compassionate fishkeeping
A fish in an aquarium is outside its natural environment, and its keeper is responsible for its well-being. Luckily, fish are fairly easy to care for. Keeping a fish's environment as close to its natural condition as possible is usually what works best.
Never buy painted fish
In order to make fish more attractive, pale or white fish are often injected with colored dyes to give them neon coloring. The colors are usually toxic to them, and death from infections after the procedure are common. Of the 50% or so of the fish that survive, most live with chronic injury and stunted growth, and usually die early. Just say no.
Never buy a tank that's too small, and never buy a bowl
Small tanks quickly become asphyxiating, fetid rooms from a fish's point of view. Say no to bowls - they have no room for beneficial bacteria to grow, and limited aeration. Remember the basic rule: an absolute minimum of one gallon per inch of fish.
Cycle the tank with caution
Use only two or three small and hardy fishes. Monitor the process. Only add new fish once the aquarium has cycled. Adding too many will result in a dramatic buildup of Ammonia that results in mass-deaths. Consider fishless cycling as an option.
Give them places to hide
A few places to hide will make your fishes visibly happier. And, paradoxically, they will want to hide less.
Don't move them too often
Being trapped and moved is quite stressful to a fish. Injuries and disease are often the result. Do it as infrequently as you can. Planning ahead is the key.
Do water changes
15% every week will keep them happy, and your tank clear and beautiful. It takes only a few minutes once you get the hang of it.
Give schooling fish the companions they need
Don't keep schooling fish alone. It literally stresses them to death. Most need at least 4 companions. Many beginner fish are schoolers because that is also what makes them tolerant and playful in a tank. The exception is during the cycling process. Keep only two or three fishes then, and add more once the tank has cycled.
Know how to kill them
If there is no alternative and you make the decision, kill them humanely. The best way is with a clove oil solution that numbs them and renders them unconscious before they die. Flushing a fish down a toilet is actually extremely cruel. It can live for hours or days in horrific conditions before it dies. Pulling fish out of the water is also a very traumatic way for them to go.