A Beginner's Guide to Adding Fish to Your Freshwater Aquarium

Congratulations on your choice to embark on the delightful journey of fishkeeping with a freshwater biOrb aquarium. As you prepare to introduce your aquatic friends to their new home, it's essential to approach the process with care and patience. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure a smooth transition for your fish, from selecting the right fish to maintaining their well-being. So, let's dive in and create a thriving underwater world!

Step 1: Setting Up Your biOrb Aquarium:

Before you can introduce your fish to their new habitat, you must ensure that your biOrb aquarium is ready to receive them. After setting up your biOrb, it's crucial to exercise patience.

Wait a minimum of 24 hours before adding any fish! 

We recommend adding the water conditioner and then waiting another 24 hours the biological boost. Allow another 24 hours after adding the biological boost before adding your fish. The two treatments provide in your packaging do speed up the tank cycling process but, it is still good to give the bacteria time to become established.

Step 2: Seek Knowledgeable Advice:

Fishkeeping is a hobby enriched by knowledge, and your local aquatic store can be a valuable resource. The passionate enthusiasts who run these stores often possess encyclopedic knowledge of fish species and their care requirements. Don't hesitate to engage with them, ask questions, and seek advice. They can guide you in selecting fish that are compatible with your biOrb setup.

Step 3: Acclimating Your Fish:

Acclimating your fish to their new environment is a critical step for their well-being. To ensure a smooth transition, consult with your local aquatics store for guidance on the acclimation process. This step helps your fish adapt gradually to the water conditions in your biOrb.

Step 4: Adding Fish Gradually:

One of the most common mistakes made by novice fishkeepers is adding too many fish too quickly. When introducing fish to an aquarium, the biological filtration system must catch up with the waste they produce. Rapid additions can lead to high ammonia levels, which can harm your fish.

To encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in your biOrb's ceramic media, consider adding small fish gradually, at a rate of two every 28 days. This can vary slightly based on the size of your tank. This pacing is recommended for our 30L and larger aquariums.

Step 5: Maintain a Clean Environment:

A clean home is a happy and healthy one, and the same applies to your fish. As a fishkeeper, your primary responsibility is to look after the water quality in your biOrb. Fish are resilient and can thrive in well-maintained environments. Overfeeding, however, can lead to water pollution and harm your fish. Basic routine maintenance, such as water changes and filter maintenance, is simple but crucial for the overall health of your biOrb and its inhabitants.

Feeding Your Fish: Dos and Don'ts:

[insert photo of fish being fed indoors with pellets and not flakes]

Now that your fish are comfortably settled, let's discuss the importance of proper feeding:

1. Avoid Overfeeding: Overfeeding is the most common mistake made by new fishkeepers. Fish have modest appetites, and any uneaten food will linger in the water, potentially leading to water quality issues. Consult your local aquatics store for guidance on the appropriate amount to feed your fish, and be vigilant to avoid overfeeding.
2. Going Away for a Few Days? No Worries: Most fish can go without food for several days without any adverse effects on their health. Resist the temptation to add extra food before leaving; it's unnecessary and can pollute the water. Your fish will be perfectly fine for up to 10 days without a meal.
3. Choose Pellet Food Over Flake Food: For feeding, we recommend using pellet food over flake food. Flake food can clog your filter and necessitate more frequent tank cleaning. Pellet food is a cleaner and more efficient choice for your biOrb aquarium. Make sure to choose floating food whenever possible as it can be helpful in keeping your aquarium clean as it can be removed if your fish don't it immediately. 

Conclusion: Nurturing Your Aquatic Friends:

Your freshwater biOrb aquarium is a captivating slice of the underwater world, offering a serene and captivating glimpse into the lives of your fish. As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that patience, knowledge, and responsible care are your allies. By following these guidelines, you'll ensure a harmonious and thriving environment for your fish, and your biOrb will become a living work of art.

For all your aquarium needs, don't forget to visit our aquarium accessories page for a wide selection of biOrb products and accessories that will enhance your fishkeeping experience.