The Worst Aquarium Misconceptions!

[nikm128]

Well 0 across the board usually does mean there is no cycle or at least an incomplete/improper one. You usually would only see all 0 in a heavily planted tank.
I'm not saying all 0 is bad for the fish, it just usually points to a cycling issue

 

[mattgirl]

I love the "you aren't cycled because you have 0 nitrates" crowd, even when there are fish in the tank and ammonia and nitrites are 0.

To be perfectly honest though. In most new tanks that is probably true. In a newly cycled tank one will want to see 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and some nitrates.

Once up and running for a while it is very possible to have little or no nitrates. That is actually what I am working on as we speak and am having very good luck with it.

 

[Dave125g]

I love the "you aren't cycled because you have 0 nitrates" crowd, even when there are fish in the tank and ammonia and nitrites are 0.

True. Denitraphying bacteria or just a lot of plants will give a fully cycled tank 0 nitrates. There's even nitrate removing filtration, though I'm not sure you can achieve 0 with that alone.

Here's 1 that I'm not sure was mentioned yet. This I hear all the time. A monster fish, if purchased as a juvenile, will be fine in a smaller tank because it will not out grow the tank. That's called stunting, very bad idea.

 

[nikm128]

I do have an actual misconception to share this time though.
Buying a fish from somewhere like Walmart or petsmart when it is in too small of a tank, or has bad living conditions in order to give it the better conditions you can provide for it is not "saving the poor (insert fish here) from miserable conditions." All that does is tell them they can make money selling those fish so they will continue buying them and not properly caring for the fish.

 

[Wraithen]

There have been a few threads where the newly cycled tank just wasn't being tested correctly for nitrates, or the denitrifying bacteria we always growing anyway on accident from the setup. New aquarists can't recognize these issues and just assume the cycle hasnt even started. If you have 10 fish and test 0 for ammo and nitrites, you are cycled, unless you tested right after a big water change.

 

[DoubleDutch]

And not only will plecos not clean your tank, they will poop, a lot. And put a lot more cleaning on your list of things to do

Best way to have no algae : Don't fill your tank with water. It will stay spotless !

 

[Ronniethewitch]

I think that "algae eaters clean your tank" is over hyped, personally I keep snails so I never really have to worry about algae, if people went with snails instead of algae eaters the world would be a better place

if they buy plants - snails come for free!

 

[WinterSoldier.]

Well 0 across the board usually does mean there is no cycle or at least an incomplete/improper one. You usually would only see all 0 in a heavily planted tank.
I'm not saying all 0 is bad for the fish, it just usually points to a cycling issue

I have a heavily planted tank and I think I'm at 0.0 Ammonia .5 Nitrite and .15 Nitrate or something like that

 

[Bryangar]

I love the "you aren't cycled because you have 0 nitrates" crowd, even when there are fish in the tank and ammonia and nitrites are 0.

haha I have a moderately planted tank with a low stock bioload, I'm always reading 0/0/0

 

[WinterSoldier.]

This is a good video on "do not's"

 

[Mr. Kgnao]

These aren't so much misconceptions as fallacies which lead to misconceptions, but:

a. This bizarre willingness to just invent a number, put a percent symbol behind it, and then pretend that figure is an incontrovertible fact. It's not, it's just a random grouping of phonemes lacking any semantic referent.

b. An unwillingness to consider oppurtunity costs. All decisions represent a balancing of diverse interests; would changing 10 times the volume of water in a tank everyday help maintain stable water parameters, yes, but clean water is a finite resource needed for many more pressing purposes than lowering nitrates in a fishtank.

 

[Wraithen]

These aren't so much misconceptions as fallacies which lead to misconceptions, but:

a. This bizarre willingness to just invent a number, put a percent symbol behind it, and then pretend that figure is an incontrovertible fact. It's not, it's just a random grouping of phonemes lacking any semantic referent.

b. An unwillingness to consider oppurtunity costs. All decisions represent a balancing of diverse interests; would changing 10 times the volume of water in a tank everyday help maintain stable water parameters, yes, but clean water is a finite resource needed for many more pressing purposes than lowering nitrates in a fishtank.

You sound like the kind of person Id like to share a beer with. I don't recognize the name.

 

[mattgirl]

Perhaps more than any hobby I know of, the aquarium hobby has a ton of misconceptions that endanger the life we keep. What are some of the misconceptions that you've encountered over the years?

