Introducing Fish

Patience is necessary when first stocking an aquarium. It is very tempting to fully stock a beautifully set up aquarium, but it is not recommended. Purchasing a small group of fish every two weeks will serve to gradually load the system and allow essential bacteria the time required to multiply and establish biologically converting toxic, nitrogenous compounds produced by fish. In a new fresh water aquarium, a gradual build up of fish to achieve 1 inch of fish per gallon is recommended. Remember that fish grow and many become several times the size of when you first lay your eyes on them.

Species to start with

Select a hardy species and make sure to incorporate some algae controlling species, such as pencil fish, livebearers, ancistrus, otocynclus, or sailfin placostomus. The algae controlling species you select will depend on whether the aquarium contains plants and the other species of fish purchased. Fish that naturally consume algae will especially benefit the aquarium during the start up period as plants will have been just been introduced.

It is recommended to select species that are compatible in terms of water chemistry, temperature, and behavior. Consult books and knowledgeable store staff for suggestions in this regard.