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Choosing Your Fish
Definitely the best bit about setting up a new tank – but there are hundreds to choose from, so where do you start?
Before You Buy
As tempting as tropical fish are, you must research their individual requirements before you buy. Check the eventual size and water requirements of each species, and whether they will suit your tank and mix with the other species on your list.
The expert staff at World of Water can help you make the right choice.
Always test the water before adding any fish.
Introducing fish
Patience is vital when you first stock an aquarium. You should never attempt to fully stock a newly set-up aquarium.
Stress-free introduction
Turn off the aquarium lights
Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalise water temperatures.
Now open the bag and gently pour in about 30% aquarium water.
Wait 10 minutes then repeat this process twice more at the same intervals.
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium.
Dispose of the water in the bag. Do not pour this water into the aquarium.
If the new fish are the only ones in the aquarium, wait 24 hours before initial feeding.
Tip: Spend time observing your fish on a daily basis
Name: Angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare
Origin: South America
Size: 10 cm/4”
Minimum tank size: 90 cm/36”, 100 l./ 22 gal capacity
Water conditions: pH 6-8, Temp 24-28°C
Comments: Angelfish are tall fish that require tall tanks. Their long fins are vulnerable from attack by fi n-nipping fish, and they may eat small fish like Neon tetras. Keep with other medium to large, peaceful fish.
Name: Ram, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Origin: South America
Size: 5 cm/2”
Minimum tank size: 45 cm/18”, 30 l./ 7 gal capacity
Water conditions: pH 6-7, Temp 24-30°C
Comments: Rams are beautiful dwarf cichlids but they do need soft acidic water with a low pH if they are to thrive. Combine with small, peaceful tetras in a well planted tank and feed a variety of frozen foods.
Name: Kribensis, Pelvicachromis pulcher
Origin: West Africa
Size: 10 cm/4”
Minimum tank size: 60 cm/24”, 60 l./ 14 gal capacity
Water conditions: pH 6-8, Temp 24-28°C
Comments: Kribensis are peaceful dwarf cichlids that form pairs and may
breed, with the adults tending the young. Male ‘Kribs’ are slightly larger with longer fins and females are shorter, with a pink belly. Furnished aquariums suit them best with live plants and rocky retreats.
Name: Siamese fighter
Betta splendens
Origin: Thailand
Size: 5 cm/2”
Minimum tank size:
30 cm/12”, 15 l./ 3 gal
capacity
Water conditions: pH 6-8,
Temp 26-30°C
Comments: Siamese fighters are best kept in small tanks with gentle filtration, and away from fish that may try to nip their fins. They like to be warmer than most other tropical fish. Never keep males together as they will fight and may kill each other.
Name: Cardinal tetra, Paracheirodon axelrodi
Origin: South America
Size: 4 cm/1 1/2”
Minimum tank size: 30 cm/12”, 20 l./ 5 gal capacity
Water conditions: pH 6-7, Temp 24-30°C
Comments: Cardinal tetras are some of the most beautiful tropical fish available. Best in shoals of six or more, they appreciate warm, soft, acidic water with a low pH. Treat new arrivals with a white spot treatment.
Name: Discus, Symphysodon spp.
Origin: Amazon, South America
Size: 18 cm/7”
Minimum tank size: 120 cm/48”,
240 l./ 53 gal capacity
Water conditions: pH 5-7, Temp
28-32°C
Comments: Discus are beautiful, but more demanding than most tropical fish. Use RO water to create the soft acidic conditions that they require. Keep them warm and feed regularly on frozen food and Tetra Prima. Tall tanks are essential.
Name: Bristlenose, Ancistrus temminckii
Origin: South America
Size: 15 cm/6”
Minimum tank size: 90 cm/36”, 90 l./ 20 gal capacity
Water conditions: pH 6-8, Temp 24-28°C
Comments: Bristlenose are good algae eaters and make a more suitable choice than the common plec. The male fish develop the bristles that give them their name, and mature pairs may breed in the aquarium. Feed on sinking algae wafers.
Name: Neon tetra, Paracheirodon inessi
Origin: South America
Size: 3 cm/11/4”
Minimum tank size: 30 cm/12”, 20 l./ 5 gal capacity
Water conditions: pH 6-7, Temp 24-28°C
Comments: Neon tetras are one of the world’s most popular aquarium fish. They are a shoaling fish, so keep in groups of at least five, preferably more. Don’t keep with large or boisterous fish as they may be eaten. Well-decorated tanks suit them best, with live plants for cover.
Name: Rosy barb, Puntius conchonius
Origin: India
Size: 10 cm/4”
Minimum tank size: 75 cm/30”, 80 l./ 18 gal capacity
Water conditions: pH 6-8, Temp 18-28°C
Comments: Rosy barbs are hardy, colourful and suitable for unheated,indoor aquaria. Male Rosy barbs are the more colourful. Long fin, Neon and Glowlight versions are also available. Recommended community fish.
Name: Tiger barb, Puntius tetrazona
Origin: Sumatra
Size: 5 cm/2”
Minimum tank size: 75 cm/30”, 80 l./ 18 gal capacity
Water conditions: pH 6-8, Temp 24-28°C
Comments: Tiger barbs have a reputation for nipping fins. To counteract this, keep them in large shoals and with no long-fi nned fish. Females are deeper bodied and males have more colourful fins.
Name: Harlequin, Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Origin: South-east Asia
Size: 3 cm/1 1/4”
Minimum tank size: 45 cm/18”, 20 l./ 5 gal capacity
Water conditions: pH 5-7.5, Temp 24-26°C
Comments: Harlequins are great additions to the smaller community tank and are always active. Keep them in groups of five or more against a backdrop of bogwood and live plants.