Seeing as I've currently got two tanks, a betta and a reef, here are my two contributions.

Keeping bettas in small bowls/sub gallon tanks - I'm sure this doesn't need a lot of explanation to most of you, but bettas deserve space to swim, and perhaps more importantly, a cycled and heated tank with enough dilution to provide a safe environment for the fish. 2 gallons would be my absolute minimum, although I know a lot of people would say 5-10 gallons+. My girl is in a 5.5, and is fat and happy, with lots of meaty foods and ghost shrimp to hunt.

Finding Nemo - I grew up with this movie, and still love the story. That said, the aquarium portrayed in the movie (and the focus on clownfish, hippo tangs, and moorish idols) caused a massive amount of death in the hobby. Kids wanted their own Nemos, Dorys, and Gills, and parents went out and bought massive amounts of these fish without any research - more so false percula clownfish and Blue hippo tangs, but lots of other fish were affected. Of course, this led to a lot of death, and the repercussions can STILL be seen today in the clownfish industry. Finding a wild-caught false perc is nearly impossible in most LFSs today, since there's such a strong breeding scene due to the movie. Breeders existed before the movie came out, but they came in droves once the demand became so high.

Thank you for starting this thread. Hopefully it will accomplish its purpose.

 

[Jellibeen]

One misconception I see popping up everywhere, including this thread. "There is only one right way to keep fish."

Yes, fish need filters... unless you have a Walstad tank.
Yes, cycled tanks have nitrates... unless you have lots of plants, or denitrifying bacteria.
Yes, tanks need heaters... unless you live somewhere warm, keep cool water fish, etc.

 

[WinterSoldier.]

One misconception I see popping up everywhere, including this thread. "There is only one right way to keep fish."

Yes, fish need filters... unless you have a Walstad tank.
Yes, cycled tanks have nitrates... unless you have lots of plants, or denitrifying bacteria.
Yes, tanks need heaters... unless you live somewhere warm, keep cool water fish, etc.

I agree

 

[Cheesecake]

Too bad there's no website specifically devoted to fish to help people in their ignorance.....

 

[david1978]

Too bad there's no website specifically devoted to fish to help people in their ignorance.....

There is. Seriously fish. oh you mean here.

 

[Jafa]

Thank you for starting this thread. Hopefully it will accomplish its purpose.

Ah, I thought these 2 threads were linked.
Sounds like there's lots going on via Inbox...
A lot of complaining for what purpose???
I see a lot of hurt feelings, and likely not the ones intended.

 

[Vaughn]

I hate seeing people thinking they need a pleco. Like they think it’s something you absolutely need and then when you ask them why they need it they don’t even know or say something about them cleaning the tank for you. How is a fish going to clean a tank haha even if it did eat all the fish poo and algae this would all end up being pleco poo and still being bad. Plus no fish can do a water change for you.

And literally how hard is it for people to search how to take care of a fish they just bought? People always have a phone in their hand anyway how does this not occur to people?

And the whole “well my *insert relative or friend* did it and the fish were fine so I don’t see why I can’t”

 

[Jafa]

I hate seeing people thinking they need a pleco. Like they think it’s something you absolutely need and then when you ask them why they need it they don’t even know or say something about them cleaning the tank for you. How is a fish going to clean a tank haha even if it did eat all the fish poo and algae this would all end up being pleco poo and still being bad. Plus no fish can do a water change for you.

And literally how hard is it for people to search how to take care of a fish they just bought? People always have a phone in their hand anyway how does this not occur to people?

And the whole “well my *insert relative or friend* did it and the fish were fine so I don’t see why I can’t”

I agree, Vaughn.
Everyone has a pleco!
I acquired (rescued) 2 recently but I rarely see them. And now I hear they are poop-machines! Agh.

 

[pakals]

A lot of aquariums can be run filterless - it just has to be set up and stocked in an appropriate fashion.


It depends on the freshwater tank. I'm going off the assumption that someone who wants to get into saltwater is prepared for the cost, and has in-depth experience with freshwater tanks. It's not fair (IMO) to compare the cost of an average cost of a regular Freshwater aquarium to that of a reef - you need to compare the cost of a planted tank, so you can get as many parallels as possible with lighting. Here's the cost that I'd figure up for a planted 10 gallon:

Tank: $10
Filter (AC 30): $30
Heater (Aqueon 50W): $16W
Planted substrate (Fluorite): $19
Lighting (PAR 38 with DIY fixture): $45 (depends on the bulb you use)

That comes out to $120 without considering any livestock.

