Environment
A suitable living environment
Diet
A suitable diet
Behaviour
To be able to behave normally
Companionship
To have appropriate companionship
Health
To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
1
Environment
A suitable living environment
2
Diet
A suitable diet
3
Behaviour
To be able to behave normally
4
Companionship
To have appropriate companionship
5
Health
To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
Check before you buy
Good water quality is essential
Getting the water quality right in your aquarium is one of the most important factors in keeping fish healthy. This means maturing your tank before you buy your first fish, finding out how many fish your aquarium can support, as well as researching equipment (like filters and pumps) and the right food you will need for the fish you are keeping. Seek advice from an experienced aquarist or retailer to establish your aquarium before you add your fish and how to maintain it. Advice is also available from books, websites, hobby magazines and specialist shops.
Test water quality regularly
Testing water quality and doing partial water changes will become a regular part of your ongoing tank maintenance. And remember tap water is toxic for fish so it must always be treated before being added to an aquarium.
Ensure you buy from someone who has experience in keeping fish
They should ask before you buy about your tank set-up and what fish you will be keeping to ensure any new fish you buy are compatible with your aquarium.
Ensure that the fish you buy are healthy and free from any sign of injury or disease
Never over-stock your aquarium and be aware of the size your fish will grow to
If different species are to be mixed, ensure that they have compatible environmental requirements and will not fight
Ensure you provide adequate facilities to transport your fish home and ensure water temperatures are the same when transferring them to their new environment
If any paperwork is unavailable and has to be sent on, obtain a written commitment as to when it will be delivered
Ensure that, as well as all the necessary technical provisions, you also provide appropriate environmental enrichment for the species that you buy
Remember, fish can sometimes require specialist veterinary care which could involve referral to a specialist and be expensive
Over the counter treatments are available in aquatic shops.
Fish cost calculator
When you are getting a pet, it is really important that you consider whether you can afford to keep that pet for its entire life. For fish this can mean the costs of purchasing and running a suitable aquarium, as well as getting the right food. Using the available figures, we have put together estimates of how much it could cost to keep popular species in the table below.
