Keeping Tropical Fish for Beginners: How to keep tropical fish - Pond Guides | Pond Planet (2024)

With their bold, vibrant colours and exotic characteristics, it’s no surprise that tropical fish attract beginner and advanced aquarists alike. These exquisite creatures exude tropical beauty, offering a magnificent focal point in any home or office space.

You might be spellbound by the vibrant clownfish in your local pet shop or captivated by a friend’s tropical fish tank. However, with great beauty comes great responsibility. Keeping tropical fish requires in-depth knowledge and attention to detail, and having the right equipment is essential before taking the plunge.

Whilst this can seem daunting to beginners, tropical fish-keeping is a fun, rewarding experience once you have all the essentials taken care of. This tropical fish-keeping guide for beginners provides everything you need to know to become a successful tropical fish keeper, from correctly setting up your tank to water conditions, tropical fish food, and more. Let’s dive in!

Table of contents

1. What are tropical fish?
2. How to keep tropical fish: What to consider
3. Tropical fish-keeping for beginners: 9 easy steps
4. Choosing your tropical fish species
5. How to safely add fish to your aquarium
6. What is the best food to feed tropical fish?
7. How to clean a tropical fish tank
8. Discover tropical fish-keeping for beginners at Pond Planet

What are tropical fish?

Tropical fish are a variety of fish kept in warm water, usually from 74 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit or around 25 degrees Celsius. Their vivid colours, beautiful patterns, and distinctive behaviours make them a prized choice amongst fish lovers.

However, tropical fish are often more fragile than other fish types, and environmental changes can cause distress. With this in mind, it’s important to be meticulous about tropical fish care, as these beautiful creatures require a carefully maintained aquarium and water conditions to live long, happy lives.

How to keep tropical fish: What to consider

Tropical fish-keeping is exciting. However, preparation is essential before buying your tropical fish. Here, we’ve covered the three main points to consider.

1. Your budget

There are many price brackets involved in tropical fish-keeping, from equipment available for those on a budget to high-end accessories for those looking to splurge. No matter which end of the spectrum you fall, it’s essential to find a suitable price point and use that as a guide when setting up your tropical fish tank.

2. Your water

You must test the pH of your water at home before choosing your fish, as your tap water’s acidity level will determine the fish breeds you can keep. You can easily test the pH of your water at home using a simple water test kit.

3. Your fish breeds

Once you know the pH of your water, you can start researching the best tropical fish for beginners. As a tropical fish beginner, it’s best to choose fish that are fun and easy to care for. Eventually, you can move on to the more demanding breeds as you become a more experienced fish keeper.

How to care for tropical fish in 9 easy steps

To successfully keep tropical fish, creating a suitable environment that meets their specific needs is essential. Below, we’ve covered how to create the perfect tropical fish environment in 7 easy steps.

Step 1: Choosing a tropical fish tank for beginners

The first step to keeping tropical fish is choosing the right aquarium. Small tropical fish tanks are often recommended for beginners, ranging from 30-60 cm long. However, if you have the space and budget for a larger tank, we recommend choosing a medium to large-size tank.

Larger tanks have a more stable atmosphere than smaller tanks, so changes to water conditions and temperature happen more gradually. Tropical fish are extremely sensitive to environmental changes, so a larger fish tank can help prevent distress.

Fluval Edge 2.0 Aquarium 23L: Gloss Black

Pond Planet offers tropical fish tanks for beginners by various leading brands, including Aqua One, Fluval, and Oase. Many of our models come with built-in cabinets and stands, perfect for storing tropical fish food, external filters, and cleaning tools.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect beginner fish tank, you must find a suitable location to place it. Your fish tank’s location directly affects your fish’s health, so this is a crucial step. You should ensure your fish tank is placed on a stable surface, away from windows, and in an area where you can easily keep on top of cleaning and maintenance. It’s also important the location you choose has a consistent temperature, is away from loud noises, and is not in direct sunlight, which can cause algae to build up.

Step 2: Choose your tropical fish tank lighting

Fish tank lights are an essential component of any healthy aquarium. They enhance the beauty and visibility of your set-up, promote the health of aquatic pets and plants, and help maintain your aquarium conditions in the long run. Aquarium lights also have an important effect on the physiology and behaviour of your fish, improving their general well-being.

