| Those who are new to the hobby of tropical | | | | measuring the temperature, testing the water for |
| fish tanks tend to make the following common | | | | high levels of nitrite. If you do not get into the |
| mistakes. Now you've been warned! | | | | habit of doing these things, then your fish may fall |
| 1. Giving too much or too little foods to the fish: in | | | | sick. |
| the beginning, you will have a difficult time finding | | | | 4. Incompatible fish in the same tank: different |
| out the correct quantity of food to give to the | | | | species of fish will go together more or less |
| fish. You should feed them only once a day and | | | | depending on their sociability. African cichlids are |
| depending on the number of fish in the aquarium, | | | | known to be aggressive fish. Do not put them in |
| only a pinch of flakes will be enough. | | | | a community tank or else they will attack the |
| The excess of nutrients will accumulate and cause | | | | small aquarium fish. When in doubt consult your |
| the pollution of the tank water, causing the fish to | | | | local fish shop. |
| die because of the toxicity levels. It can also lead | | | | 5. Starting with a Marine tank: saltwater tanks are |
| to algae infestation. | | | | more difficult to set up successfully and maintain |
| You can always use a town automatic feeder to | | | | the fish healthy. Marine tanks and fish are also |
| avoid this problem. | | | | more expensive than freshwater fish. I |
| 2. Putting the new fish in the tank straight away: | | | | recommend that you start with a fresh water |
| when starting a new tank, it will need to go | | | | tank. Freshwater species are less expensive and |
| through a cycling process. This will guarantee that | | | | easier to maintain. |
| the water will be optimal for the fish. You will | | | | Buying a small tank: people usually think that a |
| need to test the levels of nitrite and other toxic | | | | smaller tank such as a biorb fish tank is more |
| elements harmful to your fish in the water. | | | | appropriate for beginners. But that's not true. I |
| After the first week, you can begin adding some | | | | recommend that you buy a 20 gallon tank as it |
| tropical fish species such as Danio, and continue | | | | will be much more stable and forgiving to |
| the cycling process which will help the filter | | | | temperature and water composition changes. |
| develop beneficial bacteria. | | | | So, if you're thinking about setting up your own |
| 3. Not having a maintenance routine: tropical fish | | | | tropical fish tanks, I hope these tips will give you a |
| tanks require regular maintenance. Changing the | | | | good start. Also, don't hesitate to ask counsel at |
| water, removing dead plants, removing dead fish, | | | | your local shop. |