Tips And Tricks For The Novice Fishkeeper Please

[joel08]

Hi can I please have some handy hints and tips for tropical fish-keeping? What can I do to help look after the fish to the best of my ability, for example water changes advice, when to feed, maintenance advice etc.
 
I have been keeping goldfish for many years but moving onto tropical fish now. Apart from the warmer water conditions what else is different? 
 

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Pretty much all fish need the same things from us as their custodian.
 
1. Clean water.
2. Good food.
3. Appropriate parameters.
4. Appropriate decor/set-up.
5. Proper tank mates.
 
Remember, anything that goes into a tank or gets removed from a tank is the result of what the fish keeper does or fails to do.

 

[Chad]

My list is similar...

• Plan ahead. Know what will go into your tank before you even buy a fish. The tank size and aquascape should be right for the fish.
• Don't stock a tank that isn't ready (i.e. cycle well and patiently)
• Stock slowly when you do. Put in a fish or two then wait a couple of weeks.
• Don't overstock.
• Don't overfeed.
• Do frequent water changes.
• Maintain your filter properly and have the right filter for the tank size and fish in the tank.