Tropical fish aquariums make a beautiful addition to your home or office, but before you start purchasing your fish, it is important to evaluate your options and understand the dos and don'ts so your fish can enjoy a healthy life. Gerber’s Tropical Fish in Dayton offers the following advice for planning a new fish tank purchase.

• Decide on your water type: There are three types of habitats you can provide in your tropical fish aquarium: freshwater, saltwater, and brackish. Freshwater fish are the easiest to feed and need the least amount of tank maintenance. Saltwater fish require a complex marine environment and can be very costly to maintain, but the saltwater tropical fish tend to be the most brilliantly colored. Brackish tropical fish fall in the middle and require more care than freshwater fish but are more hardy and resilient than saltwater fish.
• Pick compatible fish: Not all fish species will live together peacefully. Research the tropical fish that are best suited to cohabitate in the water environment you have decided upon. The experts at Gerber’s Tropical Fish are a great resource for all your specific fish questions. Start your tank with just a couple of fish and add in additional tropical fish gradually to give the fish adequate time to adjust to their new environment.
• Purchase healthy tropical fish: Take a good look at the fish you are purchasing to make sure that they do not show any signs of disease or illness. Check for flaking scales, bulging eyes, ragged fins, or discoloration—all can be signs of disease. By purchasing your tropical fish from a reputable vendor like Gerber’s Tropical Fish, you can feel certain that your fish are healthy before you bring them home.

Now that you are ready to start your tropical aquarium, visit Gerber’s Tropical Fish in Dayton for all your fish tank accessories, and feel free to ask for help from their knowledgeable staff about picking out fish. You can see some of their selection online, or call them at (937) 297-0515 with any questions.