Here are some tips to help keep your aquarium running smoothly from start to finish. Starting an aquarium hobby isn’t easy — and it doesn’t happen quickly. You’ll need to take a few weeks to prepare the tank and water before you add any fish.
- Get the biggest tank you can afford — and the biggest tank that can fit in your space. A larger aquarium usually means the water parameters will be more stable. Water temperature also stays more stable in a bigger tank.
- Make sure you know and understand the nitrogen cycle.
- Always use your water test kit to check on the water parameters every few days — more often during the nitrogen cycle.
- Do your research about your equipment. Read what other aquarium hobbyists have to say about various filters, heaters, lights, and other parts.
- Don’t leave your tank lights on all the time. Try to keep them on an eight to twelve hour cycle; think about using a timer to keep the cycle regular. It makes sense for you to have the aquarium lights on when you’re home and awake, so you can see what is happening in the water!
- Try to perform partial water changes every week or every two weeks. Small, frequent changes are easier (and better for your tank) than large, infrequent charges.
- Vacuum alternating sides of the tank when you do your tank maintenance.
- ALWAYS turn off the electricity before working in or around your tank!
- Use drip loops on all of your aquarium cords or hang the power strip on the wall so that any water running down the cord won’t go into the electrical socket.
- Subscribe to a fish and aquarium magazine, or pick up some fish and aquarium books from your local library or book store. These can be a great reference for the future.