Cannibal in the tank - choosing the right fish for your aquarium

If anyone else has been a keen aquarist as long as I have then I am sure by now that a few mistakes have been made when choosing the right fish for the tank. In the early days I was much too eager to buy the fish and shove them in the tank without any consideration to how the fish would interact with each other. As far as I was to know all fish would get along 'swimmingly'. Definitely not the case! Unfortunately rushing to the pet store and picking out the prettiest, most colourful and interesting looking tropical fish is not the best way to stock the tank. Instead consider this; if you were to buy a house what do you look for. First of all you look the house over, does it have what you need for your family, what about the location, does the area look inviting? Is there a decent school for your children and a park for them to play in? Does the property have a garden and all the niceties you imagined when deciding to purchase a house? Now what about your neighbours? You are not going to want to live next door to an undesirable character are you? It is very much the same for your fish, their needs are all different, and characters unique. It is important to know that your fish will be able to tolerate other fish species. Before even setting up your tank decide what kind of fish you are going to keep, some people don't have much time on their hands and so low maintenance cold or easy to manage tropical fish are the best ways to go, for those with much more time and a higher level of commitment there are many varied species to chose from, including the easiest to care for fresh water fish to beautiful and fascinating marine fish. Research your fish well, visit your nearest aquarium centre and ask advice. There are a vast number of web sites from enthusiasts including myself, right through to the professional aquarists who are always willing to assist. You will need to find out firstly what environment the fish need, for example a tank with lots of planting or a rockery with many hidey holes for fish to escape or deep open water with lots of swimming space. Remember also that the aquarium is for your enjoyment, so if you want to be able to watch your fish swim about then maybe fish who like to hide in rocks may not be your ideal choice. Consider all the options from the needs of the fish right down to your own needs. A community tank is a good all round choice as long as you ensure you research well. Remember that certain breads of fish like to nibble long flowing tails; some fish can be aggressive towards smaller or weaker breeds of fish. Also remember that fish grow, do not go for a fish that will outgrow the tank within a short period of time. You need to be able to accommodate your fish's needs at all times not just in the set up stages. I have found the best method is to go along to an aquarium centre and see the livestock in the flesh, there are always wonderful varieties on show and an expert on hand to answer any questions. Ask lots of them, a professional dealer who knows, understands and values the need for setting up the aquarium and stocking it correctly will accept as many questions as you wish to put forward, will answer them and readily offer any help and guidance. If he/she is the kind that is only after your money and does not care about what equipment or combination of fish you buy, then find another who knows his/her stuff. When a tank is fully stocked with compatible fish, the aquarium will provide hours of entertainment, provide a focal point to your living area as well as provide all of the essentials the fish needs to survive including good neighbours.