Some Things We May Not Know As Beginners.

So since I've started keeping fish, and coming to this forum, I've done a lot of research as well as learning along the way. One of the things I noticed in my experience is that there's a list of 'things people don't mention to beginners' that I wish I'd known getting started. I'm gonna list mine, and I'd love to see any other odd information other people have gained that they wish they had known.
* Stocking tank based on footprint: This is a biggie for me, as I only counted the bioload my fish would leave behind in comparison to my tank volume in gallons, which led me to make a mistake in buying khulis for my 5 gallon, which they get too big for. The general rule is to count for total floor and surface area (length and width) of your aquarium when stocking. Wide and long tanks are more important than very deep tanks. A 60 gallon cube can hold less than a 60 gallon rectangle for example.
* The nitrite cycle is finicky: I accidentally added my fish in the middle of a nitrite spike because I saw nitrates. Don't do this. This stage of the cycle is tricky, especially for a small tank like mine...it can be the shortest or longest stage of a new tank cycle...
* What can stall a cycle, anyway? I know nothing at all about this and wish I did. Measuring the ammonia you put into the tank is important. Very important. How much per 5 gallons? How much time between water changes? I learned half of this through trial and error.
So what are your stories?

 

Those are all terrific mentions. To add, I think for me, it was learning about different kinds of filter media (specifically with HOBs filters) that one can use. At the big pet stores and with all those aquarium starter kits, how they push those pre-made filter cartridges. I can't tell you how more efficiently my tanks operate since learning how to make my own filter media, with sponges, polyfill, etc. Those insert cartridges are truly worthless in the long run!

 

The pet store said two weeks of having the tank running was a green light to put fish in the tank. Resulted in losing 3 rasboras and a rubber lipped pleco from not having a complete cycle. Ended up doing a fish in cycle.

 

The best advice I can offer you all is to do your own research first. Whether it's just reading up online or coming to a place like this you'll most likely get the better advice.
As far as maintenance, it's really as simple as just change your tank water. Whether you have bad parameters, a sick fish (excluding internal parasites), or an (externally) injured fish the best thing you can do is large and frequent water changes. You really don't need an entire drug store for your fish, just need to keep your water good.

 

Look after the water and the water will look after the fish. You cannot change too much water, as long as it’s ‘good’ appropriate water for the fish concerned. The bigger a water change, the better (within reason).

And don’t rush to fill your tank with as many fish as it will hold. This makes things much harder for a beginner. Stock to 50-60% of capacity and your fish won’t be crowded, and you’ll have fewer problems.

 

Also to add, quit worrying about tap water pH unless you are attempting to keep wild caught species, discus or breeding fish etc. or grow sensitive plants.

 

Don't assume that the shop will give good advice or tell you when you are making a big mistake. My local shop sold me 3 male dwarf blue gouramies without mentioning they won't go together. A lot of shop staff either know very little or just want a sale even when they know the fish are not compatible.

 

Not to panic when your water gets cloudy all of a sudden (new tank).

 

This is great! I love seeing all the information pour in!

Those are all terrific mentions. To add, I think for me, it was learning about different kinds of filter media (specifically with HOBs filters) that one can use. At the big pet stores and with all those aquarium starter kits, how they push those pre-made filter cartridges. I can't tell you how more efficiently my tanks operate since learning how to make my own filter media, with sponges, polyfill, etc. Those insert cartridges are truly worthless in the long run!

Yeah that's a good one. Most people don't even blink when it comes to filter mods. They just go with what they're given, without realizing that mods can do wonders and are cheaper, too.

 

You can't tell if water is good by looking at it. A test kit is an essential. You should test the water daily when cycling and weekly afterwards. Test strips may be cheaper but they are rubbish.If you want to compare results each week test at the same time of day as chemistry changes throughout the lighting period.

 

I would take a look ar this too
Problematic Fishkeeping Myths

 

Oh! If you're a beginner, bigger tanks are better!!!!!! I'm still a newbie and believe me when I say my 5 gallon is a headache to balance!! Its easy to overfeed, easy to overdose, easy to overstock...they may sound idyllic and cute but they. are. WORK!!

