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FISH DO'S AND DON'T's
WHEN PURCHASING FISH
1. Never over load a tank.
When purchasing fish for a new tank it is best to only add 1-2 new fish a week, even when dealing with
an established tank this is a good rule of thumb. The tank is a living environment and this will allow it
to grow to be able to support the new arrivals.
2. Keep a list of the fish (and sizes) already in the tank. A lot of fish can be described in the same way
making it confusing to help you find the right fish.
3. Big fish eat little fish. If it fits in the mouth it's food.
4. Always check species compatibility. Some fish are okay as babies and aggressive as adults. Just because they should get along
does not mean they will. Each fish can have its own personality
5. Fish grow. Just because they are small now doesn't mean that they will stay that way.
6. Check for special water conditions or feeding requirements. Not all fish like the same things.
7. Float fish in their bags in the tank for approximately 5 minutes, then add a cup of tank water to the bag
and float for another 5 minutes before letting them loose.
8. Moving some of the decorations and plants around in the tank helps to reduce aggressiveness when
adding new fish.
9. Always watch for fin nipping and chasing.
FEEDING FISH
1. Never over feed!
A fish's stomach is about as big as it's eye. Feed only what the fish can complete eating in 2 minutes.
Excess food can grow bacteria that will cloud and pollute the water and kill the fish. Remove excess
food immediately.
2. Variety is the spice of life. In the wild, fish will come across many types of foods, you can simulate that
by feeding different types of foods.
DO'S AND DON'TS
1. Don't over feed.
2. Don't use soaps or cleansers on anything in or for the tank.
3. Don't use coral or shells in freshwater tanks.
4. Do approximately 30% water changes once every 3-4 weeks.
5. Remember to check or change any cartridges or airstones being used.
6. Don't overload a tank during warmer weather. Warmer weather means higher water temperatures,
which causes lower oxygen levels and higher ammonia levels in the tank. A slight increase in air or
water flow through the filtering system and more frequent 30% water changes (2-3 weeks) can help to
counter balance the situation.
7. Don't make sudden temperature changes. Mother nature allows for gradual temperature changes from
day to night. Altering the temperature by adding hot or cold water will just shock the fish causing them
to be more susceptible to disease and/or parasites. When doing water changes, make sure that the water
that you put in the tank was the same temperature as what you took out of the tank.
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