Of course, different fish and plant types require different lighting levels, so it’s important to thoroughly research your tropical fish breeds to ensure your lights suit their needs. Lights that are too bright or intense can create algae problems and distress some tropical fish species, whereas too dim lights can prevent plant growth and impact fish health. Lighting is also crucial for photosynthesis; plants need light to grow and produce oxygen, which is essential for fish health.

Pond Planet offers a versatile selection of tank lights, including LED aquarium lights, control units, and accessories. Some aquariums feature aquarium lids that have pre-fitted lighting tubes. However, if your aquarium has no lid or you’d like to upgrade your existing set-up, you’ll find various options in our collection.

Not sure what aquarium lights to choose? Fluorescent and LED lights are an inexpensive, low-energy option, great for beginner and intermediate fish keepers alike! Remember, you can use a timer to automate your lighting routine, ensuring consistency with the duration and intensity of your tank lights, which is beneficial for tropical fish.

Step 3: How to choose a tropical fish tank filter

An aquarium filter is essential for any fish tank, as your fish won’t stay healthy for long without one. Aquarium filters help maintain clean, healthy water by removing fish waste, uneaten food from the tank, and harmful toxins such as ammonia and nitrite that can build up in the water and become toxic to fish if left untreated. They also help to oxygenate the water in your fish tank, which is essential for fish health.

It’s important to choose a tank filter that can handle the requirements of your tank, including your aquarium size and the number of fish you have. Our collection offers a fantastic range of filters for tropical fish tanks, including internal and external filters, so you can easily find one to meet your needs.

Oase BioPlus 200 Internal Aquarium Filter

Internal filters are generally easy to install and suitable for smaller tanks with fewer fish. However, they can take up valuable space in your fish tank.

If you have the space and budget, external filters are an excellent choice for tropical fish tanks, especially if you have a larger tank with a large fish community. They are designed to provide high filtration and water movement levels and can easily be enhanced or maintained with aquarium filter media. Remember, your filter should always be left on to maintain a healthy, oxygenated environment for your fish.

Oase BioMaster 850 External Aquarium Filter

Learn more about choosing the best aquarium filter with our latest blog, ‘How to choose the best aquarium filter for your fish tank’.

Step 4: Choose an aquarium pump

Aquarium air pumps work hand in hand with aquarium filters, helping oxygenate tank water and keep harmful gases from becoming problematic.

Air stones are a great way to circulate air around your fish tank, whilst air pumps are better suited to larger tanks. This is important not only for fish health but for aquatic plants, too!

Step 5: Your aquarium heater and thermometer

Unlike coldwater fish such as common goldfish, tropical fish require warmer water in their aquariums to keep them alive. You must install a fish tank heater to heat the water to the appropriate temperature and maintain it there.

Water temperature is extremely important for tropical fish care. A low water temperature can slow down the metabolism of your fish, leading to less activity and appetite and, in extreme cases, malnutrition and stunted growth. However, if the temperature is too high, it can cause overheating, oxygen deprivation and bacteria growth, all of which can be fatal. Remember, different types of fish require different temperatures to stay healthy, so make sure you build this into your research back in step one.

Aquarium heaters come in many shapes, sizes and price points to suit different tank sizes, fish and budgets. There are two main types of heater: Submersible and external, and all come with safety features to ensure your fish and personal safety are not at risk.

Fluval Wireless 2-in-1 Digital Aquarium Thermometer

A thermometer is also important to your beginner’s equipment kit, ensuring you can closely monitor your water temperature. The temperature shouldn’t shift by more than a degree or two daily, and your thermometer will ensure you can make any necessary changes should anything go wrong.

What temperature should a tropical fish tank be?

The ideal temperature for tropical fish is generally 24-27°C or 75-80°F.

Step 6: Buy water conditioners

Regular tap water contains chlorine, heavy metals and chloramine, which can be toxic to fish. So, treating the tank water before introducing your fish to their new environment is important. The best way to ensure a safe and healthy environment for your tropical fish is by using water conditioners.

Water conditioners help neutralise harmful chemicals present in water, making the water safe for fish; some also help balance the water’s pH level, which is essential for tropical fish health.

