Learn how to take proper care of fish and they will last much longer than you bargained for because fish make wonderful pets and add beauty to any home.

If you own fish or are thinking of getting them, consider what it takes to care for them and the expenses of a really good and nice looking fish tank. Cleaning out a fish tank and its contents, otherwise known as siphoning, is not a glamorous thing. In fact, its a chore that sometimes requires the work of two people.

Fish can make wonderful and beautiful pets. They are especially easy to care for, but you have to be careful at times. If one fish gets a virus--they all die and you're left with no fish and a depressingly empty fish tank. If you want to care for your fish in the best way possible, use the following advice.

If You're Purchasing Fish
If you're purchasing fish, the best thing to do is start getting as much information as possible from a really informative salesperson at the pet store. Usually, they are pretty helpful and can direct you to exactly all of the supplies and things you will need to purchase your fish and fish essentials. Make sure you buy the right fish food for the type of fish you've purchased. It might be nice to add some color and texture to your fish tank with some fish displays and fake underwater things.

Fish Essentials
The essentials you will need to cover the entire fish purchasing process would include: various fish, fish tank and stand (probably the most expensive items), fish food, fish displays/props, a siphoning tool, real rocks to cover the bottom of the tank, and perhaps some colored stones and rocks for looks.

If You Already Have Fish
If you already have fish, you probably know the routine. Siphoning out the fish tank every month is not a fun chore. But, it must be done for the survival of your precious fish. For starters, get a partner.

Steps to Siphon Out Your Fish Tank

1. Buy a tool that is used for siphoning. Usually, it is a two-piece instrument that sucks water out of one area and puts it into another. Obviously, with a full fish tank, you cannot simply take it and dump the water out into the sink or toilet--tanks are too clumsy for that; this is why you have to siphon the water out. Its almost like a vacuum, except the water and dirt goes down the drain. It must be all done by hand. *Cart your tank over to the sink or try to perform this task outdoors, if possible.

2. After all of the water is siphoned out, scoop out rocks from bottom of tank. Sift the rocks individually with a sifter or macaroni drainer. This way, you clean the debris from the rocks and may reuse them, instead of putting in new rocks.

3. After the rocks are all out, clean and scrape all debris, algae, and dirt from the insides of the tank walls; allow to dry. DO NOT use bleach or other cleaning fluids inside the tank.

4. Put back rocks; add fresh water.

*Note: It may help to have a rolling cart that you may move the fish tank with, as sometimes, the really large tanks are very difficult to handle. Hence, the partner idea.