Fish Tanks | Fish Cats N Dogs

Fish tanks – a starters guide

Freshwater fish tanks
Freshwater fish live in fresh water. Freshwater fish include Goldfish, Catfish, Cichlids, Corydoras and Loaches. Freshwater fish tanks can be made of glass or acrylic. Glass is the most popular because it lasts longer and will retain its colour. Acrylic fish tanks are prone to scratching and can yellow over time. A goldfish bowl is not a good tank for a goldfish. It is too small and doesn’t maintain the correct environment for a healthy fish.

Tropical fish tanks
Tropical fish are fish that live in warm water, and can either be freshwater or saltwater fish. Most are small and beautifully coloured, and come from all around the world. A tropical fish tank needs a heater that will keep the water temperature constant. The best heaters are thermostatically controlled and have safety devices to prevent overheating.
Note - Some fish tank stores will use the term ‘tropical’ for freshwater aquariums and use the term ‘saltwater’ or ‘marine’ aquariums to describe salt water fish. Check with each individual store for their definition.

Marine fish (Salt Water) Aquariums
Marine fish live in salt water. Fish are vibrant and usually small in size making marine fish tanks very colourful and exotic. As well as fish, corals and invertebrates (eg. snails) live in marine aquariums. Marine fish tanks need close monitoring, so most beginners opt to start fish keeping with a cold water or freshwater aquarium.

Cold water fish tanks
Cold water fish live in cooler water than tropical fish so there is no need for water heaters. These are the easiest tanks to set up for a novice. The best shape to buy is a rectangle with a lid; fish are prone to leaping and the lid will keep the fish safely in the tank.

Goldfish are popular coldwater fish. There are different colours and varieties to choose from including Lionhead goldfish, Oranda, Veiltail and Fantail. The most popular Fantails are the golden coloured Fantails. Goldfish will live quite happily with other community fish, or other goldfish. Hobbyists can go on to breed and show their goldfish. If this interests you, check your local listings for a goldfish club in your area.