Filled with helpful tips and beautiful illustrations, this compact guide offers essential information on setting up a successful aquarium. Explanations on the differences between various tanks, equipment options, and fish that can be kept are provided along with instructions covering the basics of caring for and breeding fish. Profiles of all the most popular aquarium fish are also included along with advice on a bevy of topics, including choosing the right tank for your needs; understanding heating, lighting, filters, gravel and rock work; creating a planting scheme of real or artificial plants; setting up and maintaining the tank; keeping fish healthy; selecting foods and feeding; and recognizing and preventing disease.