to breed for profit. A fish that breeds frequently would produce more juvenile fishes in the same time than one that does not. This helps maximize the profit of the breeder. Furthermore, it also helps to provide the breeder with a more consistent supply of fish to sell rather than only being able to profit occasionally.

Value of Fish

Lastly, the value of the actual fish is also a very important thing to consider. A fish might be able to breed extremely well but if it does not sell for much, then it will most likely, not be able to sustain the accumulated expense of breeding them. More so, since we are breeding for profit, a fish that just covers its own expenses would obviously not be profitable. Thus, we should look for fish that have a rather high market value.

Now that we have our four main characteristics that we should look for upon selecting which are the best fishes to breed for profit, let’s check out the top 4 best fish to breed for profit:

Fancy Guppies

fancy guppy One of the all-time favorite fish in the hobby, guppies are very easy to take care of and will always be popular amongst fish keepers. According to Maddy Hargrove of Tropical Fish Keeping Magazine, guppies are very easy to breed. She also said that guppies breed rapidly. Guppies usually give birth to around 20-40 fish per litter. They may be kept with a ration of about 1 male to 4 females. That would amount to roughly 160 fish per liter. Couple that with a very short spawning cycle, you would have a ton of guppies per year!

Although at first, one might think that guppies are quite inexpensive fish, there is a difference between an ordinary guppy and a fancy guppy. A fancy guppy is a selectively bred guppy that display extremely beautiful coloration, pattern and fins. A Blue Moscow guppy is priced at around 40-100 dollars!

The guppy makes our list because it is very easy to breed and is very valuable! Probably the biggest bang for the buck!

Fresh Water Stingrays

freshwater stingray In Thailand, one of the worlds biggest ornamental fish exporters, backyard fresh water stingray breeding has boomed. Hundreds of backyard breeders have successfully produced species of South American fresh water stingrays.

Although most would say that keeping stingrays are quite hard, it is actually very straight forward. Just make sure the filtration system is sufficient, the rays are well fed and that they are given ample room to swim, they will thrive.

More so, breeding stingrays are quite simple as well. They breed naturally at around 1 year and a half of age and will continue to do so for up to over 20 years. They would breed twice to four times per year while the amount of pups (small stingrays) can range from 4 to at most of 18.

What sets the stingray apart is its value. The cheapest they go fo is around 50-100 USD while the more expensive rays are known to be sold for over 20,000 USD. The value of these awesome animals, and their longevity is one of the most appealing characteristic they have for breeders. Indeed, for the monster fish keeper, breeding a fresh water stingray would be very profitable.

Platy Fish

platy fish Yet another fish for beginners, Platys are almost always a staple in a beginner’s community aquarium. They are very colorful and very peaceful towards other fish. Breeding platys are very easy. Actually according to Robert Brand of Aquarium Tidings, Platys take care of breeding on their own.

They would readily breed in a good sized tank while breeding requirements does not usually differ from normal tanks. The only consideration one must keep in mind is to keep a ration of around 3-4 females for every male. The males usually try to breed females all the time and keeping more females around the males would render more pregnant females.

Being live bearers, Platys give birth to their fry instead of hatching them from eggs. This helps ease the survivability of the spawn since most fries are already well formed upon birth.

Although the value of the platy is not that high, the sheer amount of fish that can be produced more than makes up for their lack of market value. Also, they are always in demand since a lot beginners buy them. Indeed, the platy is one of the first options suitable for all potential fish breeders!

Fancy Betta

betta fish Bettas are one of the most captive bred ornamental fishes in the world. They are “mass-produced” in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. This is because it does not take much to breed Bettas. They can be bred very easily because they can thrive in very simple tank set ups. As a matter of fact, a lot of Bettas are bred in milk bottles across Asia!

Fancy Bettas are fish selectively bred overtime to display desirable coloration and finnage. Their market value is exponentially higher than what people usually see available in pet stores. However, since they are basically the same fish, their breeding patterns are the same.

Generally, males build bubble nests once they are ready to spawn. The female then releases her eggs on the nest for the male to fertilize. Once they are fertile, the male will take care of the spawn until they are free swimming. There are around 20-40 fishes per clutch.

