Fish as Pets

Introduction

If you want a pet that you can "pet" a fish is not right for you. But if you are allergic to fur and still want some company at home, and if you like to watch animals in their natural habitat, then a fish is the right pet for you. Fish come in different sizes and colors.

If you are thinking about getting a fish, a goldfish is a good pet to start with. If you already had goldfish and want something more challenging, try tropical fish. They have the same characteristics as goldfish but may need more equipment and care.

 oooooooooo Equipmentoooooooooo Exercise

 oooooooooo Foodooooooooooooooooo Water

oooooooooo Healthoooooooooooooooo Behavior

 

Pet stores sell fish tanks that fish live in. They also sell fluorescent lights, air pumps, heater and filters. To make your tank look better, you might add river sand, gravel, stones, plants, castle ruins and other miniature objects. These items are sold at your local pet stores.

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Exercise

 

When you buy a fish at the pet store, make sure you buy a tank big enough so that your fish will have lots of space to swim around in. The size of your fish and the number of fish you have will determine the size of the tank you need. Do not have too many fish squeezed into a little tank.

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Food

Pet stores sell fish foods containing the vitamins and minerals fish need. Fish should usually be fed the same amount of food each day. They also should be fed about the same time of the day, whether once or twice each day. Remember not to over feed your fish.

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Water

The water in your tank should be changed twice a month. Before you put your fish in the water, let the water stand for about two weeks. This gets rid of gasses in the water that could be harmful to your fish. Also, remember the water should be conditioned before use.

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 Health

 

Every week replace about a quarter of your tank water with conditioned water. Do this gradually to avoid a sudden temperature change. To keep your fish healthy, dead plants must be removed from the tank. Also, any algae build up must be scrapped off the tank.

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Behavior

Fish like to hide around rocks and other miniature objects you put in your tank. Most pregnant fish don't swim around much. If your fish is dead it will float to the surface upside down. Remove it immediately.