If you have never kept fish before, you may be tempted by the exotic colors of saltwater fish, but you are better off starting with a lower-maintenance, freshwater aquarium. A good pet store should be able to educate you about all the necessary equipment and how to use it. Beneficial, oxygen-loving bacteria cleanse the water and neutralize harmful ammonia. Instead, create a day-night cycle for your fish with artificial tank lighting. Use fluorescent, full-spectrum lights set on an automatic timer to establish a healthy schedule.
Tetras are easy to care for and are ideal for aquariums because of their communal nature.
Their waste products will form just enough ammonia to attract beneficial bacteria. This process takes about three weeks and will make the tank water hazy. After the cloudiness clears, take a water sample to the pet store for ammonia testing. If it is free of ammonia, you can add more fish. Clean by changing a fifth of the water each month.