Aquarium and Pet Fish Buying Guide for Coimbatore
No scriptAn aquarium is a calm corner in any Coimbatore home and a good way for children to learn about living things. But many first aquariums fail within weeks because the tank was set up in a hurry. This guide explains how to set up a tank, choose fish and pick a shop. We don't name or rank shops, and prices change, so compare current options yourself.
Step 1: Choose the Place First
Before buying anything, decide where the tank will stand:
- A strong, level stand or table: water is heavy. A filled tank weighs far more than it looks.
- Away from direct sunlight: sunlight causes algae and heats the water.
- Near a power socket: for the filter, light and heater if used. Use an earthed socket and keep a drip loop in the cable so water can't run into the plug.
- Out of reach of small children and pets, or with a secure lid.
Step 2: Choose the Tank Size
A slightly bigger tank is often easier than a tiny bowl, because more water stays stable for longer. Very small bowls change temperature and water quality quickly. Pick the largest tank that fits your space and budget, and remember that fish grow.
Check the glass thickness, the silicone joints and the edges before you buy. Ask the shop to fill a tank for a leak test if possible.
Step 3: The Basic Equipment
| Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Filter | Keeps water clean and holds the helpful bacteria |
| Light | For viewing and for live plants; use a timer |
| Lid | Stops fish jumping out and reduces evaporation |
| Gravel or sand | Base for plants and bacteria |
| Water conditioner | Removes chlorine or chloramine from tap water |
| Test kit | Checks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH |
| Heater (optional) | For fish that need steady warm water |
Coimbatore's climate is fairly mild, but temperatures do change between seasons and between day and night. Ask the shop whether your chosen fish need a heater.
Step 4: Cycle the Tank Before Adding Fish
This is the step most beginners skip. Fish waste produces ammonia, which is toxic. Helpful bacteria in the filter turn ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate, which is less harmful. These bacteria take time to grow.
- Set up the tank, filter and conditioned water.
- Let it run and follow the shop's or a test kit's guidance on cycling.
- Test the water. Add fish slowly, a few at a time, once ammonia and nitrite readings are safe.
Step 5: Water Quality
- Use a water conditioner on tap water before it goes into the tank.
- If you use borewell water, ask the shop to test its hardness and pH. Very hard water suits some fish and not others. Our water softener guide explains hardness, but don't put softened or RO water into a tank without asking the shop.
- Change part of the water regularly instead of emptying the tank completely.
Step 6: Choosing Fish
Start with hardy, peaceful fish. Common beginner choices include guppies, platies, mollies and zebra danios. Before buying any fish, ask:
- How big does it grow? Some fish sold small become large.
- Who can it live with? Some fish nip fins or eat smaller fish.
- How many can my tank hold? Overcrowding is a common mistake.
- What does it eat?
Guppies are a favourite first fish. Our post on what guppy really means covers the fish and the word.
Step 7: Choosing a Shop
Look around the shop before buying:
- Tanks are clean, fish swim actively and there are no dead fish left in tanks.
- Each tank has one kind of fish, clearly labelled.
- Staff answer questions about size, compatibility and care rather than pushing more fish.
- They pack fish properly in oxygenated bags for the trip home.
- They are willing to test your water.
Step 8: Bringing Fish Home
- Float the closed bag in the tank for a while so the temperatures match, then let the fish out gently as the shop advises.
- Don't pour shop water into your tank.
- Many hobbyists keep new fish in a separate quarantine tank for a period before adding them to the main tank.
- Feed small amounts once or twice a day; overfeeding pollutes the water.
Never Release Aquarium Fish Into Lakes
Coimbatore's lakes and tanks have their own native fish, birds and wildlife. Released aquarium fish can spread disease and upset this balance. If you can't keep a fish, return it to the shop or give it to another hobbyist.
Quick Checklist
- Place chosen: strong stand, no direct sun, earthed socket.
- Tank, filter, lid, conditioner and test kit bought.
- Tank cycled before adding fish.
- Water hardness checked, especially borewell water.
- Hardy beginner fish, not overcrowded.
- Clean, honest shop.
Next Steps
Decide the tank's place, set up and cycle it first, and add a few hardy fish at a time. You can find aquarium shops and pet stores in the Kovai Yellow Pages directory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What size tank should a beginner buy?
A medium tank is often easier than a very small one, because a larger volume of water stays stable for longer. Choose a size that fits a strong, level stand and a place away from direct sunlight.
What is cycling an aquarium?
Cycling means letting helpful bacteria grow in the filter before you add many fish. These bacteria turn toxic fish waste (ammonia) into less harmful compounds. Skipping it is a common reason new fish die in the first weeks.
Which fish are good for beginners?
Hardy, peaceful fish such as guppies, platies, mollies and zebra danios are common beginner choices. Ask the shop how big each fish grows and which ones can live together.
Can I release unwanted aquarium fish into a lake or pond?
No. Released aquarium fish can harm native fish and wildlife. If you can't keep them, return them to the shop or give them to another hobbyist.