Fish in Tanks: No, Thanks!!!

Fragile fish, meant to live freely in spacious waters, suffer miserably when forced to spend their lives enclosed in glass aquariums. Robbed of their natural habitat, denied the space to roam, they're forced to swim in endless repetitive circles around the same empty cubic inches.

If you already have fish, you can make their lives easier by providing them with an environment that is as much like their natural habitat as possible. The following tips will help ensure that they are as happy as possible:

* The more space that fish have, the happier and healthier they will be.
* Treat tap water properly before putting it in the aquarium, as most municipal water has chlorine in it, which can kill fish.
* A filter to remove waste particles and noxious chemicals from the water is essential. Live plants help with this task and provide oxygen, shelter, hiding places, and the occasional snack.
* Fish need a constant temperature, generally between 68°F and 76°F. Automatic aquarium heaters monitor the water temperature and turn the heater on and off as needed.
* The natural waste of fish emits ammonia, which can accumulate to toxic levels, so clean the tank regularly, but never empty the tank completely. Be sure to clean the glass well with a pad or a brush to prevent algae growth.
* Create places for the fish to hide in and explore. Ceramic objects, natural rocks, and plants work well. Make sure that all objects are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before they are put into the tank. Do not use metal objects, as they will rust.
* Be aware of the environment outside the aquarium. Suddenly switching on a bright light in a dark room can startle fish, and vibrations from a television or a stereo can alarm and stress them.
* Keep all harmful chemicals away from the aquarium. Cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and aerosol sprays can be toxic if they are absorbed into the water.
* Don’t overfeed! Uneaten food and waste material are broken down into ammonia and nitrites, which are toxic.