Freshwater Aquariums

Finding the perfect fish isn't always as easy as it looks. Local pet shops may not carry what you are looking for. Fortunately, there are companies that specialize in Internet sales and shipping of live aquarium fish. In fact, online ordering of live fish has become fairly common. However, it's not with out risks. Here's what you should consider before mail-ordering live fish.

Choosing a Fish Shop
Acclimating Aquarium Fish
Matching pH

Photo © Sabine Scheckel

Freshwater Clowns are just as colorful as saltwater Clowns, and loaded with personality to boot. They are generally easy to care for, but you should be aware that they prefer to have others of their own kind, and they need good water quality to thrive. Here's what you need to know to keep your Clown Loach happy and healthy.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

If you've seen a Fiddler Crab you'll remember it. There is something mesmerizing about the way they wave one claw about as if saluting each other. Looked charming didn't they? Unfortunately odds are pretty high that they were not being kept in the proper conditions.

Fiddler Crabs require brackish water, as well as regular access to dry land. What they don't need is to be tossed in a fully filled freshwater tank. Before you buy one, be sure to learn about the proper care for your Fiddler Crab.

If you see them being improperly cared for at the pet shop, you can do something about it. This customer was able to bring the issue of Fiddler Crab care forward to a person who was in a position to make a change in a significant way. Here is his story about changing the care of Fiddler Crabs.

Photo © Shirlie Sharpe

Bettas are often seen in little cups or vases, but are those little containers the best habitat for a Betta? If they aren't, then what is the ideal home for a Betta?

This list of small aquariums that are Betta friendly helps answer that question. Do you have a mini-aquarium? If so, what are your thoughts on them, are minis great or terrible?

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

There are many benefits to having live plants in your aquarium. They provide a more natural habitat for the fish, eliminate toxins, and provide a haven for small or timid fish. Converting to live plants is not as hard as you might think.

If you'd like to know what to do, and pitfalls to watch out for, this journal is a good start. Written by a new aquarium owner who decided to make the switch from plastic to live plants, the journal has lots of great tips. She documented every step of her journey, complete with photos and commentaries from your Guide, and Don Matakis, an expert plant grower.

Photo © Don Matakis

Not so long ago it wasn't easy to find Black-Banded Leporinus for sale in your LFS. Now many shops carry them, but they are usually young and fairly small, like the one my sister fell in love with and took home.

Little did she know the cute little fish that resembled a little bumblebee would outgrow the tank. Before you take home a Black-Banded Leporinus do your homework, or you might be in for an unwelcome surprise.

Have you kept a Black-Banded Leporinus? If so, share your experiences about care, habitat, feeding and breeding of Black-Banded Leporinus. Your knowledge could help other owners.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

This new Yo Yo Loach owner is having trouble with his fish. Can you offer suggestions to help?

"I have recently acquired originally two Pakistani loaches. I found when I put them in the tank for the first two weeks they swam around getting used to the tank and other fish (5 small mainganos, 4bristlenose catfish and 4 kuhli loaches) they then began to hide and I went searching for them.I thenbought 4 more which were smaller in size hoping to entice them out but that didn't work as all they want to do is hide in the small space behind the filter even though there are plenty of hiding spaces such as caves ornaments and plants. Water pH is 7.5 and had a water change a couple of days before buying the last lot. The original two died today. What do you suggest?"

Photo © Barbara Brooks

If you want to take on a new and interesting challenge, consider raising some Killifish. They are fascinating fish that are fun to hatch and raise. Although you may not see them often in pet shops, if you do a little research you can mail order Killifish eggs and raise them yourself. Scott Davis, a well respected expert on Killies, was kind enough to answer a reader question about that very topic.

Photo © Laurie Fletcher

Goldfish have been kept as pets for over a thousand years. From simple to fancy, white to black, dozens of Goldfish variations abound. In fact, there are currently over 120 varieties of Goldfish. This gallery spotlights some of the popular Goldfish varieties.

More About Goldfish
How To Clean a Fish Bowl
Keep Goldfish in a Bowl?
Most Popular Fish
Swim Bladder Disorder
Wall Bowl

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

Harlequins, often referred to as the Red Rasbora, are arguably the most popular of the more than five dozen species of Rasbora. Small and colorful, a school of Harlequins make an attractive addition to a community tank.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe