When your aqua scape is firmly in place and growing, you can bring home the fish. Here are some suggestions of breeds that are hardy and easy to care for.

The Mosquito fish (Gambusia Affinis) are often used as a means to control mosquitoes. In an outdoor pond they are used to help control the West Nile Virus carried by the insects. Sturdy enough to winter in North America in a pond deep enough to ensure an adequate oxygen supply. This is a live bearing fish with behavior patterns similar to guppies. With a life span of three years the fry are approximately 6.35 mm (.25 inch) at birth and grows to a maximum of 76.2 mm (3 inches). It does well with Hornwort (Ceratophyllum Demersum) which branches out to cover the floor of the aquarium. This provides a thick growth for fish fry to hide in. It also helps fight algae by secreting certain counteractive substances.

The Short-Bodied Catfish is 75mm (3 inches) long, originated in South America and swims at lower levels. Requires water to be 75-76 degrees Fahrenheit (24 Celsius). This fish eats all foods and vegetable matter. The Corydoras (Catfish) is only 60-65mm (2.36-2.55 inches) and also comes from South America. Another lower level swimmer, it also requires the water to be 75-76 degrees Fahrenheit (24 Celsius) and eats all foods.

One group of small fish named Cyprinids have their teeth in their necks rather than their jaws. One of this group is the Black Ruby Barb (Barbus Nigrofasciati). He is hardy, friendly to other fish and 60 mm (2-3 inches) long at maturity. At breeding time his striped body turns a blackish red color with a deep purple hue on the head. He originated in Sri Lanka and eats all foods.

The Rosy Barb (Barbus Conchonius) is 100 mm (3-4 inches) and friendly. From Northern India he eats all foods and requires the water to be 75-76 degrees (24 Celsius). He changes to a deep pink at breeding time. The Pearl Danio (Brachydanio Albolineatus is an upper level swimmer. The lid should be kept firmly closed to keep him in the aquarium. He is constantly looking for food and grows to 55 mm (2 inches). From South East Asia, he requires a water temperature of 75-76 degrees (24 Celsius).

Since some fish view your aquarium plants as food you may want to avoid those fish. The Cichlids are inclined to dig up the plants. Tinfoil Barbs, Buenos Aires Tetras, and Silver Dollars will consume all your plants regardless of how often you feed them. Many other fish such as Mollies, Tiger Barbs and Swordtails will nibble on the plants once in awhile. This does not cause damage to the plants. Giving them some vegetable food to supplement their diet will help save the plants.

Your plants and fish will thrive on frequent water changes of 20% or less. Make sure the water has no chlorine and matches the temperature currently in the tank. Once per week should be often enough. Good food for your fish and fertilizer for the plants that require it will keep your aquarium a healthy environment for all.

One notorious plant eater is the African Cychlid. The secret to keeping them and live plants is to discover which African Cychlid and which plants will survive in the tank together. One expert has Pseudotropheus Socolofi, Pseudotropheus Zebra and a Sailfin Plecostomus living together. In the wild they are omnivorous. They are fed par-boiled zucchini slices which is their favorite. The only plant that survives is Jungle Val (Vallisneria Spiralis) and they have to be in pots. The pot’s drainage hole at the bottom is closed off with a pebble. When buying the plants for a tank with vegetarian fish choose only the toughest and pot them rather than planting in substrate. The water changes will have to be more frequent than weekly to keep the algae under control. It can be done but with much extra effort.

The fish described here are classified as hardy and easy to care for. Choose from among those which require similar water temperatures and light intensity levels. For the most color you will have to select all males. Among species of fish the males are bestowed with superior coloring. Check which species can exist peacefully as tank mates. Since some breeds might view smaller breeds as a food source, until you are more familiar with them it’s best to choose fish of the same size. As different breeds swim at different levels in the tank, choose some who swim at high levels, some who prefer the middle and some who swim among the plants covering the aquarium floor. When your fish have acclimated to the water and are swimming and eating your work is done (Except for the daily feeding and the weekly water change) for now.

Now it is time for you to sit back in your comfortable leather desk chair for fifteen or twenty minutes. Turn to face the aquarium and let the placid view begin its tranquilizing effects. Allow your eyes to follow the movement of the fish and the gentle fluttering of the
plants. Test the theory of whether or not an aquarium is an effortless way to relax. Anticipate the many peaceful hours you will spend
enjoying the sight of the spectacular underwater world you have created…

David