What have you learned so far about aquarium keeping?

[Hybridfish7]

Ask where to buy stuff from people who actually know what they're doing so you're not spending $120 on a 2 gallon kit tank that still needs a heater
(Buy tanks from Petco or PetSmart during half off sales, eheim jager and aquatop heaters, used aquaclears from local clubs or lfs, sponge filters and lights from Amazon, oval shaped aqueon led will grow any plant, tetra whisper aerators are also always on sale on Amazon)

 

[celebrist]

Allow more room for your sump than you think you will need

 

[FINWIN]

I learned there are amazing highs and crushing lows. Some fish will last a long time, some not. Others will succumb to sudden illness. But most importantly I love exploring the common connection across species through interaction, sight cues and observation. I've seen evidence of revenge, emotion, friendship, discord, playfulness, and family relationships. And hierarchy relationships as fish mature.

Most important thing is to have passion and fun for the hobby or else it's meaningless and a waste of time.

 

[SalviniCichlidFan]

I learned that MFK is by far the best source on freshwater fishkeeping compared to all others.

 

[punman]

1) Don't get distracted when refilling a tank with a hose from a tap. I have caused a flood twice and that was two times too many.
2) Make sure you have a spouse (partner) who still let you have fish tanks when you have flooded the room twice. Luckily mine did (so far).

 

[Berts46ers]

Don’t go looking for medicine as soon as a fish seems a little sick. Especially when it is hard to properly diagnose a lot of fish diseases.
Clean water and occasionally salt baths will cure many ailments.

 

[JackEmerson]

There may be times in life where you will be only able to feed and change the water and nothing more. So keep things simple.

yep, this is where I am right now. Only time and energy for the basics.

 

[JackEmerson]

2) Make sure you have a spouse (partner) who still let you have fish tanks when you have flooded the room twice. Luckily mine did (so far).

ha ha ha. While I have never flooded the room, I do make a mess whenever I do a water change. She puts up with me, but she knows I am a sane person when I have tanks.