Before you go to buy your aquarium fish, you will need to set up your aquarium and have it running for at least a couple of days beforehand. This ensures that everything is working properly and for tropical fish the temperature is correct. Once you are ready to buy, a reputable pet store or aquatic store is a good place start. You should decide in advance what species of pet fish you want and how many you want, so you can avoid temptation or pressure from shop assistants to purchase something inappropriate.

Remember that initially only a few of the hardiest species should be purchased, then as the weeks go on, slowly increase the amounts in the fish tank. There are also some things to keep in mind when you are picking out your aquarium fish in the store.

Specifically, look at:

Activity: The fish should be swimming easily around the aquarium with the other fish. If a fish is swimming upside down he his probably dying. A fish shouldn't be at the top of the fish tank all the time nor at the bottom (unless he is a bottom feeder).

Eyes: The eyes of the fish should be bright and clear. Some fish will have strange looking eyes and still be healthy so know the characteristics of the fish you are looking to buy.

Fins: The dorsal fin should not be folded down as this is a sign of an unhealthy fish. He also should not have a split fin, but enquire with the store as these do heal quickly. There should be no signs of fungus or white spots on the fin.

Scales: The scales should be shiny and free of white spots and excessive mucus.

Aquarium: The aquarium should be clean and the water should be clear. Dirty water and a dirty fish tank are signs that the tropical fish are not being properly cared for. Improperly cared for fish are more likely to get sick. View other tanks in the store, even display tanks, as this is a reflection of the stores maintenance and upkeep of their fish.

Pet and aquarium stores are not likely to sell diseased or unhealthy fish as they have a reputation to uphold and they want your repeat business. At times you may notice sick fish in tanks, inform the store, as they may not be aware of any problem. Usually the store will check them and if a problem is present stop selling those fish until resolved.

Safely getting your aquarium fish home from the store

It is best to let the store know how long your new pet fish will be in the bag before you can release them into the tank.

Safely adding fish to your aquarium

It is also important that you then add your pet fish to the tank in a couple of stages.

Keeping healthy fish