Keeping an aquarium is a fun and rewarding hobby that provides enjoyment, stress relief and good knowledge of fish. However, if you are a first-time fish owner, there are chances of making little mistakes that can sometimes prove fatal for your fish. The margin for error is too low if you are maintaining an aquarium, as fish are sensitive creatures. 

Here are 9 common mistakes new fish owners often make and how you can avoid them,

1) Choosing a Too-Small Aquarium

The reason for this is that for first-time fish owners, smaller aquariums are generally tougher to maintain than larger ones, Conditions in larger aquariums are usually stable, and if anything goes wrong, you have more time to do damage control. If you are a beginner, choose an aquarium with a capacity between 75 to 200 litres, which will be easier to maintain for you. Whatever your budget allows, look for the largest aquarium with it.

2) Adding Fish the Same Day You Bought the Tank

A newly installed aquarium is never ready for the fish on the first day. This is because the water in a new tank often consists of chemicals from the tap like chlorine and chloramine that can harm your fish. Wait for 2-3 days to let the water stabilise and then add your fish. 

3) Not Checking the Water Quality

You won’t be able to figure out ammonia or nitrite problems in your aquarium without checking the water quality. Fish often adjust to gradually rising ammonia and nitrite levels, and may not show signs until it’s too late. Also, new fish will be stressed if added to an aquarium with high chemical levels, as they don’t have time to adjust. Hence, testing is the only way how you can determine if the quality of your water is safe for the fish or not.  

4) Overcrowding the Aquarium with Fish

A new aquarium is similar to a biologically clean slate. The microbes that are responsible for filtering the water and creating balance in the aquarium are not formed in the first few days after the installation. So when you overcrowd your aquarium with fish, there is a sudden spike in fish waste, which can cause toxic ammonia and nitrite levels to rise drastically. This situation can prove fatal for the fish. Hence, you should always refrain from overcrowding your fish.

5) Overfeeding the Fish

Although it's normal to feel bothered about your fish going hungry, you should never overfeed them. This is because overfeeding can lead to overeating and the production of excess waste which spoils the quality of your water. If you notice too much fish food being trapped in the water, reduce the amount you are feeding.

If you do overfeed, remove the excess food in the tank with a net. 

6) Buying an Undersized Filter

One of the most common mistakes of a first-time fish owner is buying an undersized filter. Although most filters are rated according to the water capacity of an aquarium, sometimes it won’t be enough if the aquarium is populated. A heavily populated aquarium generates a lot of waste and there is a need for multiple filters or an oversized filter. For best results, buy an aquarium filter which is rated for an aquarium a little larger than the one you have. 

7) Keeping the Aquarium Light On All The Time

Like all animals, fish too need rest, and it should be at the same time every day. Leaving your aquarium light on all the time puts stress on your fish and results in unusual algae growth. Putting your aquarium light on a timer is an easy way to provide an ideal light cycle. If you are using the light of your aquarium as a night light in your kid’s bedroom, turn the lights off and draw the curtains during the day, as this stimulates nighttime for the fish.

8) Overcleaning the Tank

A newly installed water tank usually has a fragile and unstable biological balance. Cleaning your tank when it’s not required can destroy beneficial bacteria and disrupt the balance. If your aquarium or filter needs cleaning in the first 2-3 weeks after the installation, then the filter is too small, or you have too many fish, or you may be over-feeding

9) Tapping on Glass

It is a common thing to see people tapping on the aquarium glass to see how their fish reacts. Although they do it just for fun, they probably don’t know that this can damage the ears of fish and also disrupt their natural behaviour. While the tapping may seem nothing to you, it sounds like gunshots to the fish. This is because sound travels faster in liquids and solids, and the fish may perceive the tapping as a very loud sound. 

All in All

You have just seen the top 9 common mistakes usually committed by a lot of first-time fish owners, which often prove dangerous. By steering clear of these mistakes, you can provide a healthy and holistic atmosphere for your fish. Stay conscious, fulfil your fish needs, and offer them a thriving environment to live.