Getting Started with an Aquarium (Fish Tank) - Part 1

I am not a professional aquarist, so I do not have this down to a science, but what I am is an enthusiastic hobbyist who has read, asked and understood a lot about owning and maintain a successful and healthy aquarium. Therefore everything you read here is from my personal experience and understanding.

This hobby can remain relatively cheap or can get as expensive as you want, just depends how good of bargain hunter you are or how fat your wallet is. The main reason I started an aquarium is that I am allergic to cats and dogs, and I also don’t have the time and money it requires to take them for walks or to the vet for vaccinations. Fish fit my bill; easy to take care of, they don’t have a lot of needs, no trips to the vet, no walks in the freezing cold and best of all they don’t wake you up in the middle of the night for anything.

So after reading my motivation for starting an aquarium, think about yours.

• Is it just because your friend got one?
• Or is it because your kids are bugging you for it?
• Or are you looking to add some colour to the room?

Next questions you should think about are regarding the future of the aquarium should you choose to get one.

• Are you going to remain enthusiastic about it 3-4 months from now?
• Are you going to be away from home for extended periods of time (a month or more?)
• Will you spend an extra few dollars should the need arise?

The reasons you should think about all this is that as simple as an aquarium seems, it really isn’t. It is a fairly complex eco-system that you have to keep an eye on. Sometimes that requires spending a bit more time and money that you expected, but trust me, in the end you will be very satisfied.

Another reason you should think about these questions is because as small and insignificant as fish may seem, they have feelings, they can get sick, they can suffer, and they can die in pain if you don't take necessary steps to keep them and their eco-system healthy. Unlike cats and dogs, they don't display symptoms of vomiting if they are sick, or don't bark and meow if they are hungry; you have to keep an eye on them and interpret subtle signals so figure out what they are trying to tell you.

Now, if you are ready to start your new hobby - Read up on Part II.