Question 1

How much do fish cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Most aquarium fish cost £2–£200. Community tropicals such as tetras, guppies and corydoras are a few pounds each, bettas and cichlids £10–£40, and marine fish and quality koi run into the hundreds. The tank, filter and heater are the main outlay.

Question 2

Do I need to cycle a tank before adding fish?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A new tank needs four to six weeks of fishless cycling so the filter grows the bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite and then nitrate. Adding fish to an uncycled tank is the single most common reason beginners lose them.

Question 3

How many fish can I keep in my tank?

Accepted Answer

Stocking depends on adult size, waste output and swimming style rather than a simple inch-per-litre rule. Research the adult size of every species before you buy — common plecos, silver sharks and goldfish all outgrow the tanks they are usually sold for.

Question 4

Which fish are best for beginners?

Accepted Answer

For a tropical community, guppies, platies, danios, corydoras and neon or ember tetras are hardy and inexpensive. For coldwater, white cloud mountain minnows suit smaller tanks; goldfish need far more space than most people expect.

Question 5

How do I transport fish home safely?

Accepted Answer

Keep the bag dark and insulated, get home quickly, then float the sealed bag in the tank for 15–20 minutes to match temperature before drip-acclimatising to the water chemistry. Net the fish into the tank rather than pouring in transport water.

Question 6

How much do koi and pond fish cost?

Accepted Answer

Small pond goldfish and shubunkins are a few pounds each, standard koi £20–£100, and Japanese-bred show-quality koi many hundreds. Any pond fish needs proper filtration, depth for winter and protection from herons.

Question 7

How do I avoid scams when buying fish online?

Accepted Answer

View the animal in person at the seller's own home before any money changes hands, keep all messages inside PetTrader so there is a record, and never pay by bank transfer, gift card or crypto to someone you have not met. Every PetTrader seller completes a photo-ID and live selfie check, and verified accounts carry a badge, and you can report an advert from the listing page.

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