Fish

Many aquarium fish die needlessly through ignorance or indifference. Fish are sensitive living creatures, each species having its own special needs and way of life. In comparison with natural waters even the largest fish tank is very restricted for fish. Remember the following are important ideas:

Oxygen is essential for respiration and therefore life. It enters the water at the surface. Therefore the surface area is very important, the bigger the more oxygen will get into the water. Hot weather, deritus and overcrowding all reduce the amount of oxygen in a tank.

Carbon Dioxide is the waste gas from respiration. This gas dissolves readily in tank water to give an acid, poisonous condition.

Deritus is accumulated sludge from decaying dead animals and plants, excreta and waste food. It is often chemically poisonous and robs the water of oxygen.

Plants are not essential for the life of fish, but they aid the aquarium by removing carbon dioxide from the water and so help the general well being of the fish.