For it’s simplicity to breed, a fancy Betta could net quite a high market value. According to Leonard Ho of AdvancedAquarist.com, the most expensive fancy Betta sold was bought for 1,500 dollars at an auction. Although that is an unusually high value for a betta, fancy bettas are often sold at around 50-100 dollars. Imagine having an armada of easily bred Bettas producing fish that sell at that amount! Ka-Ching!

Easiest Fishes to Keep – The best ones for beginners

by James Book

The degrees of difficulty when it comes to caring for aquarium fish species spans from extremely straightforward and simple to very complicated and meticulous. For example, there are some fish that are almost maintenance-free such as bettas, while there are some species, like fresh water stingrays, that cannot tolerate discrepancies and fluctuations with the water parameters.

Today, we will tackle the 4 easiest fish to keep. However, before we go through the different species of fish, we must first consider what makes a fish easy to keep. Here, we listed down 4 different characteristics we should consider before deciding if they are, indeed, easy to keep.

Hardiness
Temperament
Diet
Size

A hardy fish would be easier to keep than others because they are able to tolerate different water parameters. They can cope well with fluctuations on the water quality and chemistry. For example, strictly brackish water fish are out of the equation since the keeper should always consider the amount of salinity in the tank for the to thrive.

However, this is not the only thing we should consider in coming up with the easiest fishes to keep. A fish may be very hardy, but some require special attention when it comes to other aspects of the hobby. For example, Gars are extremely hardy but they need large aquariums and a carnivorous diet to thrive. Maintaining a 300-gallon aquarium is not as easy as maintaining your usual 25-gallon tank.

We should also consider the temperament or their aggression towards other fish. Simply put, a fish constantly terrorizing its tank mates does not make things easier for any fish keeper. Thus, we should keep in mind that, for a fish to be easily kept, it must play well with others and are peaceful towards other fish.

Diet is also a big consideration when it comes to ease of care. There are fish that are strictly herbivores, carnivores or even insectivores. Such special considerations will not make life easier for any fish keeper because sourcing and storing those kinds of meals for their fish tends to be more tedious than feeding them with commercially available fish pellets or flakes.

Lastly, the maximum size of an adult fish must always be considered. It must be small enough to be able to fit comfortably in most commercially available aquariums. A big fish will obviously need a big tank, which would not make things easier for any fish keeper.

So now that we have an idea on which characteristics we are looking for, we can sift through hundreds and thousands of different fish species until we are able to narrow down our search to the 4 easiest fish to keep:

ZEBRA DANIO/ ZEBRA FISH (Danio rerio)

The Zebra Danio or Zebra Fish, is a very hardy fish from Central Asia that can thrive very well in various environments. According to Fish Keeping Advice, due to years and years of being bred in captivity, the Zebra Danio can now adapt to almost every fresh water aquarium set-up. Furthermore, what sets this fish apart, is how well they can thrive in a wide variety of temperatures. They are one of the very few species of fish that can easily adjust between temperate to tropical waters.

They are very social and would generally prefer to school in groups of 5 or more. They are never known to bother other tank mates even when breeding.

These fish are also never fussy when it comes to feeding. They would eat anything that they can fit in their little mouths.

Lastly, they are extremely small, only growing to a maximum of 2”, which means a small group of danios could even fit the smallest commercially sold aquariums.

Over the years, the Zebra Danio have solidified their reputation as one of the easiest fishes to take care of. Thanks to their small size, no fuss diet, and their ability to easily adapt to various environments, the Zebra Danio makes our list as one of the easiest fishes to take care of.

SWORDTAIL (Xiphophorous hellerii)

Swordtails are definitely one of the easiest species of fish to take care of. According to an article by The Aquarium Guide, Swordtails are extremely hardy because, in the wild, they can tolerate diverse environments.

When it comes to their temperament, they are one of the most social fishes out there. They are never aggressive and like the company of other fish.

Being naturally omnivores, Swordtails also readily accept commercially available fish food such as fish flakes and small fish pellets. They would also accept other food such as insect larvae, bloodworms, and even algae.

