7 Tips to Make Your Fish Live Longer - InfoBarrel

Aquarium Fish Live, on Average, Around Five Years

Aquarium fish actually can live quite a long time with the proper care. In fact, the ever-popular goldfish has been documented as living as long as 75 years. Other pet fish, like the angelfish, can live up to a decade, while most fish that make their residence in an aquarium live, on average, five years. For example, the archer fish, black neon tetra, cardinal tetra and harlequin fish all can live as long as five years if you consistently maintain their tank and watch them regularly.

Many Aquarium Fish, However, Die after a Year or Two

Unfortunately, many aquarium owners do not think about the time and maintenance that is involved in providing sufficient care for their pet fish. As a result, many fish die after only one or two years, including the supposedly hardy goldfish. However, if you follow for the seven tips below, you should be able to enjoy your aquarium fish for a much longer period of time.

Tip #1 - Buy a Larger Sized Tank

For example, when buying fish, make sure that the tank or aquarium you purchase is an adequate size. Most fish will not survive for long in a small tank or a fish bowl. Therefore, when buying a number of pet fish of various kinds, it?s best to choose a 20-liter or 5-gallon sized tank. Besides the tank size, you also want to make sure that any rocks you buy for decorative purposes are safe for use. In other words, make sure they won?t tear the fins of the fish you buy.

Tip #2 - Change the Water Twice Each Week

When buying a tank too, you have to be prepared to regularly clean it as well. That means changing a portion of the aquarium?s water (about one-fourth of it) twice each week. Never add water that is too cold from the tap, but allow it to stand, adding when it is at room temperature.

Tip #3 ? Monitor the pH

In addition, keep track of the pH levels of your aquarium water as well. Keep them as close to 7.0 (neutral) as possible. You?ll need to obtain a pH testing kit for this purpose.

Tip #4 ? Maintain the Water?s Temperature so It?s Comfortable for your Pet Fish

Keep the water at the right temperature (around 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 degrees Celsius). So, include a heater in your aquarium. Pick a submersible heater that provides around 25 watts of power in order to maintain the temperature. You don?t want to add too much heat; otherwise, you may end up cooking your pet fish.

Tip #5 ? Keep you Fish from Jumping out or being Eaten by Including a Lid on the Tank

Buy a tank with a lid on it as some fish have a tendency to spring or jump while in the water (source: www.FreshwaterAquariumFish.net). The water should fall just a couple inches below the top portion of the aquarium. A lid is also helpful too if you happen to own a cat.

Tip #6 ? Don?t Use Soap when Cleaning

Again, keep your fish tank clean. While soap cleans a lot of things, don?t add detergent to you fish tank if you want don?t want your pet fish to suffer any ill effects. Betta fish, especially, will not live long if you use soap to clean the tank. Simply use a brush with lukewarm water to clean away any accumulation of algae or debris.

Tip #7 ? Provide your Fish with a Nutritional Diet

A good diet is important for keeping fish healthy too. Check with the pet store where you purchase your pet fish to make sure that you provide them with the proper diet.?

*One Bonus Tip

One other important tip ? make sure that the fish in your aquarium are compatible, you can check if they are compatible by reading about them on www.LiveFishforSale.com before you purchase. Some placid fish tend to be the victims of fish that are more aggressive. So, make sure that your fish can all live happily with one another before adding a variety of pet fish to your tank.

tony parker the five year engagement chris kreider correspondents dinner 2012 white house correspondents dinner 2012 whcd 2012 nfl draft