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fish tips

Fish as pets can be great but there are some simple habits you really need to get into.

Depending on the size of the tank and the size of the fish water changes should be done regulaly, also depending on your filter system. My big tank I have to do a water change weekly, my smaller tank can go monthly before one is needed but an eye is kept on the PH and KH levels often.
Filters can save a lot of work, invest in a good filter system and clean the filters regulary.
While live plants can aid in the supply of C02 fish love to eat plants, well most do but you get the odd fish that don't. They also love to pull them out so expect to be replanting and replacing them.
Plants need light (real ones), without light they wont grow and will rot in the tank. Sunlight is not enough. Fish also need dark, so idealy you should have a light on a timer giving them at least eight hours of light a day.
Depending on the type of fish you keep, flakes are probably what you'd be feeding your fish. Flakes are good but a change of diet or some additional types can also be a bonus, things like pellets, boiled pea inners (no shell and cut in tiny bits).
If you only buy one thing for your tank, it should be a PH test kit, depending where you live the water conditions out of your tap can be hard water (water hardness) or soft, or even higher level of chorline and flouride amongst others. If you are unsure take a small sample of tap water to your local pet shop and get them to test it for you. They might charge you a dollar or two but the finding can be the difference between long living heathly fish and your new fish floating the next day.

Fish are fun but do require a lot of maintance, pond fish are the easiest to keep but you don't get to see them any time of the day.