Are you thinking of applying for a Pets in the Classroom grant to set up a classroom aquarium?  Not sure where to start?  Here are some things to consider when choosing fish for your first aquarium.

One of the most important components of your aquarium is the water.  You will want to select fish that will stay healthy in your type of tap water.  When you go to purchase your equipment, you can take a sample of tap water with you to be tested.  Based on the pH and hardness or softness of the water, your aquarium professional will be able to recommend the correct water conditioners and fish that will tend to do well in your water.

You’ll want to choose fish that do well on prepared fish foods that are available from your pet supplier.  You can always supplement fish food with foods like freeze-dried brine shrimp or bloodworms as recommended, but for the most part you want fish that don’t need specialized feeding.

Choose hardy fish for your aquarium.  Some fish are better than others at adapting to conditions that might vary from day to day – possible over or under feeding, imperfect water changes, temperature fluctuations.  As you become more experienced and the students perfect the aquarium care routine, hardy fish will be able to handle the possible effects on their living conditions.

There are a wide variety of commercially raised fish available from pet and aquarium supply retailers that will do well in a beginner’s aquarium.  Get advice on which fish can live peacefully together and share similar environmental conditions, as well as which fish can best adapt to your classroom with success.

Now do you feel a little more prepared to bring fish into your classroom?  Apply for the Pets in the Classroom Grant today!