Keeping an aquarium is a fun and rewarding activity that can provide years of fun, education and stress relief. However, when you are new to it, it is easy to get rid of things that are not good for your fish or stress level. The following are some of the most common problems experienced by beginner hydrologists.
01. Starting with too small of an aquarium.
Small aquariums can be harder to maintain than large ones and are not suitable for beginners. Larger aquarium conditions are more stable and if things start to go wrong it will take you longer to fix them. 20 to 55 gallons of aquarium is suitable for first time aquaculture ists. Always start with the largest aquarium that allows for your space and budget.
02. Not cycling the aquarium.
It takes time to establish the biological equilibrium of an aquarium. There are products on the market that can help speed up this process, and the safest way to cycle a newly formed aquarium is to,
1) add a few fish,
2) feed frugally and
3) test until ammonia and nitrite levels are stable.
Drop before adding more fish. This process should be repeated until the aquarium is fully stored.
03. Not testing water in a new aquarium.
It is not safe to add fish to your new aquarium without testing the water to see if ammonia or nitrite problems develop. Existing fish often adapt to slowly rising ammonia and nitrite levels and show no signs of trouble until it is too late. There is no time to prepare for new purchases so it can be severely stressed if added to an aquarium with high levels. There is no magic “safe” time interval for adding new fish and you will not see ammonia or nitrite in the water. The only way to find out if your aquarium water is safe is to test it.
04. Buying fish on the same day as the aquarium.
A newly formed aquarium is not ready for first day fishing. A new aquarium should be activated at least 2 to 3 days before the introduction of the first fish.
05. Overstocking.
When you are new to keeping fish, you want to buy every fish you see. But there is a limit to how many fish a new aquarium can hold, regardless of how large it is or how efficient the filter is. Most fish are large after purchase and some fish are terrestrial and aggressive when crowded with other fish. It is always better to have less fish in your aquarium.
06. Adding too many fish to a new aquarium.
A new aquarium is a biologically clean board. Microorganisms that cause water filtration and aquarium equilibrium have not been established, and the sudden overloading of fish waste can cause toxic ammonia and nitrite levels to rise to dangerous and deadly levels. This can be longer than normal cycling time, so be careful about that.
07. Overfeeding.
It is normal to worry about your fish being hungry, but overeating can do you more harm. A new aquarium should be fed once a day, and all food should be removed within two minutes. Unbroken foods can contaminate water and increase ammonia and nitrite levels.
08. Seeking advice from too many sources.
It is important to research equipment and livestock before purchasing them, but asking the same question from several different "experts" can sometimes be confusing, so everyone has a different opinion or method for success. When you are new to keeping an aquarium, it is difficult to know what methods are best for you. Stay with one reliable source of information first, and follow their advice until you are confident enough to try things out on your own. Then follow your own methods.
09. Buying a filter that is too small.
You can't filter an aquarium too much, but it's a bit easier to filter. Most aquarium filters are graded according to the number of gallons of aquarium. This grading system, however, is largely functional, however, and those with overcrowded aquariums, or large predatory fish or large polluting fish, should be fitted with large or multiple filters. For best results, buy a rated filter for an aquarium that is slightly larger than the size you have. It's more effective.
10. Impulse buying.
Always explore new fish before buying them, make sure they are compatible with existing inhabitants and make sure they do not overwhelm your aquarium. Some fish have special water chemistry requirements, such as low water pH or alkalinity, which do not supply your tap water. Also, if the fish you intend to buy are specific nutrients, make sure you can give them the right food. Take care of these.
11. Over cleaning.
When an aquarium is first formed, the biological equilibrium becomes fragile and unstable. Avoid scratching decorative items, stirring or vacuuming the gravel or cleaning the filter when it is not really needed, as this destroys beneficial bacteria and disrupts the balance. If you find you need to clean your aquarium or filter within the first 2 to 3 weeks after processing, the filter may be too small for work, you may have too much fish, or you may be overeating.
12. Leaving the aquarium light on all the time.
Like all animals, fish need a rest period, which should be the same period every day. The day / night cycle of nature is somewhat consistent, especially in the tropics. Always keeping the aquarium light on will stress your fish and contribute to the growth of dirty algae. Putting your aquarium light on a timer is an easy way to provide a steady light cycle. If you use the aquarium as a night light in a child's bedroom, turn off the lights during the day and draw curtains to mimic the night time for your fish.
13. Compromising quality for price.
No one wants to pay too much for anything, but the saying "you get what you pay for" often applies in the aquarium world and in setting up your starting fish tank. Reliable, quality equipment can cost a little more, but the life of your fish depends on it.
14. Insufficient cover.
The aquarium provides decorative habitat, makes your fish safer, reduces stress and enhances their color. Fish are often hidden behind the aquarium because they do not have enough decoration and seek shelter behind a heater, filter tube or other object.
15. Topping off for evaporation instead of doing a water change.
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