Selecting the correct aquarium fish can mean the difference between a successful, happy tank and a complete failure. Not all fish live well together and may fight or eat other species, while some fish thrive in warmer temperatures than others.

Then there are more sociable fish who are happier living in schools and surrounded by the same types of fish as themselves, so if you buy just one of this variety it will be unhappy and stressed. Choose the desired size of your fish carefully too. Some fish are capable of growing quite large which can overcrowd your tank and could lead to other problems such as diseases or illnesses.

When youve figured out what types of fish youd prefer to see in your aquarium, ask some questions at your local aquarium store. Always remember to tell them about the types of fish you already have in your tank and how many you have so you wont be tempted to buy too many or buy incompatible fish.

Tank Temperature: Your tanks environment is the most important factor in selecting the type of fish you buy. Tropical fish will struggle in a cold water environment, while cold water fish wont do well in a warm water tank. This means the two types of fish arent going to mix well in the same tank, so be sure to choose only fish varieties that should thrive in the environment youve created.

Water Conditions: When you buy lots of small fish, your tank can look busy and the fish should all be fine. When those little fish grow into much bigger fish you may suddenly find your tank is overcrowded and there simply isnt enough water space for the amount of fish you have. Too many fish also increases the ammonia levels in your water, which can make your fish sick unless you change the water very frequently.

Fish Size: Choose your fish carefully before you introduce them into your tank. Be sure that theyll either remain a similar size to when you bought them or that youll have enough room for them when they grow bigger.

Fish Types: Not all fish live happily together. There are some varieties of fish that can be very aggressive and will become territorial over a particular area. They can attack your gentler or smaller fish, leaving them injured and at risk of infection or they can die. If you like the more aggressive fish varieties, then have a separate tank for these and keep the gentler, more social fish together in a different tank.

Food Types: Most people are familiar with fish flakes and the sight of fish coming to the surface to eat the bits you sprinkle over the top is common. However not all fish will eat this type of fish food. Some prefer a little more substance in their diets, so consider things like brine shrimp or mealworms. You should check what your particular fish prefer to eat.

Looks Are Everything: When youre choosing a fish to buy, dont just check out the individual fish. Look at all the other fish in the tank as well. If there are any in the aquarium that look ill or have strange growths or discolorations on their scales then dont buy any fish from that tank.

Fish Types:You should also check for any other sick or injured fish. Even though the fish you buy might look really healthy and happy, it may be harboring bacteria from another fish from the store tank. Putting that fish into your own tank means you could be introducing disease and bacteria.

Creating a successful aquarium environment can be simple when you take a bit of time to choose the right fish to match your tank. Take some time to plan the tank conditions youre aiming at and you should be able to create an atmosphere where all your fish are happy and healthy.