 

With any problem if you don't know what to do change some water

 

With any problem if you don't know what to do change some water

That's a good rule of thumb I never thought about. I'm usually scratching my head trying to balance the bioload of my tank. The hornwort I have seems to keep algae in check (along with a nerite snail), but I still get ammonia readings. (I think my test strips are bad. They've read at 3 ppm ammonia and my fish would be dead.)

 

Most of the bigger ones have been covered
Footprint
Filter media
Cycling process
Not to trust fish stores
Don't obsess about trying to alter your PH
Don't add too many fish at once
Water changes are the best "medicine"
Clear water does NOT equal healthy water
Test strips are not reliable

Start with the BIGGEST tank you have room for or can afford. You won't regret it.

Don't buy aquarium kits. You will end up wanting to upgrade the filter and lights and stuff over time anyway.

Consider going used for your tank(s)...people are often trying to get rid of large tanks and will often give them away free or for very cheap.

Be open to learning from more experienced keepers and know that they are trying to help...not judge.

TAKE YOUR PHONE WITH YOU TO THE FISH STORE and pull out google when you see a new fish you are tempted to take home and research its basic needs (adult size, temperament and temperature preferences)

Always QT new fish. (but don't leave the QT tank running 365 days a year or it won't remain a QT tank for long hahaha)

Keep a spare sponge filter running on your tank for emergencies. It can be used to instantly cycle a last minute QT tank or hospital tank.

A python water changer is DANGEROUS if you are suffering from MTS. (multiple tank syndrome) ***because it makes water changes so fast and easy that you can handle more and more tanks!

I just want to add one last thing....and this could be considered opinion only.....but it is something I personally wish I had realized earlier on......Variety doesn't make for a more fun tank. (a bunch of different types of singleton schooling/shoaling fish for instance) And 6 is not really appropriate size for a school of fish. Its the supposed minimum, but that minimum should only be followed if the tank doesn't allow for more than 6. (ie. if you have a 29g, its better to get 12 of one type of schooling fish rather than 2 schools of 6)....trust me when I say, a nice big school is a much prettier and more rewarding sight to see than variety. (and much better for the fish) Again....that is just an opinion, but it is something that I just simply didn't appreciate until I saw it first hand.

And again....RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH!!!

 

I had pretty much the same mistakes everyone else had:

*Didn't know about nitrogen cycle until my fish started dying
*Obsessed over PH and used chemicals to try and alter it
*Didn't build schools, but instead kept fish in pairs.
*Didn't understand water hardness
*Worst of all, I listened to people that work at Petco and Petsmart. Lol. Even a lot of LFS employees have no idea what they're talking about

My advice to anyone new to the hobby is to use this forum as much as possible. Ask any questions that may even sound ridicolous. This forum changed fishkeeping for me. I went from struggling to keep danios and tetras healthy in a 20 gallon to having 3 beautiful and healthy tanks and even keeping a rare puffer! Fishkeeping is so easy and rewarding if you put in a little bit of time each week for maintenance and do your research beforehand.

 

That's a good rule of thumb I never thought about. I'm usually scratching my head trying to balance the bioload of my tank. The hornwort I have seems to keep algae in check (along with a nerite snail), but I still get ammonia readings. (I think my test strips are bad. They've read at 3 ppm ammonia and my fish would be dead.)

(Not really wanting to derail, but if your water is acidic the ammonia wouldn’t be a problem. And if the ammonia readings are real, chances are your filter is either a) not big enough, or b) not quick enough.)

But it brings me to a point... If you have ammonia, DO NOT do a water change if that water change will take the pH above 7. Ammonia in acid water is, for our purposes, harmless, but in alkaline water it will turn, and it will kill.

TAKE YOUR PHONE WITH YOU TO THE FISH STORE and pull out google when you see a new fish you are tempted to take home and research its basic needs (adult size, temperament and temperature preferences)

Best tip of the thread. TAKE YOUR PHONE TO THE SHOP !!! You have all the information in the world at your fingertips. You even have Us at your fingertips. So why listen to Them??? If you buy a fish that’s unsuitable, you have no one to blame but yourself.

 

Softwater fish will adjust to hard water as said to a degree, often a big degree. But don’t try to keep hard water fish in soft water, as it usually doesn’t work. It’s easy for a soft water fish to ‘go hard’. It’s very difficult for a hard water fish to adjust to soft and puts a huge constant strain on their system.

