How to Make Fish Happy in a Tank

A fish can never be happy when it has restricted space to move. Most individuals have fish in bowls or extremely small tanks, which restrict swimming space and oxygen concentration. The capacity of a tank is favourable to healthy behaviour, increased circulation of water and reduced stress. Never buy a tank before knowing the amount and the type of fish that you intend to keep. As an example, goldfish develop fast and require larger tanks but small schooling fish such as tetra or guppy fish require sufficient space to swim in groups. A larger tank is more convenient to care about and contributes to the establishment of a more stable environment, within which the fish feel safe and active.


The greatest aspect of a fish is clean water. All the life of fish occurs in water and therefore, the quality of the water influences the fish in all aspects including their mood and health. Always put in a water conditioner of good quality to eliminate chlorine as well as detrimental chemicals. Install a good filter that maintains the flow of the water and removes wastes. On a regular basis, water changes are necessary since they ensure that harmful toxins do not accumulate. A replacement of approximately twenty to thirty percent of tank water per week is one of the ways of ensuring a healthy environment. When water is clear, fish can breathe easily, remain on the go and portray their natural colours.

Fish are not resistant to changes in temperature. Every species has an optimal range of temperatures under which one feels comfortable and active. A heater with an inbuilt thermometer can be used to maintain the water at the necessary temperature and avoid stress. Drastic fluctuations of water temperature may cause sickness or inactivity of fish. Lighting is also necessary because fish require a natural day and night cycle. The low light will ensure they are relaxed and the growth of plants in the tank can take place. Excessive light may lead to stress as well as growth of algae whilst insufficient light may influence their behaviour. The lighting schedule can be considered balanced to ensure that fish are safe and happy.



Fish require places of hiding where they can rest and feel safe. They conceal themselves behind stones, plants and natural structures in nature. With the addition of decorations such as live plants, caves, rocks, driftwood and artificial ornaments, you have a more natural and comfortable atmosphere. These cool-off spots help fish to become less stressed and playful and curious about their tank. Fish are also kept mentally active in a tank that is very rich in images. When the fish can have areas to explore they are active and happy during the day.


Diet is significant in ensuring fish is happy. Food requirements of various fish species vary. Others feed on flakes, others on pellets and others might require live or frozen food, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp. Select good quality food that is specially prepared to go with your kind of fish. The overfeeding syndrome is also a primary error that causes unhealthy fish and dirty water. Give little amounts after one or twice a day, but in such quantities as they can consume in a few minutes. The habitual feeding regime will ensure healthy fish species and will enhance natural behaviour of the fish. An active swimmer will be a fish that eats well and demonstrates brighter colours.



Fish can easily be affected by stress and a stressed fish will not act normally. Fish may be unsafe in areas where loud noises are common, where they are tapped on a regular basis, in areas where they are moved about and where there is overcrowding. Plug the tank in a quiet place that does not have heavy pedestrian traffic. Do not put the tank under the bright windows or direct sunlight that can cause an increase in temperature. The tank should always be covered to ensure that the fish does not jump out. An environment free of disturbances enables fish to remain peaceful and in better health.


Fish live best when they are together with other species that get along. Other fish are not aggressive and prefer to swim in groups whereas others are aggressive or shy. Research on whether the new fish is compatible with the existing fish before being added to the tank. A combination of aggressive and non-aggressive fishes may cause continuous stress and harm. In the case of such species as tetra or barb, it is best to keep them in groups, not less than five or six. As soon as fish feel safe among their friends, they act in a more natural way, they explore the tank in a mood and are not stressed.



Plants that are alive bring an enjoyable and healthy atmosphere to the inside of the tank. They supply oxygen, take away toxic substances, and give concealing areas. The plants such as the Java fern, anubias, hornwart, and amazon sword are simple to manage and enable the tank to look beautiful. Fish like to swim in the vegetation and sleep around it. The environment is also more stable with a planted tank and this makes the fish happier. Live plants make your aquarium come alive creating a more natural and comfortable environment in which your fish feels more at home.


Observation on a daily basis will assist you in knowing the behaviour and needs of your fish. The happy fish is playful, is active, interacts with the tank mates and displays bright colours. When you observe abnormal behaviour such as excessive hiding, slow swimming or decreased appetite this could be an indication of stress or a disease. By watching them regularly, a bond is formed and this assists in ensuring that you notice any issues in time. You have to sit and enjoy watching your fish, and that makes it relaxing on your part and reassuring to a fish.

Fish kept a happy demand that one is attentive, patient and careful. Their well being is based on a clean and spacious tank, balanced water, correct temperature and health diet. They are more pleased by adding some decorations, concealing spots and living plants in the environment. The wise selection of the people to associate with and a calm environment ensures that the stress levels are minimal. These little precautions will enable you to have a safe and happy home to your fish.

A fish is a happy fish, active, full of life, coloured. Through proper care, your tank will be a beautiful underwater place that your fish feel at ease, comfortable and at home.

Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I make my fish happy?Care Tips To Keep Your Fish Happy:Keep The Water Balanced. It is important to keep the water in your fish tank within the right pH levels. Provide Enough Space For Your Fish. Feed Your Fish A Balanced Diet.
2. How to keep fish happy in a tank?Making Sure Your Fish Is Adapting. Do It For More Than Decor. Re-create A Natural Environment. Keep The Water Conditioned. Keep The Aquarium Clean! Keep The Tank The Right Temperature. Remove Excess Algae. Introducing New Fish To The Aquarium.
3. Is tap water ok for a fish tank?Tap water is safe for your tank so long as you treat it with a water conditioner to remove harmful toxins and chlorine.
4. Can fish get bored in a tank?If fish are bored, and they can indeed show signs of disengagement and boredom, you can address this through various means. Providing your fish toys is a great way to keep them preoccupied and satisfy their need for stimulation. Fish are naturally curious, much like many animals and pets.
5. Where not to put a fish tank?Don't place your tank by the front door or at major intersections in your home as high traffic areas can be stressful to your fish and increase the risk of your tank getting constantly bumped.