pet fish

Question
hi

What are the best kinds of fish, which can be grown at home
thank you  

Answer
Hi,
It depends on whether you're looking for coldwater, tropical or saltwater fish.
As I am a in the tropical experts category I shall give you some ideas of tropical fish.

Well, before buying a fish, you need to cycle a tank with pure bottled ammonia.
Here's a bit information about cycling a tank:
http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-cycling.html
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/biologicalcycle/a/nitrogencycle.htm

You also need to buy a pH test kit and test the tank water for that when the cycle is completed and your nitrite and ammonia are 0.0.
7.0 is neutral, anything above is alkaline, below is acidic. Most fish are ok in water between 6.5 and 7.5, but it best to know what your pH of the water is to give you a better idea of what fish to have.

You also then need to calculate the volume of your tank. Work it out here using the dimensions of the tank:
http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/calculators.php?calc=volume

Good fish to start with are:
For alkaline water:
Mollies (needs 45 litres minimum)
Platies (needs 45 litres minimum)
Guppies (needs 45 litres minimum)
Swordtails (needs 45 litres minimum)
Endler (needs 60 litres minimum)

For acidic water:
Danios (needs 70 litres minimum)
Tetras (needs 45 litres minimum, needs to be in a shoal of 6 or more) Congo Tetras need 120 litres minimum. Serpae Tetras can be nippy.
Pentazona Barbs (need 70 litres minimum)
Harlequin Rasboras (need 50 litres minimum)

These are just a few to get you started, there are thousands of fish to choose from. I recommend going to your local fish shop and noting down the names of the fish you like. Then come and tell me the size of your tank, your pH and the list of fish you like.

Best wishes,
Kathryn