Aquarium Fish Facts

Aquarium equipment is far superior to that of 20 years ago and many of the old assumptions and standards of the day no longer apply today. Raising tropical or saltwater fish can be based on trial and error, observations or learning about aquarium fish facts. Learning fish facts can help you resolve the mysteries, raise healthier fish, keep a cleaner tank and prevent diseases.

• Dechlorinator is not necessary if you let water sit for 24 hours before adding into a fish tank. You can purchase dechlorinator from several brands and it is fairly inexpensive. If you plan ahead and let chlorine evaporate from a bucket of water you can save a couple of dollars.


• At least 80% of fish diseases occur because of unhealthy water conditions in an aquarium. Most of us always blame disease outbreaks on bringing home an infected fish from a tropical fish store. However, according to statistics not keeping a clean and healthy tank brings about disease.


• Contrary to some beliefs, lighting systems are necessary in a fish tank. Darkness and lightness help people to regulate their day and establish a pattern of when they wake and sleep. To remain healthy fish also must separate the difference of day and night to rest and regain their strength just like people. Turning your tank light off every night will keep your fish happier and healthier.


• You do not have to have live plants in an aquarium. However, live plants are an excellent way to duplicate natural water conditions that they are comfortable with. Good bacteria form on the leaves and stems and live plants make a great place for newly hatched babies to hide in community tanks. 


• Pumps, filters and cartridges are great for keeping an aquarium clean.  But, you cannot just put them in the tank and not perform some maintenance. Although, there are several different products and manufacturers, most still require changing filters and maintaining pumps properly so they can work to clean your aquarium efficiently.


• It is a fact that putting too many fish into a tank increases waste content, lowers the amount of available oxygen for all the fish and affects water quality.


• One of the quickest ways to pollute your tank and ruin the quality of life for your fish is by overfeeding.


• Never over medicate a fish tank. If possible treat one or two sick fish in a separate tank. Only use medication after watching fish and seeing indications that they are in fact sick. Fish can act strange when giving birth, laying eggs or being chased by a bully.


• Stressed fish are always more likely to get sick. Fish can become stressed when tank conditions do not meet their needs. Supplying hiding places in plants, rock formations or logs is important to many varieties of fish. Polluted water conditions bring on stress. Not supplying enough food or the preferred foods of some species can also create stressful living conditions.