The 5 Essential Tips For Beginner Fish Hobbyists

Here are the 5 essential questions to ask yourself if you are on the right track to becoming a better fish hobbyist.

1. Did You Choose the Right Tank For Your Fish?

This will depend on the species of fish. Having sufficient swimming room is important for fast-swimming species, so a long narrow tank would be best.

Species like cichlids like to stake out territory at the bottom, so low and wide tanks would suit them nicely.

Vertically elongated species like angelfish need adequate space to develop and display their fin age, so they will need tall aquariums. Bear in mind that the wrong shape of your aquarium tank can affect your fish wellbeing.

2. Are There Any Hiding Places for Your Fish?

If your fish hide all the time, they are probably scared. One reason could be that these fish belong to a schooling species and you are keeping too few of them. Schooling species should never be kept in groups of fewer that six.

Another reason is that not enough hiding places are being provided for them. They will feel more secure when plenty of nooks and crannies are available, as they know there is sufficient cover and that they won’t have to fight for a safe spot to hide in when they are frightened.

3. Is Your Tank Squeaky Clean?

Do not use items for your regular household chores to clean your tank. Some of these, like window and glass cleaners, contain ammonia—a toxic substance which can kill your fish.

Wet the corner of a rag with vinegar or rubbing alcohol to get rid of stubborn or greasy marks on the outside of the tank. Another 8 more easy tips to having a squeaky clean tank.

4. Are You Keeping Your Fish’s Health Problems Under Control?

Fish health problems usually arise from overcrowding, overfeeding, and other kinds of negligence. One of the best treatments for ailing fish is making a massive water change to reduce the concentration of toxins in the water.

Aquarium salt that has not been treated with chemical additives can also be added to treat wounds, infections and parasites. It helps to stimulate the fish’s production of slime, which deters or kill many disease-causing organisms.

With the exception of Ich, most fish diseases are difficult to diagnose and treat without expert help. You should have some Ich medication on hand at all times, just in case the problem occurs. A few more tips on how to prevent and treat Ich without killing your fish.

5. Are You Feeding Live Feeder Fish?

Feeder fish that are commercially available may be loaded with parasites and diseases, and of inferior nutritional value. No fish suitable for a beginner fish hobbyist will require live food, let alone live fish as food! Get the right fish food for your fish.

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