Three common mistakes aquarists make and how to avoid them

Overfeeding fish

Feeding fish is a crucial aspect of their care in an aquarium. However, many aquarists face the problem of overfeeding. Aquarium owners often believe that fish always require extra food, leading them to provide more than necessary.

Excessive feeding can cause issues in the aquarium. Uneaten food settles at the bottom, accumulating harmful substances such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. This, in turn, overloads the biological filter and can negatively affect the health of the fish.

To avoid these problems, it is essential to assess the needs of the fish accurately. Some aquarists observe that fish ignore the offered food, assume they do not notice it, and continue adding more feed. However, this approach can be detrimental. It is better to focus on selecting the right food and determining the optimal portion size.

Most aquarium fish respond well to commercial feeds in the form of flakes or pellets. Before acquiring fish or invertebrates, consult the supplier about their dietary requirements. Always read the labels on the food to learn about its composition and nutritional value.

It is recommended that only high-quality feeds be used, and enough should be provided for the fish to consume in three to five minutes during each feeding. Feeding fish once or twice a day is optimal, depending on their age and species.

Moving too quickly

Patience is a key aspect of caring for a marine aquarium. Many beginners encounter problems shortly after setting up the aquarium because they often rush, overlooking all the nuances of this hobby. It is essential to remember that aquaristics requires time for learning and preparation.

Before starting, thoroughly study the requirements for the fish and invertebrates you plan to keep. Equally important is to check their compatibility with the existing residents of the aquarium. When stocking a new aquarium, it is advisable to introduce only a few fish during the first 4 to 6 weeks. This stabilizes the aquarium and creates favorable conditions for the new residents. Avoid adding all the fish at once, as this can lead to stress and disrupt the aquarium's biological balance.

Overloading the system

One of the most common mistakes made by aquarists is overloading the system, which occurs when too many living organisms are added to the aquarium at once.

Even in stable systems, quickly introducing a large number of new inhabitants can lead to “new tank syndrome,” stressing fish and worsening the overall condition of the aquarium. Therefore, it is crucial not to rush. Aquaristics is a process that requires patience.

After each new resident is added, allow time for the stabilization of water quality. Ensure that water parameters are normal before continuing to fill the aquarium. The more time you dedicate to setting up your aquarium, the healthier its inhabitants will be. Remember: quality is always more important than quantity!

Earlier, we also published the top 6 fish for aquarium beginners.

Sources: The Spruce Pets, PetMD.