Swordtails are also a small species. Their common length is only 1.1” and could potentially grow to a maximum length of around 5 inches. Even if 5” seems to be “too big” for our purpose, we should also take into consideration that the length of their “sword” part of the tail, which is around the same as the length of their bodies are included in that computation. Thus, the actual size of the fish is still small enough to fit most commercially available aquariums.

Like a dash of cayenne pepper, the Swordtail is sure to add a little spice to any aquarium. They are small, hardy, social and are not hard to feed. Caring for swordtails is virtually as straightforward as it gets. Hence, the swordtail is one of the easiest fishes to take care of.

PLATY (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Like their cousin, the Swordtail, Platies are amongst the easiest fishes to take care of. They are just as hardy as Swordtails and, as a bonus, they come in almost every color and pattern imaginable. Some even have Mickey Mouse markings on their tails!

Platies are very good tank mates as well. They tolerate other fish very well and won’t mind sharing the tank with them.

When it comes to their diet, they are generally omnivorous. They would readily eat commercially available fish flakes and pellets. However, when choosing the proper food for them, always keep in mind that they would prefer products with algae content to keep their herbivorous sides happy.

Male Platies usually grow to no more than 1.5” while females reach 2.5” upon adulthood. A good number of these fish will fit comfortably in most aquariums commercially produced.

What sets the Platy apart from other fish which are also easy to take care of is the amount of variety they have. Imagine a fish catering to your wants and needs even in terms of looks and colors. Now that’s making life easy!

DWARF GOURAMI (Trichogaster lalius)

With a bright shade of red sunset orange, and iridescent blue, the Dwarf Gourami is certainly one of the most beautiful species of fish you will ever see. What makes this fish even more appealing is how hardy they are. Being labyrinth fishes, they are able to survive even in oxygen depleted waters, since they are able to breath directly from the surface. This also means that the lack of dissolved oxygen in the water, which usually causes death to most fish, will not bother them at all.

The Dwarf Gourami is often described as a very shy species of fish. Like most species of Gourami, they are very docile towards their tank mates and would not torment them.

They are food guzzlers as well. They would take either algae-based or meat/fish-based processed food in a heartbeat. Their eating habits makes feeding them a breeze.

The Dwarf Gourami only grows up to 2” in length. Being the perennial “dwarves” of their family, makes them suitable tank mates to fish of the same size. They would fit in very well in small aquariums and could live the rest of their lives there comfortably.

Being beautiful, hardy, docile and small, the Dwarf Gourami is one of the most appealing fish to take care of. Both novice and experienced fish keepers will have fun in keeping this no-fuss fish in their tanks.

8 Easy Steps to Start a Healthy Reef Tank

by James Book

Starting a reef tank usually scares a lot of people. Sometimes, people think it’s easy to find “Nemo” but it’s hard to take a little piece of the ocean home for him to swim in. While setting up reef tanks could be quite meticulous at times, it could be made a lot easier if you know what to look for and what to do. Need help? Then here it is, the 8 easy steps to start a healthy reef tank!

1. Research

Research! Research! Research! People say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In any hobby, starting out by researching the ins and outs before starting out is, indeed, a wonderful first step.

Since this is the first, and probably the most important step, it’s extremely crucial to know that before you dive in the colorful and world of reef keeping, you must first gather all of the knowledge you could gather before starting out. In this step, you should be able to have at least a general idea about the reef keeping hobby. Specifically speaking, you must be able to have an idea which fishes and corals to keep, how big of a tank, the nitrogen cycle, basic filtration and what not.

This step may be accomplished by reading books, magazines, online articles and joining various social groups over the internet to be able to intercept as much knowledge and ideas as you can. Just remember that there will always be room for new things to learn and a little help. Also, by reading this article, it’s safe to assume that, at the very least, you’ve taken your first step! In other words, in any battle, preparation is always the key!

Lastly, take note that you will be constantly coming back to this step countless times in the entire process of reef keeping.

2. Picking your Aquarium

Now that you’ve done your homework on the general principles of reef keeping, it’s time to pick your aquarium. For starters, I would recommend something not bigger than 50 gallons. Although some would argue that bigger is always better, such is not always the case. The bigger the tank, the higher the overhead expense and the more maintenance it would entail and such tasks could be daunting to someone who’s just getting their foot in reef keeping.

