Random tips

[SouthAmericanCichlids]

I thought this would be a good idea. Someone recently asked me for tips on fishkeeping. And I thought this might be useful. We can have some discussion, but let's not get too much that it's cluttered.

So everyone post your random fish tips that won't be included in the average fishkeeping guide, especially ones that could save fish lives, here are some.


Don't use vacation feeding blocks. Watch for cross contamination. Don't get meds with tea tree oil (I used one and it did nothing, good thing I got another ich med fast enough). Angelfish are amazing lol. Plants can grow a lot faster emerged out of the water (Grew out my carpet that way, instead of waiting forever since I don't have Co2). Sponge filters imo are the best filter ever (Also check out my filter 101, it gives pros and cons of all filters). Feed variety. Have fun with fishkeeping. Imo you don't need water conditioner for well water. Always be open to new ideas, even on the most basic things, don't think: It's this way and it has to be this way. Salt is great for disease prevention. Anything could be possible, I look into them without any bias, like my no heater discussion thread came from that, I still have more research to do though. UV sterilizers need to be separated from filter media and fish (Unless you get something like the green machine which goes in the tank). Soak blood worms in water before feeding. You don't need plant specific lights, shop lights and flood lights work too. Almost all fish can go in 8+ ph. Algae is good. If you ever have a question about cycling, tag mattgirl. Aquadvisor isn't always reliable also ask here.

 

[BigManAquatics]

Funny. Vacation feeding blocks don't do anything to my tanks except help the snail shells.

My tips: do not OVERTHINK, do not OVERREACT, do not KILL YOUR FISH TO SAVE A PLANT!

 

[awilkinson871]

Research all creatures before you buy to ensure they fit with tank size, temperature, ph, and tankmates. More than one filter on a tank is a great idea.

 

[JLAquatics]

Keep up on those weekly water changes even once your tank is cycled. Old Tank syndrome is a thing, and it will come back to bite you if you slack off on what should be simple maintenance.

Aquatic Plants don't have to be difficult! There are some super easy species out there that will grow for even a beginner without a specialized planted tank setup, you just have to find the right ones.

Don't determine overall tank health by just going off of liquid test kits or test strips! Look inside your aquarium! Are the fish vibrant and colorful? Are the plants vibrant and not algae infested? Is all your equipment running like they should? These are things to look for in a healthy ecosystem and some of these factors cannot be determined by a simple nitrate or nitrite test.

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

If you keep Gourami, make sure they have access to the surface so they can breath. Floating plants must be maintained, if they grow too dense they can restrict access and the fish could die. I've unfortunately had this happen to my wild Dwarf Gourami with a layer of water lettuce.

 

[philly27]

i got the idea here some time ago, but using a colander for water changes is extremely helpful especially the ones with retractable arms. if you have sand substrate its an absolute most

 

[CoconutTheBetta]

I thought this would be a good idea. Someone recently asked me for tips on fishkeeping. And I thought this might be useful. We can have some discussion, but let's not get too much that it's cluttered.

So everyone post your random fish tips that won't be included in the average fishkeeping guide, especially ones that could save fish lives, here are some.




Don't use vacation feeding blocks. Watch for cross contamination. Don't get meds with tea tree oil (I used one and it did nothing, good thing I got another ich med fast enough). Angelfish are amazing lol. Plants can grow a lot faster emerged out of the water (Grew out my carpet that way, instead of waiting forever since I don't have Co2). Sponge filters imo are the best filter ever (Also check out my filter 101, it gives pros and cons of all filters). Feed variety. Have fun with fishkeeping. Imo you don't need water conditioner for well water. Always be open to new ideas, even on the most basic things, don't think: It's this way and it has to be this way. Salt is great for disease prevention. Anything could be possible, I feel aquarium co op helps me with this, he shows me ideas, I look into them without any bias, like my no heater discussion thread came from that, I still have more research to do though. UV sterilizers need to be separated from filter media and fish (Unless you get something like the green machine which goes in the tank). Soak blood worms in water before feeding. You don't need plant specific lights, shop lights and flood lights work too. Almost all fish can go in 8+ ph. Algae is good. If you ever have a question about cycling, tag mattgirl. Aquadvisor isn't always reliable also ask here.

Purchase the API Freshwater Test Kit. It should last you a long time AND is the most accurate test kit out there. Good water quality helps prevent most diseases.
When deciding what fish to purchase consider your lifestyle: How often do you have time to conduct water changes? What's the probability of you skipping a water change or a feeding? Are you able to meet your desired fish' needs?

Fishkeeping is fun. Sick fish and fish death are the two worst parts in my opinion. What I stated above helps prevent both.

BTW Fish death is part of the learning experience.

 

[ProudPapa]

i got the idea here some time ago, but using a colander for water changes is extremely helpful especially the ones with retractable arms. if you have sand substrate its an absolute most

I tried a colander, but it was difficult to hold it in place. I got an acrylic measuring cup and drilled a bunch of small holes in the side. I hang it on the side of the tank and direct the water into it. It works pretty well.

 

[pagoda]

Don't rush out and buy an entire medication cabinet worth of stuff at your fish's first sneeze

Good old fashioned daily water changes, IAL, alder cones and occasionally a slat bath will often cure most issues

Reaching for the medications is the last NOT first step when your fish comes down with a lurgy, since they often do more harm than good. READ the instructions properly, especially regarding contraindications with certain fish species or your beloved finned hooligan will likely die from medication issues and not whatever illness it had.