UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY FISH
Community fish are renowned for their compatibility and peaceful nature, making them the stars of a beginner's aquarium. They're resilient and require basic care, offering a tranquil viewing experience as they glide through the water in your home. 

Remember, even peaceful fish can have moments of discord. Keep an eye on your new pets for any signs of aggression. If you spot trouble, consider rehoming the instigator or rearranging your tank to provide more private spaces for each fish.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Keep your aquarium a happy place for your fish by watching for:
• Unusual swimming behaviours.
• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Abdominal swelling.
• Discoloured or inflamed fins and skin.
• Fins clamped close to the body.
• Rubbing against objects, also known as "flashing."
Seek advice from an aquatic veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

SETTING UP YOUR AQUARIUM
Creating a comfortable home for your fish is straightforward:

Choose Your Gear: Pick the right size aquarium and gather your substrate, decor, and equipment. For help, don't hesitate to ask an aquatic professional.
Prepare the Space: Ensure the tank's resting place can support the weight of a full aquarium—remember, water is heavy (1kg per liter)!
Rinse and Decorate: Wash all substrates and decorations with tap water only—no soap allowed.
Substrate and Scenery: Place your clean substrate in first, followed by your water-treated decorations.
Condition Your Water: Treat tap water with a proper conditioner, like API Aqua Essentials, API Tap Water Conditioner.

LIGHTING AND TEMPERATURE

Lights On, Lights Off: Keep aquarium lights on for 10-12 hours a day to mimic natural daylight cycles, using a timer for consistency.
Temperature Control: After setting up, let your tank run for 24 hours to reach the ideal temperature before adding any fish.

ADDING YOUR FISH

Introduce Gradually: Start with a few robust fish while your tank's ecosystem establishes itself.
Beneficial Bacteria: Use a starter culture like API Quick Start to introduce beneficial bacteria and accelerate the cycling process.
Keep it Clean: Maintain nitrate levels below 20 ppm with regular water changes. Check with an API Nitrate Test Kit.
Enhance Your Knowledge: While this guide is a solid foundation, the key to thriving fish is continual learning. Get to know the specific needs of each species in your tank and stay curious about their care requirements. Make a visit & engage with you local aquarium store. Enjoy your journey into the world of community fishkeeping!

What will I need for my community fish?
Aquarium sized appropriately for the species, (38-75+ Litres) with stand
Aquarium hood with light fixture & bulbs
Natural aquarium gravel & gravel vacuum
Tank décor or driftwood
Live plants
Aquarium heater and thermometer
Aquarium filter
API Water testing kit or strips
API Aqua Essentials / Tap Water Conditioner
API Quick Start / Beneficial bacteria
Algae cleaning pad or scraper
Species-appropriate pellets or flaked/ frozen fish food