In picking your aquarium, make sure the size suits the fish and corals you are planning to keep. Furthermore, you have to make sure that it fits perfectly to the area of the house you would want to place it.

The dimensions of the tank matter as well. Some corals and fish dwell on different levels of the water with preference to varying amount of water movement. Having different levels to a tank through making the total height a bit higher would help achieve this but it would also make siphoning dirt from the bottom a bit harder. You should keep all of these into consideration and let them factor in upon deciding which tank to get.

Ultimately, the size and orientation of the tank will limit which species you could keep. Other than deciding which fish fits a tank, I would suggest that you work the other way around and have an idea which species you would like to keep then tailor fit a tank that would best suit them. Another good choice are tanks with built-in filtration systems or “All in One” (AIO) tanks.

3. Filtration System

One of the most integral part of the fish keeping hobby is a proper and efficient filtration system. For this part, although some external filters could help, the most common filtration system we prefer is the SUMP filter. This allows countless modifications and enough space for different types of filtration media. You could even assign a chamber for your protein skimmer so that it would not be placed anywhere within the tank itself.

In setting up a filtration system, make sure it moves at least 300% of the total aquarium water volume per hour. If you have a 50-gallon tank, the filtration system should be able to accommodate 150 gallons per hour. What this means is that the tank’s entire water volume can circulate and pass through the filtration system at least 3 times ever hour. This helps the filtration media treat any impurities on your water which in turn makes it efficient in what it does.

4. Accessories

While there will be essential accessories for every reef tank, in this section we will cover everything that you may or may not need. We will be dividing this section into a few sub-section so that you will find it easier to learn about each product. It would be very helpful if you could source these products first before setting up your tank. Having these products at hand upon set-up could make the process infinitely easier.

a) Aquarium Light

In reef keeping, lighting is very essential. There is a specific spectrum of light that helps fish and corals grow and display their vivid colorations. In picking the proper lighting equipment, make sure to take the depth of the tank in consideration as not all lighting products penetrate water the same way. Furthermore, different species of both fish and corals may need different lighting needs.

b) Wave Maker

Just like lighting, fish and corals prefer different water movement patterns. The wave maker, as it’s name suggests, mimics the movement of water, or waves, in your aquarium. There are fish and corals that prefer strong currents while there are some that prefer more to none. The placement of this accessory is also essential. You could place the wave maker near the species that prefer high current and place the others that doesn’t on parts where it does not flow directly.

c) Protein Skimmer

Also a staple, in not just reef tanks, but salt water tanks in general, protein skimmers remove impurities such as protein deposits from the surface of the water. Although there are protein skimmers that may be hanged from the tank, a better option is one that fits right in your SUMP or other filtration system. Having a protein skimmer right on a display tank may be unsightly at times, so it’s better to have it hidden somewhere near the filtration system. Lastly, make sure that the protein skimmer is rated for the size of your tank and the amount of live animals you would be keeping.

d) Water Test Kit

Testing your water often helps assure you that your water parameters are conducive to life. Reef animals are sometimes very picky with water parameters. Having a water test kit on hand will help you monitor the levels of important chemicals in your tank.

This would be very essential down the road when you are cycling your tank. It would help you gauge if your tank is ready for its residents!

e) Refractometer

Another essential tool in salt water fish keeping, the refractometer is a tool that measures the salinity, or amount of salt, in the water. Having a refractometer is very handy because some reef animals will not tolerate discrepancies in salinity levels. Whether you are mixing your own salt water or buying pre-mixed solutions, it’s always good to check if the salinity is within the range of what your animals would like.

f) Glass Cleaner

Due to intense lighting needs of reef animals, algae buildup is hard to control in salt water tanks. Having a glass cleaner cleanly tucked by your tank is a sure way to help you keep your glass clean and enjoy your wonderful piece of the sea,

g) Fish Net

The fish net is one of the most often used tool in any aquarium. Whether it’s moving fish or removing unwanted things from the tank, you will surely use your fish net frequently.

h) Water Siphon

Having a water siphon ready is always helpful for any reef keeper. This helps you suck water out of the tank especially during water changes. Regular water hoses work but an aquarium water siphon helps reduce the risk of spills, accidentally vacuuming sand and of course, drinking aquarium water!

i) Heater/Chiller

Lastly, depending where your are around the world and the types of animal you would want to keep, having a heater or chiller on hand is essential to your success as a reef keeper. Animals are very temperature sensitive and you have to provide them with the optimal living conditions for them to thrive.

