Fish have a few basic needs that they share with most creatures: food, light, and water.

They also share our dislike of stress and pollution, and will be at their healthiest and happiest when they are in a balanced environment. This section explains some of the considerations for the care of your fish.

Food The variety of foods available is huge, and can be very confusing when you are trying to make the best choice for your fish. For this reason, the AQUARIAN® Advisory Service offers special section devoted to feeding in our information on products.

Water

Clean water is as important to fish as clean air is to us. Fish 'breathe' the oxygen in water like we breathe the oxygen in air, and it is essential that they have all the oxygen they need. You are likely to need a filter or air pump to make sure that the water contains all the oxygen they require. Never use water straight from the tap - it contains chlorine, and this can be very damaging. To safeguard your fish's health, pre-treat the tap water with Stress Coat® or Tap Water Conditioner™ to remove the chlorine. You must also ensure the water is at the same temperature as the aquarium.

Light

Your fish will prefer a well-lit environment, but direct sun is not the best way to provide this. Sunlight can encourage the growth of algae, which makes it harder for you to keep your aquarium clean. Use of aquarium lights (such as flourescent strip lights) means your fish get the light they need, and your aquarium looks its best too.

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