The ideal pH range for most tropical fish species is 6.8 to 7.6, but this may differ for different types of fish. If the water pH is too high or low, it can cause health problems for your fish, so it’s important to research each tropical fish species’ specific needs thoroughly.

At Pond Planet, we offer an exceptional range of water conditioners, including water treatments for algae, disease treatments, and cloudy water-clearing solutions. We also stock aquarium UV sterilisers, perfect for helping to kill algae and harmful bacteria!

Step 7: Choose your substrate

Once you have all the necessary fish tank components, you must choose the right aquarium substrate. The Aquarium substrate is placed on the base of your tropical fish tank and comes in various styles to suit your aesthetics. However, it not only enhances the visual appeal of your set-up but also supports aquatic plants and provides a healthy surface for beneficial bacteria to grow.

Soft substrates like sand and gravel are the most popular substrates for tropical fish tanks. Whichever substrate you choose, ensuring it is properly cleaned before adding it to the tank is essential!

Step 8: Aquarium decor

One of the most exciting parts of tropical fish-keeping is choosing your aquarium decor. You can have lots of fun decorating your aquarium, providing your fish with exciting underwater ruins and plants to explore while adding stunning aesthetic appeal to your set-up. Decor and plants stimulate your fish and make for a very attractive aquarium.

Aqua One Bonsai On Rock Bridge

Create a tranquil setting with aquarium backgrounds or transform your set-up into a nature-inspired habitat with wooden ornaments. Or, why not create an exciting underwater environment with our aquarium ornaments, including caves, colourful skulls, and underwater shipwrecks?

While choosing your aquarium decor is fun, it’s important not to overcrowd your tank, as this can impact your fish’s quality of life. Plus, you should always wash your ornaments before adding them to your tank and ensure any ornaments are safe for fish.

Looking for aquarium decor tips? Check out our aquascaping blog post for 6 simple ways to create a beautiful underwater world for your fish.

Step 9: Cycle your new fish tropical tank

Once you have correctly set up your tropical fish tank with all the essentials, it’s time to prepare your tank for your fish. This process is known as cycling your tank and includes bringing the tank water conditions to a safe, healthy level for fish.

Cycling your tank water is essential to allow good bacteria to grow to ensure a healthy environment for your fish. With this in mind, you must wait to buy tropical fish until your aquarium is ready – and never attempt to cycle your tank water with your fish already in it. Not cycling your tank before adding new fish can lead to a phenomenon called ‘New Tank Syndrome’ (NTS), which can be harmful, if not fatal, for your fish.

How to cycle a fish tank?

An easy way to cycle your fish tank is to add a small amount of tropical fish food to the water each day. Like fish waste, the food will naturally release ammonia into the tank water as it breaks down.

Do this for about a month, using aquarium test kits to monitor the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. As the good bacteria develop, the ammonia and nitrite levels will start to decrease, and nitrate levels will climb to a safe level for fish.

Choosing your tropical fish species

Finally, the moment you have been waiting for, choosing your tropical fish! Choosing your tropical fish is one of the most exciting parts of fish keeping and, for many, is the magical moment their aquarium comes to life. However, like with all aspects of fish keeping, it’s vital to take the time to research each tropical fish species.

Only certain species can live harmoniously. For instance, some tropical fish, like betta fish, should be housed alone as they can be aggressive to others. Different species have different needs and behavioural traits, so consider these when choosing tank mates. It’s important not to get too carried away and add too many fish at once, as it can overload the filtration system.

Guppies, neon tetras, and mollies are great tropical fish for beginners. However, we recommend speaking to a local aquarium specialist for advice on the best tropical fish species to house together.

How to safely add fish to your aquarium

Once you’ve chosen your fish breeds, it’s time to safely introduce your new tropical pets to their home. This process is known as acclimation and is essential to prevent your fish from going into shock.

Follow our 5 simple steps to acclimate your tropical fish safely:

1. First, turn off any lights in your aquarium and minimise noise. This will help to reduce stress, thus increasing the likelihood of a smooth transition.
2. Next, float the bag in the fish tank. This should be done without opening the bag your fish are in, allowing your fish to acclimate to the water temperature slowly. Leave for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, slowly introduce tank water to the bag by adding small amounts each time. This will help your fish get used to the new water gradually. Repeat this process every 10 minutes.
4. After 30 to 40 minutes, the water conditions in the bag should be similar to those in the tank. You can use a pH tester to check this. If the water in the bag is still too different, wait longer before the next step.
5. Release the fish from the bag, fully immersing it into the tank. You can use a net to help guide your new fish into their new home if needed.

