What would our lives be, if not for pets? We bring a pet home and become so attached to it that it becomes a part of lives and family. Researchers and studies show that pets are good for our mental well-being.

Pets have been proved as stress busters time and again. Pets are like our best friends who can understand us and make us feel better when we feel low. Even though they cannot talk, they feel us and we feel them. The unconditional love that pet offers, be it a dog, a cat, a bird, or even a fish, is incomparable.

There may be several reasons people go for a particular pet. Lots of people prefer fish tanks or just a single goldfish in their houses. Looking at fishes or talking to them is the best way to distract yourself when you are stressed. But before you think of getting of pet fish, here are the things that you will need to have.

Know your fish
Some fishes, like goldfish, prefer cold water, whereas some need warm water to stay afloat. You might consider investing in a water heater if the fish cannot adjust to the water temperature. Do some research about which species of fish you want, what conditions are needed, and after they grow up, how they will adjust to limited space.

Visit a pet store
All pet stores such as Petco or Pet Supplies carry a starter kit, which can give you a basic idea about the fish food, type of tank or aquarium needed, and other important information related to fish. While buying this starter kit, always go with a trusted pet store.

Fish tank
First and foremost, your tank size will decide how many fishes can fit in. Choose the one which fits comfortably in your house. Fishes are noise sensitive. Avoid placing your tank next to an object such as a speaker or a television, where noise levels are high.

Water pump
While choosing a water pump for your fish tank look for its flow rate, the heat it generates, and its noise levels. These are important factors for the good health of the fish.

Setting up the tank

After finalizing the tank, setting it up is the big responsibility. One has to go easy on decorating and lighting it. The most important factor to look out for is feeding fresh and live food to fishes, cleaning the algae build-up, and taking care of the fishes while on vacation.

Fishes are the most preferred pets for dogs and cats. Fishes need adequate care and efforts unlike mammals, which get used to their surroundings pretty fast.