Something Fishy

*Monday, 23rd July 2007*

I love fish. Not that I like to eat them, but keep them. I only like certain type of fishes; small, colourful, freshwater type such as neon tetra, swordtails and lemon tetra.

When I start keeping fish, my tank was only measuring about 40cm long and 25cm width. I was in secondary school that time and a tank with that size is considered big for me. Initially, I start to kept zebra danios, goldfishes, guppies, gouramis and so on but my favourites remain in the Tetra or Characidae family.



When I went back home last 2 weeks ago, my brother did beautify my tank which now is already changed to a 2 metre long tank. When I first get the tank, I also get the sand, pebbles, boulders and artificial water plants as I like to make my babies comfortable to their new home. Fish are subjected to shock and pressure when placed in an empty tank and therefore, get sick and die easily.

Why artificial plants and not the real water weeds which is popular among aquarists now? Cos the maintenance cost is an issue to me. Water plants are quite expensive depending on their size and availability. And in order to kept them healthy, you'll need to add carbon dioxide (CO2), fertilisers (categorised in different types of mineral compund) and a better water filtration system.



Artifial plants are easier to take care of. They do not grow (no trimming needed), and the leaves do not brown. No fertilisers needed, no carbon dioxide needed. Save me a lot of money! :P