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Fish are nature's lava lamp: always mesmerizing and lovely. According to findings published in Anthrozoos, a scientific journal dedicated to the study of interactions between people and animals, observing an aquarium can lead to a decrease in pulse rate and muscle tension and in increase in skin temperature. Starting an aquarium hobby will provide you with these health benefits, and the fish will never beg for food at the dinner table.

Getting Started
Although fish are relatively easy to deal with, you still need to familiarize yourself with the rules governing the preparation and maintenance of an aquarium.

"Do some research first. Your first purchase should be a book," said Keith Seyffarth, who has been dispensing fish advice since 1994 on FirstTankGuide.net. "Look for titles like ‘An introduction to' or ‘A beginner's guide,' as these usually start with the basics."

After you finish learning about what's in store, you can begin purchasing equipment, starting with a tank. A large tank is preferred, as they tend to be more forgiving when adjusting for the safety of your fish.

Recommended equipment:
• Filter
• Pump
• Gravel
• Decorations

Most other equipment is only needed if you specifically desire it, but this and your decorations may affect what kinds of fish you can choose.

Cycling
The all important process of cycling is needed to safely introduce the bulk of your fish into a new tank.

"Cycling is the process of getting the biological filter established in a new aquarium," Seyffarth says. "The biological filter is a colony of bacteria that process the fish's waste into a less toxic form until you can remove it with your regular water changes."

These bacteria will automatically form when fish begin making waste. You start with one or two hardy fish (like goldfish) alone in a tank, and monitor the pH levels until the environment is safe for several fish.

Fish
After you put together your tank and cycle it, you are ready to choose your fish. This is naturally a matter of personal opinion, but there are certainly general combinations to keep in mind.

"Most people start a small, peaceful community of fish," said Seyffarth, recommending this combination:
• neon tetras
• platies (one pair)
• cory catfish
• other small tetras

Many of the larger tetras, barbs and chichlids will make your tank more exciting, but be careful when combining them with weaker or overly aggressive fish.

Since you are essentially arranging a small ecosystem, be sure to double-check with your research and a fish expert before attempting any combinations you are unsure of. Your primary concerns are similarities in size, temperament and care requirements.

Maintenance
Daily:
Feed (only as much as they can eat)
Check water clarity and temperature
Observe your fish for illness

Weekly:
Change water (10-15%)
Scrape algae
Remove dead plants and animals.

If you can coordinate your schedule around these simple requirements, an aquarium will provide you with a rewarding lifelong hobby, as well as a lovely topic of conversation while entertaining guests.

Ready for more? Check out more stories in our Pets section.