9 Essential Tips For The Budding Aquarist
Having gone through the same experience myself just some time back when I got my first tank, here are some things, you as a budding aquarist would find useful:
Tip # 1: Look for the largest tank you can afford – both in terms of space and money. Before you know it, your fish population is going to increase. Moreover, a larger tank will help balance the water conditions and temperature. Stay away from fishbowls.
Tip # 2: Choose the gravel and other accessories for your tank with care. We initially bought a very thin gravel, which was murderous to manage while tank cleaning. We subsequently replaced it with a thicker gravel for the bottom.
Tip # 3: Never clean your tank with soap. I know it sounds silly, but thankfully I mentioned it at the shop where I bought my tank from, and he was good enough to correct me. Soap contains essences/ chemicals which could be fatal to your fish. The way to do it, is with a sponge and rock salt.
Tip # 4: While on the topic, remember to wash your filter with tank water, and not tap water. Also, the way to clean a tank, does not include taking it to the bathroom and putting it under the tap (that’s what we were doing for quite some time, and ended up chipping it). Just empty out the tank, and scrub it with a wet sponge dipped in salty water (thats rock salt). Post that just wipe with a wet sponge, and you are good to go.
Tip # 5: Change the water frequently. At least 20-25% a month. Preferably, change 10-15% a week.
Tip # 6: Do not overfeed your fish. It’ll be tempting, but refrain. The more they eat, the more the waste, and consequently, the dirtier the water. In their natural habitat, the fish eat as and when they are hungry. A good rule of thumb is to feed your fish as much as they can consume completely in 3-5 minutes. Usually, feeding them once a day works, but if you want, you can feed them smaller portions twice. Remember, underfeeding is better than overfeeding. Here’s a video by Mark Grover via VideoJug on the topic:
Tip # 7: Research your fish before you buy. Decide whether you want a species tank, or a community tank. Beware of adding aggressive fish like the barbs to a community tank unless all the others have a similar nature. I woke up one morning to find a small scale slaughter of my neon tetras in the tank.
Tip # 8: Do not overstock your tank. It will be tempting to resist adding another pair, but remember, some fish are territorial and need their space. Also, a general rule of thumb is to have 1″ of fish for every gallon of water in the tank – I prefer to have have less. The fish look a lot happier. Also keep in mind the proportions of the tank vis-a-vis the proportions of the fishes when applying the rule.
Tip # 9: Add additional fish to your tank slowly, over time, to ensure that the beneficial bacteria in the tank has time to build and keep up with the tanks rising ammonia loads. Also, release any new fish you buy, into the tank gradually. Float the bag of fish in the tank for 15-20 minutes to equalize water temperature. The best way is to drain the bag into a bucket, through a fishnet and then allow the fish to swim out of the net into the tank. Do not add the fish stores water to your tank.
Got any more tips? Go ahead, add them below.
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