Give your underwater pets the best aquatic life ever! Aquarium fish are one of the most popular pets in America, with close to 150 million fish owned in nearly 13 million households. They seem like easy pets to care for, but there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to keeping your freshwater friends healthy and happy! Inside, you’ll find basic information to start your own freshwater aquarium, purchase and maintain healthy fish and plants, and find tips and tricks on how to introduce new fish and systems into your aquatic family. Understand the best aquarium set-up practices - Build the luxury tanks of your dreams - Maintain a thriving aquatic environment   - Discover many different ways to expand your hobby Perfect for beginner hobbyists and longtime aquarium enthusiasts alike, Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies makes it easier than ever to set up and take care of a freshwater aquarium―and the fish within it. Understand aquarium setups and fishkeeping basics - Build the luxury tank of your dreams - Maintain a thriving aquatic environment Create your own amazing underwater world An aquarium is a beautiful blend of art form, nature observation, and pet ownership…not to mention a whole lot of fun! If you've ever dabbled in the idea of brightening your home with an aquarium, this book is the place to start. What goes into keeping fish happy and healthy? Does it matter where I put my aquarium? Is all that equipment necessary? Do fish get sick? Should I try to keep live plants in there? Is an aquarium hard to maintain? Find the answers and the guidance you need to start enjoying this fascinating hobby! Inside... How to choose a tank - Equipment you need to have - Ways to select fish - Common fish ailments and cures - When you need chemicals - Hows and whys of water testing - Picking plants for your tank - Tips for breeding your fish Understand aquarium setups and fishkeeping basics - Build the luxury tank of your dreams - Maintain a thriving aquatic environment Create your own amazing underwater world An aquarium is a beautiful blend of art form, nature observation, and pet ownership…not to mention a whole lot of fun! If you've ever dabbled in the idea of brightening your home with an aquarium, this book is the place to start. What goes into keeping fish happy and healthy? Does it matter where I put my aquarium? Is all that equipment necessary? Do fish get sick? Should I try to keep live plants in there? Is an aquarium hard to maintain? Find the answers and the guidance you need to start enjoying this fascinating hobby! Inside... How to choose a tank - Equipment you need to have - Ways to select fish - Common fish ailments and cures - When you need chemicals - Hows and whys of water testing - Picking plants for your tank - Tips for breeding your fish Madelaine Francis Heleine has been involved with aquariums and fish-keeping for more than 40 years. She has been a contributing writer and columnist for various magazines dealing with the aquatic world and has written several books about aquarium fish. Madelaine even enjoys exploring the underwater world firsthand as a scuba diver.