As similar reef tank, would cost about this much:

Tank: $10
Filter (AC 30): $30
Powerhead (Koralia Nano 425): $30
Heater (Aqueon 50W): $16
Aragonite: $12
Live rock: $12
Lighting (PAR 38 with DIY Fixture): $60
Salt (50 gallon bag of reef crystals): $15

That comes to $185, without consider stock.

On average, livestock will cost more for a saltwater tank - so you are looking at probably 75-100% more for a saltwater tank. But, people make it seem like it's out of reach for your average hobbyist, and it really isn't, especially if you go FOWLR. Saltwater isn't cheap, but if you go and check out a lot of websites, the estimated costs are way too high.


I remember that we used to just let the tank sit for 24 hours. We didn't know any better!


Sadly, it's all about the money.

I would love to know where I could get a 10 gallon for only ten dollars (not trying to attack your calculations, by the way; genuinely curious). The only pet stores in my area sell 10 gallon tanks for around thirty or forty and starter kits for fifty (and close to ninety if they're GloFish or bowfront tanks).

 

[SM1199]

I would love to know where I could get a 10 gallon for only ten dollars (not trying to attack your calculations, by the way; genuinely curious). The only pet stores in my area sell 10 gallon tanks for around thirty or forty and starter kits for fifty (and close to ninety if they're GloFish or bowfront tanks).

Really? Everywhere here sells 10 gallon tanks for $15, and then Petco and Petsmart and other chains usually have a dollar per gallon sale going on at some point in the year.

 

[Gourami36]

I would love to know where I could get a 10 gallon for only ten dollars (not trying to attack your calculations, by the way; genuinely curious). The only pet stores in my area sell 10 gallon tanks for around thirty or forty and starter kits for fifty (and close to ninety if they're GloFish or bowfront tanks).

I think walmart sells 10 gallons for around $10-15

 

[aae0130]

You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him change it.

 

[pakals]

Really? Everywhere here sells 10 gallon tanks for $15, and then Petco and Petsmart and other chains usually have a dollar per gallon sale going on at some point in the year.

Man, that would be really nice. PetCo I know for sure has the dollar per gallon sale, but I never know when it's happening.

I think walmart sells 10 gallons for around $10-15

I've never really shopped for fish stuff at Wal-Mart since there's a PetSmart that's closer. I just got a new 10 gallon yesterday, so I'll just have to check there instead next time. Save me twenty-ish dollars.

 

[Gourami36]

Man, that would be really nice. PetCo I know for sure has the dollar per gallon sale, but I never know when it's happening.


I've never really shopped for fish stuff at Wal-Mart since there's a PetSmart that's closer. I just got a new 10 gallon yesterday, so I'll just have to check there instead next time. Save me twenty-ish dollars.

The dollar per gallon sale is right now until I think February 2

 

[PoorBigBlue]

I would love to know where I could get a 10 gallon for only ten dollars (not trying to attack your calculations, by the way; genuinely curious). The only pet stores in my area sell 10 gallon tanks for around thirty or forty and starter kits for fifty (and close to ninety if they're GloFish or bowfront tanks).

Most locally owned stores usually have them priced for around $20 - Walmart has them for $10. Petsmart has them for $15. Might be a regional thing - I'm in a poorer area, and aquarium stuff just doesn't sell unless you price it cheap here. The only way you get decent equipment is if you go to one of the few decent fish stores in the state.

The $ per gallon sale is your best bet, as I think that's nationwide.

 

[Cheesecake]

I would love to know where I could get a 10 gallon for only ten dollars (not trying to attack your calculations, by the way; genuinely curious). The only pet stores in my area sell 10 gallon tanks for around thirty or forty and starter kits for fifty (and close to ninety if they're GloFish or bowfront tanks).

There is sometimes a dollar per gallon sale at most petstores.

 

[WinterSoldier.]

The dollar per gallon sale is right now until I think February 2

I never had seen a dollar per gallon sale until I moved and then went to my new petco. Its awesome!

 

[danhutchins]

Please tell me no human who has ever kept fish said that.

