Fish Tanks for Relaxation and Stress Relief

Is there too much stress in your life? Do you want to relax, but you feel like you're too busy to take up a hobby? If this sounds like your life, then you might want to consider a freshwater tropical fish tank for your home.

As a kid, I used to have a couple ten-gallon tanks that had a variety of fish, each aquarium's payload always changing. I actually tried to breed bettas when I was in fifth grade. Like I do with certain things I pick up, I became obsessed... now that I have graduated from college, I am taking up the hobby again.

If you're looking for something to take your mind off work or your busy schedule, look no further than an easy 10-gallon aquarium. You can purchase a ten gallon kit that includes the tank, light (go for fluorescent over incandescent--regular household lights use too much energy and heat up the tank), hood, filter, and oftentimes a net to catch your fish at most Wal-marts and pet stores. I bought mine for $49.95 at a Superpets, so you can probably find one cheaper at a Wal-mart. As a starter's tank, it doesn't have to be top of the line; in fact, it should be cheap as you learn how to cycle the water and care for the fish.

When you set up your tank, let it run for at least two days so the filter can kick out any chlorine your dechlorinating agent didn't get or any other harmful substance in the water. When you go out to buy fish, only buy four small ones (Zebra Danios and livebearers are best to start with because they are hardier--stay away from Tetras and catfish at first). Do not go to Wal-Mart or a large pet store, but instead buy your fish at a store that only sells fish. Their tanks should be crystal clear and the fish should all be active and healthy-looking. If you have a bad feeling about the fish or the place, find another shop.

Float the fish in the bag for twenty minutes, then every ten minutes add 1/4 cup of tank water to the open bag so the fish can get used to the chemical composition of your tank. After 45 minutes to an hour, sink the bag and let the fish swim out on his own accord. (If you do not trust the water from the fish store, however, you should net the fish out of the bag and then slowly lower him into the tank after the acclimatization period.)

As they are small hardy fish, do not feed them until the next day as they likely already ate, and the food would just dirty the water because they are stressed from their journey from the store to your tank.

Wait about a week then get a cory catfish to clean the bottom, then start to fill up your tank with more fish. Ask your fish store clerk for help; they will tell you what kinds of fish go well together.

You will immediately find your stress level dropping as you engage in this hobby and watch your fish swim after a hard day's work.