Words of wisdom to new hobbyist

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makoshoemaker

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 7, 2010
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San Francisco
Everyone join in, We need to help out our newer members and we can prevent future threads being asked for simple questions.

Feeder fish, don't do it. Bugs are a better alternative because their diseases cant transfer over to fish.

Over-filtration is going to be better than under-filtration.

Don't ever trust Petco, always consult the internet before you buy any fish to prevent you having to take back any fish or have any die because you had them under unfavorable conditions.

Everyone chime in. Experienced fish keepers would be appreciated.
 
Be prepared to lose fish. It is an unfortunate aspect of the hobby. I don't know any serious fish keeper that hasn't had a heartbreaking loss.

Quarantine all new fish. After working in the industry, I can tell you almost all fish come in to the country with some sort of disease. A quarantine tank is many times less expensive than the cost of treating a disease in the long run. It also can act as a hospital tank.
 
Read before you buy.Find out how big the fish is going to get and its requirements before putting your money down.
 
and believe experienced fish keepers when they tell you that the fish you are buying or just bought is going to outgrow your tank.. it's not just flaming.
 
Impulse buy = big problems for you and even bigger problems for the poor animal you just bought.

If you are asking a store clerk, what does it eat, how big will it get and will it get along with ______.... that means you are not ready to buy it. Go learn the answers to your questions and purchase responsibly.

Yes, you need to use dechlorinator; no you don't need "aquarium salt"; and if you don't know what it means to "cycle a tank" or think you can cycle a tank in less than a week then you aren't ready yet. Leave the store with out any living organisms and find a source of information first.
 
I'm a impulse buyer and i kept fish fine for a few yrs - you need to suffer a few times before you can get it up and running.

Always start with easy fish that are hardy!
 
Research all fish before you buy them. Know if they are okay in the tank size you have.

Don't over feed, it pollutes the water.

Research cycling until you understand it and when setting up a new tank test the water. Get a test kit for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph.

Use water conditoner when you do a water change to remove the chlorine.
 
Make sure you have a cycled tank to avoid fish loss due to an ammonia spike. Use a dechorinator on all water changes(I use prime..good stuff!!)..
Don't do a trial and error experiment with mixing fishes until you're experienced enough to do so. Some fish just will plain refuse to get along with others, while others(labled as killers) may get along with some but not others. Do not over crowd!!!!
Start small and research, research, research. I started off with a 10g-went to a 29g --to a 40g long--to a 55g...etc. I now have 2)180g ,1)150g and a 75g set up with various fish from aros to bichirs and gars but I worked up to that point.
Make sure you have tight fitting lids--most fish are jumpers!!!
Some fish require a special diet and special water parameters so that's where your research comes in. Feed your fish a varied diet for the best health and color.
Expect fish loss and fights over territory--hiding places are a must for most cichlids+others!!!
if you're reading this than you have access to all the sticky threads --please read them as well--very good info!!!

Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions,
Chris
 
Do partial water changes. Frequently.

Buy a Python or equivalent. It will make doing water changes easier. So you'll do them. And without spilling water everywhere or hauling buckets.

Join a fish club. Chances are there's one in your area. You'll have access to more credible information and advice, unbelievably cheap tanks, supplies and rare fish than anywhere else.

Matt
 
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