What are the most unpretentious aquarium fish?
Automation of production processes and the arrangement of residential premises with multifunctional household appliances, of course, increases the quality and comfort of life of modern people. Nevertheless, the subtle human soul longs for natural warmth, and the eyes are persistently looking for an island of wildlife even in the interior of a smart home, thought out to the smallest detail. Such an outlet can be a single exotic plant or a whole greenhouse of the most ordinary geranium on the windowsill, or even better - a beautifully designed aquarium.
aquarium fishThe unhurried stately soaring of a goldfish in the water column or the silver play of the scales of a brisk flock of multi-colored fry is a truly mesmerizing sight, from which it is impossible to take your eyes off. It is not for nothing that psychologists recommend equipping an aquarium at home - this is both free psychological therapy and improving the microclimate of the living quarters by eliminating dry air, which also has a positive effect on human well-being and health.
I want an aquarium! Where to start?
It takes 5 minutes to get fired up with the idea of installing an aquarium at home, but haste in this matter is not always justified. Even experienced professionals who professionally deal with domestic fish do not always manage to successfully maintain or breed certain types of fish. Beginners should start by settling unpretentious, inexpensive fish into their aquarium, caring for which does not require deep knowledge, unjustified efforts, time and financial costs.
How to choose the right unassuming fish that will delight novice aquarists? Experts name three main parameters:
Dimensions (volume) of the aquarium. Ordinary fish thrive in a tank that is slightly larger than a 3-liter jar, while some exotic fish require a vessel with a minimum volume of 250 liters of water.
Physical and chemical characteristics of water. Simple fish are content with ordinary clean water, which does not need to be specially prepared, meticulously controlling the composition, level of softness or hardness. Pedigree or selective fish species do not survive in water if chlorine or other impurities are present in it, even in negligible amounts.
The temperature regime is a significant factor for many exotic fish that live and develop exclusively in an environment with a specific temperature; it should be maintained constantly, not allowing deviations by more than a degree without risk to life. Unpretentious fish feel great in water at room temperature.
List of popular unpretentious fish for settling a home aquarium
Our list is opened by the notorious goldfish (veil tail, fan tail). Small to medium sized fish with lush fins are very beautifully colored. These inhabitants are very peaceful neighbors, they feel great in ordinary water, they tolerate a 2-day break in the diet well.
If the veil tail is able to "hang" in the water for a long time in one place, then the nimble zebrafish is a real whirlwind that is in constant motion. In a 10-liter vessel, a flock of 5-7 blue-yellow striped zebrafish can peacefully exist.
Another type of cute schooling fish is neons . Unpretentious, very hardy and inquisitive kids get along peacefully with veil-tails.
Competition in beauty and attractiveness can be made by males , whose males have a rather exotic look. The fish is unassuming in food, it eats once a day. This species can be safely populated into an aquarium without a compressor, the fish swallows air, rising close to the surface. Interestingly, males look after the fry of the cockerels. The only point that should be taken into account is not to place several adult males in one vessel, who will constantly arrange fights, defending their leadership position to the last.
Curious little fish - golden or speckled catfish corridors also do without a compressor. Cute longhorns feel comfortable in tanks with a volume of 30-40 liters, they eat dry and live food.
Macropods andbarbs belong to the category of unpretentious fish, but not everyone is in a hurry to settle them in their aquarium, because they have a somewhat aggressive character and can spoil the appearance of their neighbors, thoroughly gnawing their fins.
It would be unfair to forget to mention guppies - viviparous fish, females of which are not distinguished by their beauty, but rainbow males decorate any aquarium well.
When a careful selection of fish for the future aquarium is theoretically made, you should start practical preparation. Let's start in order:
Buying an aquarium is an important step. Going shopping in search of a suitable option is worth it only if you know exactly the required dimensions. Experts recommend not to make a common mistake - to buy a container based solely on aesthetic considerations. This point, of course, is essential, but the fundamental factor is the creation of an optimal environment for aquatic life. Even the most unpretentious fish need care.
Preparing the soil for an aquarium involves buying or borrowing small pebbles, gravel and large stones from the natural environment. It is in this sequence that the stones in the aquarium should be placed in layers from the bottom up, up to 5 cm thick. Before placing the stones in the vessel, the stones must be carefully rinsed with running water and boiled.
Decorative items are special artificial grottoes, natural driftwood or beautiful accessories. The presence of these attributes in some cases is not just desirable, but a vital necessity for fish in need of temporary solitude. For the safety of fish, all elements must be boiled, make sure that there is no metal, dyes, as well as too narrow manholes and sharp corners that can injure aquatic inhabitants.
The living vegetation of the aquarium provides color, is a natural source of oxygen and vitamins. For beginners, as a rule, at first, you should start by planting unpretentious Elodea or Valencia, it is advisable to buy them in specialized stores. Experienced aquarists can experiment with capturing more scenic or delicate plants in natural waters. The main thing is not to forget to sanitize the plants with a solution of potassium permanganate before planting.
The most common water is poured into the aquarium - from the pump room or from the tap, however, before filling the container, it must be defended or cleaned with a water filter.
If you liked a new hobby and you do not plan to be satisfied with what has already been achieved, you should take care of purchasing thermostats, filters, pumps, lighting devices. You will definitely need high-quality aquarium equipment when breeding more fastidious exotic or exclusive fish.