How To Take Care of Fish: Beginner Guide

Taking care of fish requires proper feeding, tank setup, and regular maintenance to keep them healthy.

Are you thinking about getting a fish but aren’t sure if it’s the right pet for you? No matter what type of fish you’re considering, there are some basic care principles that apply.

Once you’ve made your decision, research your fish’s specific needs to ensure proper care.

Below are answers to common fish care questions to help you decide if a fish is the right pet for you.

Are Fish Low-Maintenance Pets?

Fish are not low-maintenance pets because they require regular care, clean water, and proper habitat setup.

Freshwater fish are often less expensive and easier to care for than other pets, which leads to the perception that they are low-maintenance. However, being easier to care for does not mean they require little effort.

Because they live in a completely different environment, they depend on pet parents to provide everything they need to thrive. Unlike dogs and cats, fish rely entirely on their tank conditions, so regular aquarium cleaning is essential for their health.

Once you choose a fish species, you can determine the appropriate aquarium setup and maintenance routine.

What Are the Most Common Types of Pet Fish?

Common pet fish include bettas, goldfish, and angelfish, which are popular for their hardiness and ease of care.

Goldfish and bettas are especially popular because they can tolerate a wider range of water temperatures, may not always require heaters depending on your location, and are generally hardy and easy to feed.

Where Is the Best Place To Buy a Fish?

The best place to buy a fish depends on the species and your experience level, but pet stores, aquarium specialty shops, and breeders are all common options.

• Pet stores: Pet stores are convenient and typically carry a wide variety of beginner-friendly fish and basic aquarium supplies.
• Aquarium specialty stores: Specialty aquarium shops often employ experienced staff who can help you choose compatible fish, equipment, and tank setups.
• Breeders: Purchasing directly from a breeder may be ideal if you are looking for specific species, rare varieties, or unique color patterns. Many fish sold in pet stores are commercially bred before being distributed to retailers.

What Equipment Do You Need for Fish?

Fish care requires several essential pieces of equipment to maintain a healthy aquarium environment. Depending on the species, you may need:

• An appropriately sized aquarium
• A filtration system
• An air pump or aeration equipment
• A submersible heater for tropical species
• A thermometer to monitor water temperature

You will need an aquarium large enough to support your fish’s adult size and activity level. A common guideline is one gallon of water per inch of fully grown fish, though some species may require significantly more space depending on their behavior and waste production.

Most aquariums require filtration and aeration to maintain water quality and oxygen levels. Tropical fish also require a submersible heater, while some freshwater species, such as goldfish, prefer cooler water and may not need one.

The exact equipment needed will depend on the fish species, tank size, and environment. Always research your fish’s habitat and care requirements before setting up an aquarium.

What Do Fish Eat?

Commercial fish foods are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of different fish species and are available as flakes, pellets, freeze-dried foods, and frozen diets.

Treats such as bloodworms and brine shrimp can also be offered occasionally. Freeze-dried and frozen foods are generally preferred over live foods because they carry a lower risk of disease transmission.

Always choose a diet appropriate for your fish species and feeding behavior.

How Often Do Fish Need To Be Fed?

Fish should typically be fed once or twice daily in small amounts they can consume within a few minutes.

Overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes fish owners make. Because fish do not have true stomachs, many species may continue eating even when overfed.

Feeding requirements can vary by species. For example, goldfish should generally be fed only what they can consume within one minute, while other fish may require different feeding schedules or portion sizes.

Automatic feeders and food blocks can help maintain feeding schedules when pet parents are away. Some species, such as goldfish, may survive up to two weeks without food, though this should not become a routine practice.

How Often Do Fish Tanks Need To Be Cleaned?

Fish tanks typically require weekly partial water changes and more thorough cleanings about once a month, depending on the fish species, tank size, and filtration system.

Regular water testing and monitoring for visible debris can help determine whether your aquarium needs more frequent maintenance.

Some fish, such as goldfish, produce large amounts of waste and may require additional cleaning. Overfeeding can also quickly reduce water quality by increasing waste buildup.

What Else Can You Add to a Fish Tank?

Decorations, plants, and aquarium accessories can improve both the appearance of a fish tank and the overall environment for your fish.

Many fish benefit from hiding places and enrichment provided by live or artificial plants, rocks, driftwood, and ornaments. 

If you choose live plants, use an appropriate substrate to support plant growth while ensuring it is safe for your fish species.

Some accessories can also provide functional benefits. For example, air stones and bubble ornaments may help improve oxygenation and water movement within the tank.

Regardless of the decor you choose, try to create an environment that closely resembles your fish’s natural habitat. All aquarium decorations and accessories should also be cleaned regularly to prevent waste and algae buildup.