Picking the right pet fish from your local store is of utmost importance when you first set out to create your aquarium. It's sad but true - not every fish is in perfect health. Here's how to pick the best of the bunch

Here's How:

• Look at the top and sides of the tanks. If most are encrusted with residue, look for another shop entirely.
• Look for clear water. If it's discolored, avoid that tank. If the water in most tanks is discolored, look for another shop.
• Scan a half dozen tanks to see if any fish are sick or have died. If you see more than one sick or dead fish, find another shop.
• Avoid tanks with decaying plants, as the water chemistry is questionable.
• Do not buy fish that just arrived in the shop. They are stressed from travel, and might be carrying disease.
• Avoid fish with cloudy eyes, torn or clamped fins, and spots or sores on their body.
• Avoid fish that are sluggish or appear to be shivering.
• Look at all the fish in the tank. If any appear sick, don't buy a fish from that tank.
• Choose an active, alert fish. Take him home and enjoy your new pet.

Tips:

• Ask the shop about their fish guarantee. Good shops will replace fish that die within the first day or two.
• Quarantine new fish in a separate tank for three days before moving them to the regular tank.

How to Add Fish to an Aquarium

Here's How:

• Test the pH, and chlorine levels before adding fish to a new tank. Chlorine must be zero, and pH close to that of the pet shop.
• Get a clean measuring cup and a small net.
• Turn the light off in the aquarium to reduce stress.
• Lift the lid and place the sealed bag in the water so it floats.
• Let the bag float for ten minutes, then open the top of the bag.
• Using the measuring cup, place one cup of tank water into the bag.
• Close the bag and allow it to float for another five minutes.
• Repeat steps six and seven once. For sensitive fish such as neon tetras repeat two or three times.
• Place the small net into the bag, lift the fish out, and quickly transfer it to the aquarium.
• Discard the bag of water in the sink (never in the aquarium).
• Leave the light off for several hours to allow the fish to adjust to the new setting.

Tips:

• If you only have a large net, hold the net over a bucket and gently pour the contents of the bag into it. Then quickly transfer the fish from the net to the tank.
• If there are already other fish in your aquarium place the new fish in a separate aquarium for several days and observe for disease.