Fish Keeping

Do you want to have a new hobby? If so, then there’s no better option than fish keeping. You can start small and work your way up in the world of fish keeping, starting with something like tetras or guppies. There are many types of tanks that you can set up for your fish – even 20 gallons is enough. That being said, there are some things to consider when setting up your tank properly before you get started!

Benefits of Fish Keeping

Whether you’ve already started this amazing journey or you’re just getting your feet wet (pun intended!), it’s great to understand the benefits of caring for our finned friends.

Fun, Fascinating, and Therapeutic

1. Relaxation: Ever watched a fish swimming in an aquarium? It’s mesmerizing, right? It’s been scientifically proven that observing fish glide around their underwater realms can greatly reduce stress and anxiety. It’s like your own personal slice of the ocean right in your living room, providing instant relaxation after a long day!
2. Educational: Fish keeping is a great way to learn about aquatic life, ecosystems, and the importance of environmental balance. It’s particularly beneficial for kids, as it instills in them a sense of responsibility and respect for life.
3. Aesthetically Pleasing: An aquarium can be a fantastic focal point in any room, adding a dash of color, life, and movement. Think of it as living art – you’re the designer of this tiny, thriving ecosystem, and with a little creativity, the possibilities are endless!

From Hobby to Personal Development

1. Patience and Dedication: Setting up an aquarium and maintaining it requires time and patience. From cycling the tank to the daily care and feeding of your fish, this hobby can teach you a lot about dedication and consistency.
2. Problem-solving Skills: Things don’t always go swimmingly in the world of fish keeping (more fish puns!). Dealing with issues like algae overgrowth, dropsy, or nitrate spikes can test and improve your problem-solving skills.
3. Enhances Social Connections: The world of fish keeping is full of enthusiasts who share your passion. Joining local clubs or online communities can help you make new friends, share tips, and learn from others’ experiences. It’s a great way to connect!

Improving Mental Health and Enhancing Life Quality

1. Therapeutic Benefits: Studies have shown that aquariums can have significant therapeutic effects. Watching fish swim has been found to lower heart rate and blood pressure, improve mood, and even aid in sleep quality.
2. Productivity Boost: Having an aquarium in your workspace can increase your productivity. The calmness it brings can improve your focus, helping you concentrate on tasks for longer periods.
3. Elderly Care: For the elderly, especially those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, fish keeping can be incredibly beneficial. Studies have shown improvements in eating habits, increased alertness, and reduced aggressive behaviors in Alzheimer’s patients who interact with fish in aquariums.

How to Get Started with Fish Keeping as a Hobby

Choose a tank

The best type of tank to use is one that is at least 20 gallons in size.

When you have a bigger tank it gives the fish more room, which means they will live longer and happier lives. It’s also a plus if your tank has a lid with a light on it. Having a lid with light helps because this is where you’re going to be putting your heater as well as your filter. And remember, you need those things!

Fish require aeration from the water being circulated by the filter and warmth from the heater. If either one is not working properly then your fish are going to suffer and die. In addition, make sure there are no holes in your tank or leaks – that never ends up well!

One of the first things to consider when it comes time for you to set up your tank, but not necessarily before you get started with fish keeping, is whether or not you want live plants.

If so, there are certain types that work better than others. One example would be Java fern because they do not need a lot of light. It’s good if you can put real plants in the tank as well, but once again this could depend on how much light your tank gets. Make sure you don’t overfeed your fish either!

Choose fishes

Once you’ve got all your equipment and plants for your fish tank, the only thing left to do is choose what kind of fish you want! There are many options that can work well in a 20-gallon tank and will make good starter fish.

One example would be tetras; they’re colorful and come in different shapes and sizes, so if one dies it’s not such a big deal. Other good starters are guppies or danios because they stay small.

Remember to always ask the staff at the pet store what will work best for your tank before you get started! When choosing your fish remember to think about compatibility with other types of fish too – this might mean junior doesn’t get along with fancy goldfish just yet!

Once all of these things have been taken care of, you’re all set to start having a new hobby! If you keep your tank clean and maintain it properly then you should have no problems. And now that you know the ins and outs of fish keeping, there’s nothing stopping you from starting with something as simple as tetras or guppies!

Conclusion

People who love to get the most out of life should try fish keeping. If you can afford to get a 20-gallon tank then you’re already on your way!

Tetras and guppies are both great starter fish, but always ask the staff at the pet store what would be best for your tank before getting started.

Live plants or real plants, a lid with a light and filter, heater, proper cleaning – these are the things that you need to successfully keep fish.

Make sure to always ask the staff at your local pet store what type of fish would be best for your tank if you’re having problems deciding!