So you want to have your own freshwater tropical aquarium fish, but don't know where to start? Luckily, I'll explain the steps you need to take in order to setup a fish tank and select a species of fish that will adapt to the environment you have envisaged.

There are two types of tropical fish, and they are saltwater tropical fish, and freshwater tropical fish. Here I'll be explaining the ways to setup a tank containing freshwater tropical fish.

Aquarium Cycling

Before putting your pet tropical fish in your fish tank, your fish tank needs to go through a phase known as aquarium cycling. It's important this phase is undertaken before you put your fish in your fish tank, otherwise you may run into a variety of problems. I know it can be tempting to get straight into it and immediately put your fish in the tank once there's water in there, but hang on for just a moment!

The Nitrogen cycle is the first phrase of aquarium cycling, and involves ridding the water of all the excess nitrogen that it has before the water is deemed fit for animal life. Sounds a little complex? Don't worry. Your best way to prepare the water in your fish tank so that you can place tropical fish in it is by planting your tank. This involves putting lots of nice sea plants within your tank that help to rid excess nitrogen and make the water suitable for your fish to swim in.

The next thing you'll need is a filter that is able to absorb foreign materials and particles from the water, ensuring that it stays fresh and recycled at all times. You may also consider purchasing an air stone, which come in addition to your air filter. This will allow your fish tank to display various bubble effects.

In terms of selecting your actual fish tank, any tank should do unless you want to customize your aquarium to a specific species of tropical freshwater fish. Speaking to your pet shop owner is a good idea as they'll be able to help you select a fish tank specific to your needs.

In terms of selecting the actual species of freshwater tropical fish, you need to be mindful that some species don't get along with one another. It's not uncommon for some species to bully, or even eat other species. The last thing you want to do is spend a small fortune acquiring the rarest and most exotic of freshwater tropical fish only to have them eaten by some antisocial tropical fish breed who doesn't think they're as beautiful as you do!

Once your fish tank is setup, and you have selected the types of fish you wish to place in your tank, all that remains is literally putting them in! Be mindful that feeding patterns and lighting can affect the way your fish live and behave. Be aware of potential fish diseases as well as good and bad types of fish food that you can feed specific species of tropical fish.