The wider the choice, the harder the decision. The supply of
fish available is so diverse and enticing that new aquarists
have a hard time limiting theselves and putting together a balanced
community. Overpopulated tanks, with animals that are under
stress and prone to bouts of disease, are the result.
Correct association:
Fish cannot be placed together haphazardly. There are rowdy
fish that make life difficult for the peace-loving ones, and
playful fish that nip at everything that swims across their
path and make no exception of beautimful long fins. The fish
must be suited to each other not only in behavior, but also
with respect to the water quality and temperature they require.
If you put together your fish community on you own, note the
following:
- Many fish have preferred habitats. Some like to stay near
the surface of the water, others prefer the middle strata,
and still others keep close to the bottom. Find out all you
can about the living habits of the fish you want, and make
your selection so that every area of the tank is occupied.
- The widespread rule " 1/4" (1cm) of length for
every 1 1/2 to 2 quarts (1.5-2L) of water " should be
followed with caution. Thirty cardinal tetras, for example,
are just over 1" (3 cm) long when fully grown, but they
require fully as much room as on pair of kribs (Pelvicachromis
pulcher). The amount of excrement produced--that is, the wste
disposal problem--is identical in both cases.
- Find out exactly what the living requirements of the individual
fish species are.
- Don't introduce all the fish simultaneously; put them in
the tank in relatively small lots.
