Starting a Fish Tank ~ Tips to Avoid Fish Killing

Alright, so many of you mentioned that you had difficulties keeping fish alive!  I have heard this from many people before but haven't really had to much trouble myself.  So, from what I have heard from the "pros" is that people make a lot of mistakes in the initial setup of an aquarium.


This website breaks it down into pretty simple steps: http://newaquariuminformation.com/aquarium-information/freshwater-aquariums/starting-a-freshwater-aquarium.htm


I read through and agree with most steps so if you ever want to start a tank these are pretty simple guidelines that will keep your fish alive.


So a couple of rules to remember with fish tanks and how not to kill your fish.


-Never use soaps or any other chemicals to clean tank or anything to enter the tank.  NOTE: it is important to have clean hands/forearms when you are cleaning or messing around in your tank!  Example: don't shower or do dishes and then stick your hands in the fish tank.  Rinse your hands and forearms before placing them in the tank.  Do Not Use Soaps!  This is a huge rule to remember.


-Don't fluctuate the temperature of the tank!  Use a heater to get the water temp preferably between 70-80 degrees F (depends on the fish you have i have always kept it in this range) before you introduce fish into the tank.  Keep heater on or adjust with a timer to stabilize temp.


-Lastly, please plan ahead.  I have been told different steps when establishing a tank (when you run a tank without fish in it at the start).  Try to "borrow" bacteria (good bacteria in already established tanks water) from other tanks you might have or know someone has.  You can borrow a used filter cartridge and place it in your own filter (this will speed up your tank to stabilize and ultimately  become an established tank faster).  Also, place the fish food you will use in your tank so those nitrates are also introduced and established in the tank.  Lastly, run your tank for a few days.  The article says 24 hours but I have heard and tried an entire week.  Just be patient!  (This means get  the tank, gravel, decor, filter, heater, light..... build your tank and run your tank and WAIT to buy fish) All the levels of chemicals and bacteria and what not need to balance before you can add fish to the tank.  This will keep your fish healthy when you first introduce them to the tank.


Pic of the post: How cool is this tank!?  These are planted tanks, real freshwater plants are much more upkeep but bring an unparalleled beauty to freshwater aquariums. From google images