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Essentially, the main purpose of an aquarium is to create a natural aquatic eco-system within a controlled environment. The aquarium should be a display, appealing to the owner and reflective of their individuality. However, with countless fish species to choose from and new imports arriving all the time, it becomes difficult to know just which species of fish is right for you. Therefore, the following two articles shall examine the introduction of fish into the new aquarium and which ones are ideal for first timer keepers and beginners.

Fundamentally, which species of fish are kept is often the result of an individual's own taste and personality. In fact, you can tell a great deal about a person from the aquarium they keep and which species of fish they have chosen to care for and put on display within there home. Although not a practice of western cultures, some Asian cultures have come to perceive the type of fish and the quality of those being kept as a reflection of ones social or economic status. However, for most first time keepers, the fish being chosen should be appealing and fairly hardy. It is also a good idea to start off with some of the cheapest fish available. Although this may seem cruel, it gives the keeper a chance too see if their aquarium is ready and allows them to rectify any problems or issues with the tank, thus preventing later deaths.

The tropical community tank is often the most common and can look visually stunning, if set up correctly, utilizing both a balance of live plants and compatible fish species. It is always a good idea to have your plants in the aquarium prior to introducing the fish. Not only will this allow the plants to establish a healthy root system, it will also create good bacteria as well as increased levels of oxygen within the water itself.

Now, with the tank having been established for some time and with the water having come to the correct ph and KH it is time to go choose your fish. The ph and KH levels, however, will of course be determined by which species you have the most interest in keeping. Thus, once again, research is always a good idea. However, for the purposes of creating a general community style fish tank, the ph should be 7 and the KH between 3-5. And with the water temperature around 25-27 degree, this should provide a well balanced environment, suitable for most community aquarium species.

When choosing stock from your local fish retailer or pet shop, it is a good idea to check them carefully for any sign of fungus or disease. Such things will often be identifiable through small white spots on the scales of the fish, split or torn fins, white cotton like growths, open wounds, cloudy eyes and abnormal swimming behaviour, such as gasping, sitting or spiralling. Ensure that the fish are also eating well. You can request that the fish be fed, so you are able to observe this for yourself. All good tropical fish retailers will be glad to meet this request if they are not, you should question wether they are trying to hide something and it might be a good idea to think twice before making a purchase from that store.

Some of the species more situated to life in a community style aquarium are listed below. Please look for my next article which will cover cichlids and good nutrition.

Fancy tailed guppy
Sword tail
Platy
Molly
Cardinal tetra
Bristle nose tetra
Siamese fighting fish (one male only)
Black widow tetra
Rams
Glow light tetras
Silver sharks
Pleco catfish
Cory
Silver dollar (Not to be trusted with plants)
Pictus catfish
Spanner barbs
Tiger barbs
Golden barbs
Motion cloud minnows
Clown loach

Learn more about this author, Michael Grantham.
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