But don’t expect softwater fish to breed in hard water as many of them can’t.

And wild caught fish generally are Not good at adapting to different parameters.

 

I'm adding a sponge filter to the setup. (I have a very heavy bioload in an old filter pad and surface scum was building, so maybe that's why.) My tank sits at 6.5-7.5 PH because I have driftwood and an almond leaf in there. My internal has more flow potential, but I don't want to hurt my betta.

 

bizaliz3 how is a python dangerous with MTS? Do you mean there's a possibility of contaminating all your tanks if something isn't visibly sick in another?

Strongly agree with the schooling fish thing, I was going to put 6 Buenos Aires Tetras and 6 Black Skirt Tetras in a 30gal, but I decided to do 12 BA and it looks so much better than it would have. They're super active and school nicely.

 

Any one can be an expert on the internet.. do your own research!

 

Try to control the impulse buying and multiple tank syndrome as much as possible. I've had a 20 gallon high for almost 5 years now and I've had a 4.3 gallon cube for about 3 years. I still enjoy them, but I work a lot more hours than I used to. I don't pay near as much attention to my fish as a once did (I still take care of them). Wait multiple years before you get that second tank.

Also, be aware of noise. It's easy to walk in the pet store and hear birds chirping, dogs barking, and aquarium air pumps/filters running, but not notice how loud it is. I had to buy a canister filter for my 20 gallon high because the hob filter that came with it was too loud in my bedroom. Have multiple places to place the aquarium in case one place doesn't work out as well as you thought it would.

 

bizaliz3 how is a python dangerous with MTS? Do you mean there's a possibility of contaminating all your tanks if something isn't visibly sick in another?

No....I mean it makes water changes so fast and easy and effortless that getting more and more tanks isn't too overwhelming. I went from 2 tanks to 20 after getting a python. Haha!

 

No....I mean it makes water changes so fast and easy and effortless that getting more and more tanks isn't too overwhelming. I went from 2 tanks to 20 after getting a python. Haha!

I was curious about this too. I'm over here literally googling multiple Tank syndrome as if it's an actual disease &I hoping I haven't exposed my fish to it after the large water change I did today! This is too funny bc I literally just learned what MTS is bc of your previous post!

 

I was curious about this too. I'm over here literally googling multiple Tank syndrome as if it's an actual disease &I hoping I haven't exposed my fish to it after the large water change I did today! This is too funny bc I literally just learned what MTS is bc of your previous post!

Haha! I edited the post to elaborate more!

 

No....I mean it makes water changes so fast and easy and effortless that getting more and more tanks isn't too overwhelming. I went from 2 tanks to 20 after getting a python. Haha!

Alright, I figured you weren't having a really serious concern but I just wanted to be sure

 

Here are some things I did
1. I did not clean the sand
2. I did not use a plate when placing water
3. You must have 2 water changers, One bigger one for only water and a smaller one for the substrate.
4. The test kit Ammonia is a bit off
5. I needed a filter 3x my tank size
6. Corydoras make sand storms
7. How to make Driftwood sink (I used a rock and a zip tie...)
8. Banana Plants need root tabs
Probably more but this is what I thought of

 

Not all algae is bad algae! I was under the impression when beginning the hobby that any algae will kill fish, and destroy your tank. Upon researching, I discovered...that was far from the truth

Goldfish are NOT the ideal pet for kids! This is a big one that bothers me a lot. Goldfish are NOT the fish you buy your 10 year old. They will grow, they will produce a lot of waste, and they will outgrow that starter tank you bought him at walmart.

Bettas CAN NOT live in "anything" They are adaptable, and can live fine in a 5 gallon..which isn't the usual case for fish of similar sizes. HOWEVER, they should not be put in flower pots and whatever household container you happen to find.

Bigger tank = easier tank. I was under the impression that the smaller the tank is, the easier maintenance would be. Less water and less fish right? Wrong. Very wrong.

 

I've been trying to think of something to contribute that hasn't already been covered.

Only things I can think of are:

1) the bio bacteria that you can buy in a bottle to quick start your aquarium can really help the process along.

