If you’re thinking about getting fish, there are some things you need to consider first. Keeping fish isn’t as simple as getting a goldfish and putting it in a tiny bowl, despite what TV or the internet will tell you. There’s a lot more to think about if you want to have fish in your home.
Fish require care just like any other pet. If you want to get some, you need to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself in for first.
Fish are more complicated than many people might think. You can’t use a one-size-fits-all model to care for them. Before you decide to buy some, you need to ask yourself these important questions.
Getting the right tank for the right reasons.
A new aquarium owner might be lulled into thinking that a small aquarium is inexpensive, low maintenance, and requires very little time. While you can certainly try to operate an aquarium under these assumptions, it probably will not be successful, your fish will not thrive and may die, and you will not enjoy it nearly as much as you would if you did it correctly.
While you may be tempted to purchase a $99.00 starter kit that includes ‘everything you need,’ you should be aware that there are many more expenses involved as well as a serious time commitment on your part. Because fish can not verbalize their needs and we are not able to ‘touch’ them, as well as the fact that many people consider fish as lower life forms, their welfare is often neglected.
The old adage “if a fish dies we’ll just get a new one” has no business in the language of the modern fish keeper. If potential aquarium owners are not willing to acknowledge this and are not committed to the fish’s well being first and foremost, then they are not ready to keep fish.
An aquarium should not be viewed as a decoration but as a living, biological environment that provides a healthy, safe refuge for the fish that live there. A well maintained, healthy aquarium becomes an object of beauty. A poorly maintained aquarium is an eyesore and the cause of death for the unlucky fish inhabitants.
What type of tank can you afford?
The cost of running an aquarium is important because if an aquarium owner is not willing to invest the necessary money and time in doing it right, then the fish will suffer and die as a result.
Firstly, you have to think about the cost of fish. How much you spend on them can depend on several factors. For example, some fish are more expensive to look after than others. Some fish live in cooler waters and don’t need a heater. Others will require you to warm the water for them, so they cost more to look after.
You might also have a larger aquarium which requires more maintenance. The size of your tank will also depend on the fish you choose, both their numbers and their species. There are a number of other expenses too, from food to cleaning costs.
Basic set-up and upkeep for small, med, and large ecosystems can range from $60-$1500 so make sure to research exactly which direction you wish to go.
How much time do you have to devote to them?
Some people see fish as something they can spend lots of time watching and not much time looking after. However, you need to have time to feed your fish and keep the aquarium clean. You will also need someone to look after your fish if you ever go away. For some expensive fish, you might even take them to the vets.
These things all take up your time, so you can’t just imagine that fish won’t affect your life. There are many options with fish to accommodate your life style, so be honest with yourself about how much time you truly will be able to devote to them so you can set up what you actually will enjoy.
Why do you want them?
Fish are more complicated than many people might think. You can’t use a one-size-fits-all model to care for them. You need to learn about which fish you can put together and what their habitat should be like.
If you want to keep a coral reef, you need to learn more about using algae in your aquarium.
Indoor fish and outdoor fish, such as koi carp, have very different needs. It’s essential that you’re prepared to do your research before buying your fish.
You should consider why you want to get fish before you buy any. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, they won’t necessarily be the right choice. If you want something to decorate your home, perhaps you should consider non-living things first. You have to want to care for them and help them thrive.
Where Will You Put Them?
Finally, don’t forget to consider where to put your fish. Perhaps you’re planning on a pond in the backyard. However, maybe you need to find space for a large tank in your house. Make sure you have somewhere to put your fish before you buy any equipment.
Fish require care just like any other pet. If you want to get some, you need to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself in for first.
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