What do I need to keep fish healthy and so far i have a 20 gallon tank?
2 February 2010
7 Comments
I have a 20 gallon tank and i'm going to buy accessories and rocks, i know i need a filter so what is a good filter and what else do i need (besides fish)?
Well i think you forgot something. YOUR FISH FOOD. Your fish just can’t live without food. And for the filter look up one online. You also need a fish net and really big plastic bags for whenever you clean the tank.
I had fish when I was little. Now since I moved into a smaller house my aunt kept my fish tank with my fish in it. v.v But anyway..
My aunt bought a PH bottle thing. You need to make sure that the PH level in the water is right for the fish so you need to test it out and stuff. Also you can’t just put the fishes in plain faucet water because it has chemicals. My aunt taught me that you had to wait a couple days after you get the water in a bucket or in the tank (without the fishes) so the chemicals in the water wouldn’t be as strong. (I don’t remember how she said it.)
Also, even with a good filter the bottom of the tank gets dirty so i would buy a tank vacuum. It kinda looks like a tube or part of a hose. (At least the one my aunt had bought.)
If the tank is kept clean and they are fed there shouldn’t be any problems. OH! And when you get the fishes in a bag don’t just dump them into the tank. The difference in water temperature could kill them. You need to add water from the tank to the bag they were in little by little (while having the bag inside of the tank so the water in the tank regulates the water in the bag). Thats how I used to do it. Also try not to dump the water from the bag into the tank because most of the time that water is dirty. >_>;
I hope that helps. I’m no fish expert but i did have my fishes for years. OH! And don’t get aggressive fish. =) I really hope that helps. and if you don’t get a vacuum for the tank you could always get the vacuum fish! Lol!
fish food
oh, and dont’ forget the water
It depends on the kind of fish, and the weather where you live. For example, if you live in a place that gets cool in the winter, you will want a heater. Some fish are more accepting of varying water conditions than others. I prefer undergravel filters working with the side mounted pump filters, as it hits floating debris and the gunk on the bottom.
Water conditioners may be necessary if using tap water, and remember to "cycle" the tank (let it run with no fish in it) for a few days before introducing fish to it.
And make sure to make the fish’s water in the bag you bring them home in and the aquarium the same temp before you let them go. Usually, floating the bag unopened in the tank for an hour does the trick.
Hope some of this helps.
Any filter will do. Theres a few things you will need depending on the type of fish. If you have freshwater you need a few liquids to put into the water. It levels the water or something. Ask the employee’s there. Also you need a thermometer. Temperature is a big factor for taking care of fish. This sounds like a lot, but it isn’t.
Under-gravel filters work great. You have to let it accumulate the right amount of bacteria before it will work well. Get some dirty water from the fish store. Also, don’t over feed fish. They can go a long time without food and they will be much healthier.
Whisper filters are good and are inexpensive (especially at Wal Mart). Aqua Clears are very good but more expensive. You’ll need water conditioner to remove the chlorine and chloramines from the water, gravel, a siphon, a fish net, food, plants (real or fake) for the fry to hide in as your swordtails will produce babies, some decorations, a thermometer, a heater, a hood and light if your tank didn’t come with it, and that should do it. That should be enough to get you going.
And maybe a good book on swordtails so you’ll know exactly what they need to be healthy and happy. Good luck with it.
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