Freshwater Fish

Choose freshwater fish around the water conditions and space the aquarium can maintain. Adult body size, swimming activity, temperature, hardness and social needs all matter; attractive juveniles do not always remain suitable companions as they grow.

Establish biological filtration before stocking and monitor ammonia, nitrite and other relevant parameters as the community develops. Keep shoaling species in appropriate groups and give quieter fish places to shelter. Match food size and delivery to the fish at different levels of the tank, while avoiding uneaten food that adds to the waste load.