Top Facts You Need to Know Before Getting a Pet Fish

Getting your first pet fish can be an exciting experience. Aquariums bring colour, life, and tranquillity into your home, while offering a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world. However, many people underestimate what is involved in caring for fish properly.

Contrary to popular belief, fish are not “easy pets” that can simply be placed in a bowl and forgotten about. Like any animal, they require the right environment, regular care, and a basic understanding of their needs to thrive.

Before setting up your first aquarium, here are some important facts every new fish keeper should know.

1. Fish Need More Than Just Water

One of the biggest misconceptions about fishkeeping is that fish only need water and food to survive.

In reality, fish require:

Proper filtration
Stable water temperature
Suitable water chemistry
Adequate swimming space
Regular maintenance

A healthy aquarium is a carefully balanced ecosystem designed to support aquatic life.

2. Bigger Aquariums Are Often Easier to Maintain

Many beginners assume smaller tanks are easier to look after.

The opposite is often true.

Larger aquariums typically provide:

More stable water conditions
Better temperature consistency
Greater dilution of waste
More room for fish

For most beginners, a tank between 60 and 120 litres is often easier to manage than a tiny nano aquarium.

3. Fish Need a Cycled Aquarium

Before adding fish, an aquarium must establish beneficial bacteria that process harmful waste.

This process is known as:

The Nitrogen Cycle

Beneficial bacteria convert:

Ammonia → Nitrite → Nitrate

Without these bacteria, toxic waste quickly builds up and can seriously harm fish.

Cycling an aquarium is one of the most important steps in successful fishkeeping.

4. Not All Fish Can Live Together

Just because fish are sold in the same shop doesn’t mean they’re compatible.

Different species have different requirements regarding:

Water parameters
Tank size
Behaviour
Diet
Temperature

Researching compatibility before purchasing fish can prevent stress, aggression, and health issues later.

5. Fish Grow Bigger Than You Think

Many fish sold in shops are juveniles.

Some species that appear small can eventually grow to impressive sizes.

For example:

Common Plecos can exceed 30cm
Silver Sharks can reach over 30cm
Oscars can grow beyond 30cm

Always research the adult size of any fish before purchasing.

6. Fish Have Different Personalities

Many people are surprised to discover that fish display individual behaviours and personalities.

Some fish are:

Curious
Shy
Territorial
Social
Playful

Species such as Gouramis, Cichlids, and Bettas often develop distinct personalities that owners quickly recognise.

7. Regular Maintenance Is Essential

Even the best aquarium requires ongoing care.

Typical maintenance includes:

Water changes
Filter maintenance
Water testing
Glass cleaning
Plant trimming

Most tropical aquariums require around 15–30 minutes of maintenance each week.

8. Water Quality Is More Important Than Food

Many beginner fish losses are caused by poor water quality rather than poor feeding.

Fish depend on clean, stable water to remain healthy.

Key parameters include:

Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
pH
Temperature

Regular testing helps identify problems before they become serious.

9. Fish Can Live for Many Years

Fish are often viewed as short-term pets, but many species have surprisingly long lifespans.

Examples include:

Neon Tetras: 5–10 years
Corydoras: 5–10 years
Goldfish: 10–20+ years
Angelfish: 10–15 years
Plecos: 10+ years

Buying fish should be considered a long-term commitment.

10. Aquariums Can Improve Wellbeing

Numerous studies have suggested that watching fish can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Aquariums may help:

Lower anxiety
Create a calming environment
Improve mood
Enhance focus

Many fishkeepers describe their aquarium as one of the most relaxing features in their home.

11. Fish Need the Right Diet

Different fish species have different dietary requirements.

Some are:

Herbivores

Primarily plant eaters.

Carnivores

Require protein-rich foods.

Omnivores

Eat a mixture of plant and animal matter.

Providing a varied, species-appropriate diet supports long-term health and vibrant colouration.

12. Live Plants Can Be Beneficial

Live plants do more than improve aesthetics.

They can help:

Absorb nutrients
Improve water quality
Provide shelter
Reduce stress
Support natural behaviour

Many beginner-friendly plants are easy to maintain and highly beneficial for fish.

13. Aquariums Teach Valuable Skills

Fishkeeping is both enjoyable and educational.

The hobby encourages:

Responsibility
Patience
Observation
Problem-solving
Scientific understanding

It’s one of the reasons aquariums are popular with families and children.

14. Fishkeeping Is Highly Customisable

No two aquariums need to look the same.

Popular aquarium styles include:

Community aquariums
Natural aquascapes
Planted tanks
Biotope aquariums
Species-only setups

This flexibility allows hobbyists to create a unique underwater environment that suits their interests.

15. Fishkeeping Is a Hobby That Can Grow With You

Many hobbyists begin with a simple tropical aquarium before exploring:

Aquascaping
Shrimp keeping
Fish breeding
Marine aquariums
Reef keeping

There is always something new to learn, making fishkeeping a hobby that can provide enjoyment for decades.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Before purchasing your first fish, try to avoid these common mistakes:

Adding Fish Too Soon

Always cycle the aquarium first.

Overfeeding

Excess food pollutes the water.

Overstocking

Too many fish can overwhelm the filtration system.

Skipping Water Testing

Regular testing helps prevent problems.

Buying Fish Without Research

Always check compatibility and adult size before purchasing.

What You’ll Need Before Buying Fish

A basic tropical aquarium setup should include:

Aquarium
Filter
Heater
Thermometer
Water conditioner
Water test kit
Fish food
Gravel or substrate
Decorations or plants

Starting with quality equipment makes fishkeeping much easier and more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Fish can make wonderful pets, but successful fishkeeping involves more than simply filling a tank with water and adding fish. Understanding the basics of aquarium care, water quality, fish compatibility, and regular maintenance will help you create a healthy environment where your fish can thrive.

By doing a little research before getting started, you’ll avoid many common beginner mistakes and enjoy a far more rewarding fishkeeping experience.

At Charterhouse Aquatics, we stock everything you need to start your fishkeeping journey, including aquariums, filters, heaters, water treatments, decorations, plants, and beginner-friendly tropical fish.