Fish Compatibility: Are You Getting The Right Mix?

Are you often tempted to cave in to a mad buying spree every time you make a trip to the fish store? Hold back your reins!

For any aquarium to thrive, planning is crucial. As with humans, you can’t please everybody. But for fish, sheer unhappiness can be a matter of life and death.

Maintaining compatibility in a fish community is no picnic. Not all fish get along or thrive in the same environment, so all it takes is for any one resident to feel nervous about any one condition, and you could end up with sickly fish.

Water Chemistry Consideration: As if it’s not difficult enough ascertaining the right water chemistry, temperature and quality, you have to ensure your choice will make every inhabitant happy.

Do your research. Things you should be looking for are:

• What type of habitat is suitable for the different species in your tank?
• Do your fish prefer soft or hard water?
• Do they fall sick if the mineral content is low?
• Are they hardy, or do they take ill at the slightest introduction of soluble compounds?

Keeping check on the temperature should be high on your priority list as the wrong aquarium climate will affect your fish badly.

Fish Food and Feeding Consideration: If you’re fussy about what goes into your mouth, fish are no different either.

An all-for-one fish food will not work. You need the right food types for carnivores, vegetarians, or live-food eaters.

For the little ones, nibbling small food flakes is best. But for big fish, anything goes. If you put them together, you may find the big, carnivorous fish trying to fit the small ones into their mouths!

Make sure all the fish get their food, and that the slow swimmers don’t lose out. Observe how fast different fish swim and eat during feeding sessions, as well as which are the surface and bottom feeders.

Territorial and Aggressive Behavior Consideration: Fish size and aggressiveness should be taken into consideration if you intend the inhabitants to live harmoniously together.

Aggressive or territorial fish are like bullies in school who chase terrified kids round the playground. Don’t mix aggressive and passive fish together. The aggressors will hog the food and eat it all leisure, bullying the shy ones into taking cover.

Remember that stress is the main cause for illness. Don’t separate schooling fish: they will feel stressed without their mates.

Aquarium Accessories Consideration: While decorating your tank, simulate a natural environment where your fish will feel comfortable in.

Different fish require different conditions. Some require hiding nooks among plants and driftwood, while others thrive better with sand than gravel.

If you have many different types of fish, a larger aquarium can help address all the different living and landscaping issues of your fish.

Last advice to you is to choose everything wisely.

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