5. Live Rocks/Sand

Although it is a possibility to opt for non-live rocks and/or substrates, having live rock and sand helps the reef a lot. First and foremost, having “live” rocks and sand helps the cycling (to be discussed in detail later) process to be faster allowing you to add fish and coral easier and safer. Furthermore, adding live rocks and sands, will introduce good bacteria and other chemicals to the water that would help make living conditions more suitable for reef animals.

However, in sourcing your live rocks and/or sand, you must always keep in mind, that the live rock and/or sand you are getting must be free of unwanted parasites and chemicals that could be harmful to our pets and our aquatic system in general. Hence, make sure your get them only from reputable retailers.

6. Water

What’s a fish without water? Water is just as crucial as the fish themselves. Now in keeping a reef tank, water need is not as simple. We need salt water. To be specific, we need water that matches the salinity needs of the animals we want to keep.

There are two ways to achieve this, one is buying a “salt mix” or a powdered product we mix with water to get “sea water” while the other is by buying pre-mixed salt water. Both ways are effective and have their very own pro’s and cons.

Mixing your own salt water helps you be more hands on and specific on your salinity. However, it will be hard to correct and if you make mistakes in the mixing process and make your salinity too high.

On the other hand, buying pre-mixed solution, provided they match the salinity that of what you want. If there are discrepancies with the salinity of the pre-mixed solution and the need of the animals, it might not be able to provide the right conditions for your pets to thrive in.

Either way, if done right, should be good for you and your pets. Again, I will reiterate the importance of your refractometer so that you could always check if the salinity levels are right.

7. Cycling your Tank

Now that the tank is ready, there is water and the filtration system is running, you are thinking that the only thing left to do is to add fish right? Wait just a little more! In this step, patience is the difference between success and failure.

Now what Is Water Cycling? Without going in too much details, Water Cycling is basically waiting for your entire aquarium system to mature so that it can support animal life. Ammonia, and Nitrite are byproducts of any organic waste and they are extremely deadly to both corals and fish. However, there are beneficial bacterias that converts the said byproducts to the less toxic Nitrate.

When we say “Cycling” and/or “Aquarium Maturity”, what this means is that we are able to have a good enough supply the said beneficial bacteria within primarily the biological medias of our filtration system to be able to convert such byproducts from the organic waste our fish will produce. In other words, prior to putting in fish, we need to “seed” our filters with a lot of beneficial bacteria. This could be done through either 2 ways. First is the natural cycling method, that could last for weeks or months, where we let nature run it’s course and let beneficial bacteria naturally propagate within our system. Secondly, we could seed our filtration system with products that contain live beneficial bacteria. These are ready made solutions that you just have to add to your water. This helps the cycling process go faster.

In this process, the end result must be zero Ammonia and Nitrite and below 40ppm Nitrate. Such readings is known as “pristine water parameters” to achieve this, the tank must first be fully cycled. To be able to monitor this properly, having a water parameter test kit would be very handy.

8. Fish and Corals

Now that all is in place, running smoothly and fully cycled, the most exciting and fulfilling part starts! It’s time to add fish and corals! After carefully selecting fish, corals and other animals that could co-exist that fits perfectly within your system, sourcing them and adding them to your tank should be a breeze.

Just make sure you properly acclimate and quarantine them (if not sure about the source) before setting them free in your tanks. You would want to make sure they slowly adjust to the temperature and parameters inside your tank to avoid any problems upon release.

Now just have your high quality food ready for feeding times, your siphon for scheduled water changes and your commitment to routine to fully enjoy the wonderful and colorful world of reef tank keeping!