Become known at the local Mom and Pop FS and when you want something that is hard to find, they will go out of their way to help you find it. I am so well known at my LFS that I occationally get free fish but I always get to buy are their cost.
I'll second the "when in doubt, change water" one.
Also:
- If a fish starts acting funny, it means something is wrong - they're not just having an "off" day
- Clean filters regularly
- Save money on filter media - pot scrubbies, sofa foam, etc. etc. work great
- Broccoli left in a tank overnight smells like the 7th level of hell the next day
I'll second the "when in doubt, change water" one.
Also:
- If a fish starts acting funny, it means something is wrong - they're not just having an "off" day
- Clean filters regularly
- Save money on filter media - pot scrubbies, sofa foam, etc. etc. work great
- Broccoli left in a tank overnight smells like the 7th level of hell the next day
DIY anything and everything you can. Buy used. Water changes / water changes / water changes.
NOTE:
If you take an old garden hose and cut the ends off, shove your gravel siphon into it and run it out the door you wont waste money/water using your python for the cleaning portion of your water change...let gravity do that for you unless you keep your fish below grade in a basement.
Haven't had a chance to read through this whole entire thread yet so don't know if this has been posted but always try to buy a tank that will house your fish for life if you can don't bother with a grow out tank, you will save money in the long run this way.
The best advice I ever recieved "The Secret Of Keeping Healthy Fish Is In Keeping Healthy Water"
And my own personal advice to beginners is Don't F*£! around with PH adjusters! You cannot lower the PH of hard tap water without Softening the water, It just bounces back up.
1. The bigger, the better. Bigger tanks = more stable water, more happy fish.
2. Live plants. As much as you can. They consume nitrates, make it more natural for fish and compete with algae for nutrients.
3. The first sec a problem arises ... change some water ... raise the temp a bit.
4. Before buying a fish ... always do your homework ... research ... internet is huge.
5. If you can't handle a problem ... always ask for help. It's an antique hobby ... someone should know the answer to your prayer.
6. Always buy the biggest, most colourful and greediest fish and if properly acclimatised, your fish may become champs.
I havent tried broccoli....dont think I will now....!!
