Having an aquarium can be a wonderful hobby and after initial set-up, it is low maintenance. If you are considering setting up an aquarium, there are some general guidelines that you need to follow to make your experience with fish keeping a successful one.

Here are a few tips to get you off to a successful start.

• Don’t add more than four fish to your tank at a time.

• Introduce the fish to your tank slowly. Float the bag with your new fish in your tank so the temperature in the bag can adjust to the temperature of your tank. Equalize the water temperature by floating the bag in the tank. Add tank water periodically to the bag water until the new fish is adjusted to your tank water.

• When you buy new fish, quarantine them before you add them to your tank. New fish may have diseases or bacteria that could make the fish in your aquarium sick. Observe them for several days to be sure they are healthy before adding them to your tank.

• While your fish is adjusting to his new home, keep the light at a lower level. This will reduce the stress level of your new fish.

• Make sure you have plants and objects that your new fish can hide behind. This gives the fish a sense of security while it is adjusting and getting used to the other fish in the tank.

• Don’t start out with a tank that is too small. Beginning aquarists should begin with a tank that is at least 20 gallons. Water conditions are harder to control in smaller tanks and you don’t have much room for error.

• Don’t add fish to your new tank too quickly. Give the water in your tank time to stabilize. If you add your fish as soon as you put water in it, gasses and harmful materials in the water haven’t had time to dissolve.

• Add just a few fish in the beginning and choose fish that are known for their "hardiness."

• Don’t overstock your tank. A good rule to follow is one inch of fish per gallon of water. Remember to subtract the space that is taken up by plants, gravel and objects that you have in your tank.

• Make sure your fish are compatible. Look through books and find fish that you like and then research what conditions they need to live.

Check for compatibility among fish – don’t put aggressive fish or carnivorous fish in with others.

Make sure "social" or "school" fish have companions.

Check on the water temperature each fish species needs.

Check water conditions required.

• Don’t overfeed your fish. Fish are fun to feed but they will literally eat until it kills them. They are opportunistic and will eat whatever you give them. Don’t feed them more than they can eat in a 5 minute period.

• Don’t forget to install a good filtration system. The system needs to cycle the water in your tank at least three times every hour. There is no such thing as over-filtering your aquarium water, but under-filtering can make your fish sick and possibly kill them.

Becoming an aquarium hobbyist is very enjoyable and also addicting. By doing some initial research and following these tips, you can be successful at setting up your new aquarium and enjoy it for many years to come.

Jason Ladock

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