Though adding several tropical fish to your tank might be tempting, you must be wary of overcrowding, as this can cause fish to become territorial and aggressive, leading to injuries or, in worst cases, death. Overcrowding can also impact water quality and oxygen levels and increase the risk of disease, so choosing the right number of fish for your tank and filtration system is essential.

Once you have acclimated your fish, keep an eye on their tank for the next few days, regularly testing the water parameters to ensure the water conditions have remained healthy for fish.

What is the best food to feed tropical fish?

When it comes to feeding tropical fish, various types of tropical fish food are available, including tropical fish food flakes, pellets, granules, and more. However, the best tropical fish food for your fish depends on the species in your aquarium.

Different fish species have different dietary requirements. For instance, some fish are herbivores and eat fish flake food and plant matter, whereas others require a high-protein diet.

With this in mind, diet is essential to tropical fish care. It is responsible for providing tropical fish with the nutrients they need to remain healthy and active and maintain their trademark bright colours.

How often should you feed tropical fish?

It is very hard to starve fish. However, overfeeding them can be easy. With this in mind, you should feed tropical fish small amounts of food two to three times a day. Generally, this should be enough for them to eat within a few minutes.

Overfeeding your fish can have various negative consequences, from digestive health problems to poor water quality. Uneaten food can also create harmful toxins as it decomposes. However, different tropical fish species have different dietary needs, so it’s important to research the specific needs of your fish to provide them with the best diet possible.

Our aquarium fish feeders are a fantastic way to ensure your fish are fed consistently and correctly, taking the guesswork out of feeding tropical fish!

How to clean a tropical fish tank

Though it might not be the most exciting part of fish-keeping, cleaning your aquarium is essential to good tropical fish care. You must clean their tank regularly to keep your fish happy and healthy.

Below, we’ve covered everything you need to know about cleaning your tropical fish tank:

1. Firstly, prepare for cleaning by gathering all of your equipment. Our aquarium cleaning tools collection has everything you need to start, including cleaning pads, cloths, gravel cleaners, fish nets, scrapers, and more.
2. Next, remove any aquarium debris or leftover food using your aquarium net.
3. Clean the glass using a sponge or scraper, being gentle enough not to scratch or damage the aquarium surface.
4. Remove aquarium decorations or plants and gently clean them with a cloth or soft brush. Pay attention to any areas with stubborn algae growth. However, do not use soap or detergent; this can harm your fish when your ornaments are later replaced in the tank.
5. Lastly, use a gravel cleaner to clean the substrate at the bottom of the tank, taking care not to disturb any nearby fish.
6. We’d recommend performing a partial water change every 1-2 weeks, depending on your tank size and stocking levels. This involves replacing approximately 15-20% of the existing water with new, treated water. It is best to leave your fish in the tank when cleaning or changing the water, as removing them increases the risk of unnecessary stress, or you can accidentally harm them when handling.

How often you need to clean your aquarium depends on the size of your tank. However, as a general rule, you should give your fish tank a full clean once a month and smaller check-ups more often to clear any algae and waste build-up.

You can also perform health checks by disturbing the tank substrate: If the substrate releases a cloud when disturbed, it’s a sign it’s time to clean.

Discover tropical fish-keeping for beginners at Pond Planet

And there you have it! Everything you need to know about keeping tropical fish for beginners. By following this guide, you can provide the best tropical fish care, creating a healthy and thriving environment for fish, plants, and aquatic life.

At Pond Planet, we have everything you need to create the perfect tropical fish tank, with expert advice and top-quality products. Choose from leading aquarium brands and find the best equipment, from tropical fish tanks for beginners and aquarium media to fish tank spare parts!

With the right care and equipment, tropical fish-keeping is a fulfilling and rewarding hobby for all ages and skill levels. Ready to start yours? Explore our complete aquarium range today and discover tropical fish-keeping with Pond Planet!

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