Another one; you don't need filters, and aquariums are self-sustaining ecosystems. That may not be a very big one, but it is an important on.



Well, how expensive would a freshwater tank of similar size be?

Not sure how much total cost is for a heavily planted 10 but my heavily planted 55 is up to around $4000. That's including timers and everything needed.

 

[danhutchins]

Algae eaters do in fact eat algae in your tank. Fact.

Yes, but they can't live off it and need other food for supplements.

 

[Dave125g]

Not sure how much total cost is for a heavily planted 10 but my heavily planted 55 is up to around $4000. That's including timers and everything needed.

OMG 4,000? My high tech 125 totals around 2,000. You must have gotten high quality lighting, hua?

 

[CaptAnnDuchow]

On a similar note to my first post, don't use API. Their food is full of chemicals and super processed ingredients, if we as people are starting to open our eyes to junk in our food, our fish deserve the same. Also don't use API test strips, they're notoriously inaccurate, if you want to use API use the liquid test kit which still isn't the best.

What do you recommend for an accurate test then?

 

[danhutchins]

All I know about algae eaters is they usually poop green..You still got the algae out of tank in a different form ..
Fish keepers keep tanks clean.Everything else is a bio load beneficial or not and has to be cared for by the keeper.
Some clean up fish do better then keepers cleaning up 'messy tanks' leading the huge misconception the fish has a huge bio load..They just leave evidence of their activity that is clearer to see IMO. For the most part size of fish and amount fed is what makes up bio load ,not a specific sp. of fish [example being plecos ]….People just see clear water and think all is fine ..Hard to miss pleco/snail poop.....I bet the water is clear enough to see that ?Yet possibly in need of attention ….

Completely agree. Just because the water looks clean doesn't mean it is. My water is always clear but I still gravel vac and do water changes every week. This was even brought up a couple weeks ago when someone said "as you can see my water is very clean" and posted a pic of a tank with clear water but no test results. Big misconception. Ammonia is not visible and neither is nitrites, dangerous levels of nitrates are invisible as well.

 

[danhutchins]

I have enjoyed this hobby for close to 40 years. I have never had to deal with any of the many diseases I see here every day. Could it possibly be because I do water changes.....a LOT of water changes. I feel sure it has a lot to do with it.

Just some food for thought and the reason I am unable to help folks that do deal with diseases. My first suggestion will always be up your water changes.

I do cringe when I read water changes aren't good for one reason or another.

I think what the issue here is that people hear "clean up crew" and assume they don't need to maintain their tank. They get a few snails, shrimp and so called algae eaters and never touch it again.

 

[danhutchins]

I love the "you aren't cycled because you have 0 nitrates" crowd, even when there are fish in the tank and ammonia and nitrites are 0.

Agree, there are ways to remove nitrates from the water without it being water changes. There are some biological media's that are more dense in the center to reduce water flow and oxygen that grow the anaerobic bacteria that consume nitrates. There are also ways to remove the oxygen differently to grow this bacteria.

 

[danhutchins]

Too bad there's no website specifically devoted to fish to help people in their ignorance.....

Its called fishlore. Lol

 

[danhutchins]

Really? Everywhere here sells 10 gallon tanks for $15, and then Petco and Petsmart and other chains usually have a dollar per gallon sale going on at some point in the year.

My lfs also sells them for $15

 

[Dave125g]

What do you recommend for an accurate test then?

The API liquid master test kit is accurate enough for our purposes.

 

[danhutchins]

OMG 4,000? My high tech 125 totals around 2,000. You must have gotten high quality lighting, hua?

No. Re scaping with new plants and wood and rocks always costs more. I only have a finnex planted plus (older model), and a beamswork DA full spectrum for light. Mostly cost of plants and fish.

 

[Dave125g]

No. Re scaping with new plants and wood and rocks always costs more. I only have a finnex planted plus (older model), and a beamswork DA full spectrum for light. Mostly cost of plants and fish.

Got ya. I did it on the cheap with plants. Only bought a few and waited for them to propagate. If your stocking with expensive fish I can definitely see cost go way up.

I keep relatively common fish, so my cost is quite low for stocking.

 

[nikm128]

What do you recommend for an accurate test then?

I've heard lots of good things about the tetra liquid test kit, but the API one is still way better then the API strips