Having an aquarium can be very therapeutic and the hobby, if done right, can be very relaxing. The aquarium industry has come along way in the past few years and every year it gets easier and easier. The most important thing is to get the right advice from the word go and to know exactly what you want out of the hobby and what it will take to get there. Make sure you do your homework before you purchase your aquarium. It is impossible for the pet shop sales person to tell you every last thing, we will however try our best.

Tips on getting started with a new aquarium:

• Find out what fish are compatible, so you won’t be disappointed later when you discover they can’t go together.

• Know where your tank will go in your house and make sure it will be level (even if a tank is slightly off level it will crack from the water pressure.)
• Locate your tank away from direct sunlight to prevent algae growth.
• Trust the pet shop where you buy your fish from, as there will be no guarantee on live stock so you should be satisfied before you leave the store.
• Don’t start off with cheaper equipment because you will just end up replacing it later.
• Buy a book with pictures of different diseases so you will be able to spot them in there early stages and save your fish.
• Only add a few fish at a time, this will reduce stress.