Meld
11-21-01, 02:09 PM 11-21-01
Thought I'd post what I've learned about fishkeeping from the internet and books. I don't know if it will help anyone, but it can't hurt to try.
1. When first buying a tank: Don't listen to the petstore people that tell you that you can set the tank up and have fish in it after 24 hours! If you want to probably set up a tank you need to cycle it.
2. Cycling a tank: Does not mean just putting the product cycle in it. I use it, but from what I've read it doesn't do all that much and it definatly does not cycle a tank on its own.
Also, if cycling with fish please don't buy fish that are not hardy fish. I think fishless cycle is best, but some people insist on doing it with fish.
3. Salt: NOT all fish do well in salt, unlike some people say. I do realize that it can prevent some deseases, but some species do not do well with salt in the tank at all.
4. Brackish water fish: Some of these species can survive in freshwater, but they will not thrive.
5. 1 inch per gallon: Is about the worst advice anyone could ever give someone that's starting the fish hobby. Find out how big the maximum size the fish will grow before buying it. Some fish start out less then an inch and end up to be 8 inches. There are exceptions to this where the 1 inch per gallon rule does apply, but it is mostly based on bioload and how much room the fish likes to have. I would maybe put 10 neons in a 10 gallon, but not 10 fish that like bigger spaces even if they are under and inch.
6. Fish will grow to the size of their tank: B/S! This is called stunting fish! It only succeeds in making the fish more succeptable to desease and causes their internal organs to be stunted, thus making their life span shorter. I've been to many petstores that tell poor unsuspecting buyers that fish will grow to the size of the tank. Unfortunatly I used to believe this too until I learned differently.
7. Bowls: These are not suitable for any fish! Especially goldfish which need at least (Preferrably more) 10 gallons per fish! The 2 gallon bowls are ok, but not ideal for a betta, but not much more then that. It makes me sick when I see those poor bettas in those bowls with a plant on top. That is not a good living place for a betta.
8. Overfeeding: Pretty simple concept. You overfeed you cause more waste. It can eventually kill your fish.
9. Uncompatible fish: I realize that there are exceptions to this, but please research what fish are compatible before buying them.
10. Chemicals: Some use them some don't, but I tend to agree with the less chemicals you use the better. I use the ones to purify the water, and I use cycle, but that's it. It is better to try and buy fish that are more suitable to your water conditions then to try and change your ph/hardness.
11. Read: One of the most important things I've found out is to read as much about this hobby and the fish you want to buy as you can before starting out.
12. Filtration: It is very important to have proper filtration. I bought an extra aquaclear mini for my 10 gallon just so it would have the extra filtration. While this may be overboard, I feel it's better then having to little. It depends on the size of the tank and how many fish are in there.
13. Size/gallons: I've found out that it doesn't always depend on the gallons on how much fish you can have. A 55 gallon long/wide will house more fish then a hex will because of the bottom area. Some fish will also not do well in a hex because of the limited swimming room.
Well I hope this post helps some people. If I have any misinformation please let me know. I'm just posting information I have learned throughout all my reading.
1. When first buying a tank: Don't listen to the petstore people that tell you that you can set the tank up and have fish in it after 24 hours! If you want to probably set up a tank you need to cycle it.
2. Cycling a tank: Does not mean just putting the product cycle in it. I use it, but from what I've read it doesn't do all that much and it definatly does not cycle a tank on its own.
Also, if cycling with fish please don't buy fish that are not hardy fish. I think fishless cycle is best, but some people insist on doing it with fish.
3. Salt: NOT all fish do well in salt, unlike some people say. I do realize that it can prevent some deseases, but some species do not do well with salt in the tank at all.
4. Brackish water fish: Some of these species can survive in freshwater, but they will not thrive.
5. 1 inch per gallon: Is about the worst advice anyone could ever give someone that's starting the fish hobby. Find out how big the maximum size the fish will grow before buying it. Some fish start out less then an inch and end up to be 8 inches. There are exceptions to this where the 1 inch per gallon rule does apply, but it is mostly based on bioload and how much room the fish likes to have. I would maybe put 10 neons in a 10 gallon, but not 10 fish that like bigger spaces even if they are under and inch.
6. Fish will grow to the size of their tank: B/S! This is called stunting fish! It only succeeds in making the fish more succeptable to desease and causes their internal organs to be stunted, thus making their life span shorter. I've been to many petstores that tell poor unsuspecting buyers that fish will grow to the size of the tank. Unfortunatly I used to believe this too until I learned differently.
7. Bowls: These are not suitable for any fish! Especially goldfish which need at least (Preferrably more) 10 gallons per fish! The 2 gallon bowls are ok, but not ideal for a betta, but not much more then that. It makes me sick when I see those poor bettas in those bowls with a plant on top. That is not a good living place for a betta.
8. Overfeeding: Pretty simple concept. You overfeed you cause more waste. It can eventually kill your fish.
9. Uncompatible fish: I realize that there are exceptions to this, but please research what fish are compatible before buying them.
10. Chemicals: Some use them some don't, but I tend to agree with the less chemicals you use the better. I use the ones to purify the water, and I use cycle, but that's it. It is better to try and buy fish that are more suitable to your water conditions then to try and change your ph/hardness.
11. Read: One of the most important things I've found out is to read as much about this hobby and the fish you want to buy as you can before starting out.
12. Filtration: It is very important to have proper filtration. I bought an extra aquaclear mini for my 10 gallon just so it would have the extra filtration. While this may be overboard, I feel it's better then having to little. It depends on the size of the tank and how many fish are in there.
13. Size/gallons: I've found out that it doesn't always depend on the gallons on how much fish you can have. A 55 gallon long/wide will house more fish then a hex will because of the bottom area. Some fish will also not do well in a hex because of the limited swimming room.
Well I hope this post helps some people. If I have any misinformation please let me know. I'm just posting information I have learned throughout all my reading.