An aquarium full of fish is a beautiful and captivating sight. Unfortunately, we don't always understand everything that goes into raising happy, healthy fish before we start. There is a lot to consider before you start keeping fish. As a responsible aquarium owner, you should make sure that you can properly care for your fish before bringing them into your home. Following this guide on keeping aquarium fish will help you avoid the most common mistakes beginners make. You will also find in our store all the supplies that will help you get started on the right foot.
What are the most important basics of raising ornamental fish for beginners?
Here are the basics of raising ornamental fish:
Choose the size of the aquarium
The first thing to consider is the size of the aquarium you want to purchase. Most beginners start with a very small tank of 5 or 10 litres, thinking that it will be easier to care for. In fact, larger aquariums are much better for the new fish world you create. We highly recommend that you start with a larger aquarium to begin with. Of course not everyone has the space or budget for a very large sink, but try to start with the largest sink you can afford. With a larger tank, it is easier to keep the water chemistry and temperature stable. It is also advisable to get a long tank so that the fish have more room to swim back and forth. Also make sure that the filter and heater are designed to fit the size of your tank.
Find a suitable location to place your new aquarium
It is very important that you find the right place for your aquarium. You'll need a place away from any windows; Where sunlight causes algae to multiply. It should also be kept away from heaters or vents. Choosing a less trafficked area of the home will also be beneficial; Because you or anyone else in the house, especially children, are unlikely to accidentally hit the sink. Also make sure your tub is level and has a sturdy stand that can support it. If it is tilted at one corner, it will put pressure on that part of the pelvis; Which may lead to cracks and leaks. You'll also need to make sure there are enough outlets nearby for all the equipment you'll need.
Think about the appropriate type of fish
Think carefully about the type of fish you want to raise. Ornamental fish have many different requirements depending on their natural environment. Although you may see many similar types, this does not mean that they all have the same needs. You will need to know the preferred diet for the type of fish you want to raise, the ideal water temperature for them, as well as the desired water chemistry. It is a good idea to breed fish that come from the same natural environment together, as they are likely to have the same requirements. Also consider how big each fish is supposed to become, and don't choose any species that can grow too large for your tank. You should also research fish behavior to avoid placing predatory fish in your tank that eat other fish that you have worked hard to care for.
Try to find species that occupy different areas of the aquarium. Some fish prefer to be near the top, while other species prefer to swim at the bottom. It is always a good idea to have a few fish that feed on algae and food scraps falling into your aquarium to help you keep the tank clean.
Conditioning aquarium water for raising ornamental fish
Once you have chosen the tank, its location, and the type of fish you want to raise, you will likely rush out to buy fish to put in the tank as quickly as possible. Try to be patient and remember that the water must be just right for your fish's health. The first step is to add a water filter to remove chlorine from your tap water. Chlorine is very dangerous to fish and can cause gill necrosis; Which leads to suffocation. So never add water from the tap directly to the aquarium.
Perform regular water changes
There are many different opinions about how often you should change the water and how much to change. It largely depends on the size of the aquarium. A change of 10% to 15% each week is recommended for small to medium capacity tanks, and 20% for maximum capacity tanks. For sparsely stocked tanks, water change intervals can be as long as two weeks. You should also use a siphon to perform a water change to empty debris from the bottom of the tank. Also remember that beneficial bacteria live in the gravel or sand and filter. So try not to clean both at the same time, otherwise you will lose a lot of bacteria and the biological cycle can start all over again. Also when cleaning the filter sponge, be sure to clean it with aquarium water instead of tap water to avoid killing bacteria, and do not use soap or other cleaning products in your aquarium.
Among the most important aquarium supplies that must be provided for raising ornamental fish, we recommend for you with high quality:
How does the biological cycle work in an aquarium for beginners?
This step is the most important in the aquarium fish farming process for beginners and is often skipped by those who are new to aquaculture. Fish waste releases ammonia into the water, which is harmful to fish. Therefore, special types of bacteria must be created in the aquarium and filter to help solve this problem. One type of bacteria converts ammonia into nitrite, which is more toxic than ammonia. But another type of bacteria converts nitrite into harmless nitrate. These bacteria need time to build up in your filter, and this process is called biological cycling.
There are two ways to cycle your aquarium, one with fish, and one without fish. Ammonia is needed to start the process, and can be added directly to the tank without fish, or produced in the tank by adding a very small amount of fish. While it may seem more exciting to choose the method using fish, you should keep in mind that the fish will be under stress at first with high ammonia levels and low bacteria levels. Therefore, it is more humane to choose the fishless method, as you can add ammonia in very small quantities every few days in the aquarium.
If you decide to choose the method using fish, be careful not to overfeed them; Because this will increase ammonia levels significantly. Be sure to perform small water changes every few days of 10% to 15% to help reduce stress on your fish. The biological cycle may take as long as 8 weeks or more. After 2 to 3 weeks, the water should be tested for ammonia and nitrite, as around this time the nitrite should rise and will begin to convert to nitrate.
When you notice this rise and subsequent decline in nitrite levels, you can add more fish. Add them slowly, only a few at a time. If you add it too quickly, the cycle will start again as ammonia levels will rise. Adding plants will help keep nitrates low in your tank, and plants should not be affected by high ammonia levels. Remember that nitrates can be harmful in large amounts as well, so be sure to test your aquarium water regularly for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.
Among the many aquariums suitable for beginners, we recommend this tank for the best environment for your fish and a beautiful addition to your home as well with high durability:
Finally, remember that an aquarium is not just an ornament, and aquarium fish are not just decorations to add to your home. It's a small ecosystem that depends entirely on you, and a big responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. By following the basic instructions in this guide along with the rest of the instructions in our blog, you will be able to provide a happy and healthy life for your fish and enjoy raising aquarium fish in your home. You can also equip your aquarium to the best of your ability and at the lowest cost by purchasing all fish supplies from our Petaholic store.
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