The Basic Rules for Healthy Fish

1. Do not change aquarium conditions unless absolutely necessary. If a change in temperature, water, pH, etc. must be made, do it gradually.
2. Do not add shipping water to aquarium. Net fish from bag to tank.
3. Do not overcrowd the tank. Keep a maximum of 1" of compatible fish per gallon of aquarium water. Most important is to allow for adequate surface area (10-12 square inches) per inch of fish
4. Do not overfeed: use only clean, uncontaminated food from a reputable source of proven quality.
5. Fish ailments are almost impossible for most aquarists to identify correctly. Therefore, when fish begin to show symptoms of disease, treat immediately for both bacterial and parasitic diseases.

Community Fish:
Community fish refers to species of fish that are compatible and able to cohabitate together in the same aquarium.

Some community fish that are compatible with each include the following: Rasboras, Tetras, Loaches, Swordtails, Platys, Mollies, Gouramis, Danios, Corydoras, Barbs, Plecos; As with any fish, make sure they are comparable in size as ones that are much smaller may be attacked or even eaten by bigger ones.

Non-Community Fish:
Some species of fish, or fish with like temperaments, can only cohabitate successfully with like species or temperaments of fish.

Species of fish that only cohabitate well with fish of the same species include: Cichlids, Discus, Angelfish. Fish can be classified in categories of peaceful, semi-aggressive, and aggressive. Look for like classifications of fish when stocking your aquarium. Your retail store should be able to assist or have stocked tanks labeled with these classifications.