TIPS FOR THE BEGINNER Before introducing fish into the aquarium you should: Condition your water. There are many products available such as Start Right, Stress Coat, Novaqua, etc. Add aquarium salt to help keep down disease in the tank. Test your water for Ph and hardness. Host fish will do well in softer water with a neutral (7.0) Ph. You may need to treat your water with a Ph adjuster such as Ph Down, Ph Up, Bullseye, 7.0, etc. If your water tests hard (generally well water), there are products available to soften it. Where treatment is necessary you will need water-testing equipment. Have your aquarium temperature set at approximately 78-80 degree if you plan to go with tropical fish. Cool to room temperature will be fine for goldfish. We recommend that you not mix tropical fish and goldfish. Add fish gradually. Allow time for helpful bacteria to build up in the tank that will break down wastes and eliminate ammonia problems (the chief killer of fish). Test your water regularly for ammonia and Ph. This will keep you informed of water condition in your tank and whether your fish are happy or not. Initially, feed sparingly once every two days. Food should be eaten in a few minutes. If food is dropping and sitting at the bottom, you are overfeeding. Food decays and causes Ph, ammonia and bacteria problems. Vary the diet. Long term success requires variety in feeding. Foods are available in many forms - dry, frozen and live. Know the fish in your aquarium. This will help you when you go to add fish to the tank. Not all fish are compatible. Observe your fish for visible signs of disease (white spots, white patches, discoloration, fin rot, etc.). Lack of appetite can also be an indication of a problem. There are medications available to treat these symptoms and should be applied at first signs after testing water. Do regular maintenance on your tank.