Something fishy

Many youngsters start out with a pet goldfish in a bowl, and some progress through to having their own home aquariums.

Creating your own aquarium is relatively easy, depending on what type of fish, and how many you want to keep. Guppies, zebrafish, goldfish, loaches, mollies, neon tetras, and suckerfish are some of the easiest fish to take care of in a community aquarium. Talk to an expert at your local pet shop for advice.

Here are Metropol’s suggestions for setting up a tropical fish aquarium:
1. Decide where you are going to put it, and how big it will be. Some fish tanks come with a stand, others are freestanding. Choose a place where it is out of direct sunlight, near a power supply, and in a draught-free, relatively consistent temperature area.
2. Rinse gravel, filter (if using one), rocks, plants, and ornaments in cold tap water, then add to tank, creating an underwater garden for the fish to play in.
3. Fill with water, then add heater near the bottom of the aquarium. Make sure it is not touching the gravel or anything else in the aquarium.
4. Set up external filtration and lighting as per the instructions in the product manual.
5. Add a water conditioner and bacterial agent and wait for a couple of days so it settles, and the water comes up to temperature, before adding your fish.