2) don't be discouraged by the discoloration created by driftwood in your aquarium, especially if you have fish that prefer soft water. That dark stain is created by tannins released by the wood. It can soften the water naturally and for many fish (like tetras, cories, angels, gouramis, rams, etc) you'll see them at their most beautiful and lively with the tannins in the water.

 

Most of the bigger ones have been covered
Footprint
Filter media
Cycling process
Not to trust fish stores
Don't obsess about trying to alter your PH
Don't add too many fish at once
Water changes are the best "medicine"
Clear water does NOT equal healthy water
Test strips are not reliable

Start with the BIGGEST tank you have room for or can afford. You won't regret it.

Don't buy aquarium kits. You will end up wanting to upgrade the filter and lights and stuff over time anyway.

Consider going used for your tank(s)...people are often trying to get rid of large tanks and will often give them away free or for very cheap.

Be open to learning from more experienced keepers and know that they are trying to help...not judge.

TAKE YOUR PHONE WITH YOU TO THE FISH STORE and pull out google when you see a new fish you are tempted to take home and research its basic needs (adult size, temperament and temperature preferences)

Always QT new fish. (but don't leave the QT tank running 365 days a year or it won't remain a QT tank for long hahaha)

Keep a spare sponge filter running on your tank for emergencies. It can be used to instantly cycle a last minute QT tank or hospital tank.

A python water changer is DANGEROUS if you are suffering from MTS. (multiple tank syndrome) ***because it makes water changes so fast and easy that you can handle more and more tanks!

I just want to add one last thing....and this could be considered opinion only.....but it is something I personally wish I had realized earlier on......Variety doesn't make for a more fun tank. (a bunch of different types of singleton schooling/shoaling fish for instance) And 6 is not really appropriate size for a school of fish. Its the supposed minimum, but that minimum should only be followed if the tank doesn't allow for more than 6. (ie. if you have a 29g, its better to get 12 of one type of schooling fish rather than 2 schools of 6)....trust me when I say, a nice big school is a much prettier and more rewarding sight to see than variety. (and much better for the fish) Again....that is just an opinion, but it is something that I just simply didn't appreciate until I saw it first hand.

And again....RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH!!!

Love the Python warning!!! I would add to that warning while doing the water change with a python, try to not get distracted (cleaning the plants, moving things etc.)while in fill mode. I did that and before I realized it I was overtopping!!! YIKES!!! Good thing I have tile floors.

 

That many of the plants sold for aquariums in chain fish/pet stores are ornamental only and will not grow. Hate to think how money I wasted on plants before I realised.

 

Its like the tortoise and the hair. Slow and steady wins the race. The only thing that happens quick is bad things.

 

1)Always research before buying any fish,
It may look docile in the store but could become a demon in your tank.
2)Never add too many fish at once. Gradual additions help the bacteria colonies grow to meet the additional bioload.
3)Find a LFS you can trust and stick with it. I’ve been with my current LFS for 2-3 years and I’m really blessed that he aids me a lot whether be it ordering fish I want or specially bringing in supplies I need.
4) Get as many tanks as your schedule allows. I used to keep 7 tanks but maintaining them weekly was difficult due to my schedule had to downgrade a tank (10 to 5g) and decommission another.

 

Thought of another...

Although aquarium salt for Freshwater aquariums is sold, do lots of research on each individual species you keep before adding salt. While some fish will appreciate the additive, namely live bearers, many fish will not. Especially tetras and cories. Never add salt with cories. They are scaleless and cannot tolerate salt. Also, Freshwater snails. I've not really researched this but I'm pretty sure salt would be deadly to these guys. Again, do your own research here, but just know it's not beneficial or even safe for everyone.

 

Also to add, quit worrying about tap water pH unless you are attempting to keep wild caught species, discus or breeding fish etc. or grow sensitive plants.

This really depends on what comes out of the tap.

In my part of San Francisco, the tap water comes out at over 9. This is not great for any fish.

 

Here are some things I did
1. I did not clean the sand
2. I did not use a plate when placing water
3. You must have 2 water changers, One bigger one for only water and a smaller one for the substrate.
4. The test kit Ammonia is a bit off
5. I needed a filter 3x my tank size
6. Corydoras make sand storms
7. How to make Driftwood sink (I used a rock and a zip tie...)
8. Banana Plants need root tabs
Probably more but this is what I thought of