General info on Aquariums

[Fish4dawin]

Before suggesting fish, ask what fish are already in the tank. So say a person had tiger barbs in the tank, you should generally tell them to add fish which won't be bothered so maybe like yoyo loaches, or khuli loaches. All fish will at some point be harassed by tiger barbs so suggest bottom feeders unless they have a school of 20 or so; in which you could maybe suggest the golden panchax or something.

 

[vio88]

Wow, that's a big order. Good on you for actually trying to know what you're talking about. That sets you way above 90% of pet store employees. Generally, I'd say you should learn your way around the following:
--planted tanks (substrates, lighting, ferts, high vs. low tech)
--unplanted tanks (how to make things reasonably healthy without plants)
--filter options (sponge, canisters, hang-on-back, internal [and undergravel if you're into arcane lore]),
--behavioral compatibility (some fish are aggressive, peaceful, solitary, schooling)
--water condition requirements (especially water hardness)
--fish size and tank size (no goldfish in 10 gallon tanks; no bala sharks in anything smaller than your house)

You can always ask specific questions. Also, learn your way around seriouslyfish.com. Then you can look up any fish's specific needs on your phone and feel really smart talking to customers.

Ok so what do you need to make a non planted tank healthy?

 

[eatyourpeas]

Keeping up with the water changes in order to have the cleanest water possible. Keep an eye on parameters to make sure they remain stable.

 

[vio88]

Keeping up with the water changes in order to have the cleanest water possible. Keep an eye on parameters to make sure they remain stable.

Makes sense. So how often should water be changed and how often should water be tested?

 

[eatyourpeas]

It depends on the bioload and filter capacity. I change water weekly (60%) and test with each change because our city water company does funky stuff to the supply. My 3 gal. tank gets 2-3 weekly water changes.

 

[ClownLurch]

Cycling
Tank size
Tank temp
Tank mates
Water hardness
Water changes
Water PH
Water Filtration
Food

See if your boss will allow a poster explaining why the above are important in the shop.
Point the customers in the direction of both this place and seriouslyfish.com.

Most importantly: have fun.

 

[mrsjoannh13]

Different fish need different water requirements, different tank sizes and different tank mates. If people buying fish would just research and understand this first it would alleviate many problems. Some fish will need hard water, others softer, some do well in high pH water, others are the opposite. Some fish are aggressive fin nippers that shouldn't be kept with any other species. Other fish are schooling varieties and need 6 or more of their own kind. There is a lot to learn and decide on before buying tank and the stock to go in it.

 

[Tez_20]

Silver tip tetra fish are supposed to be fine with other fish, no they're not totally fin nippers especially to guppies.

Endler guppies fin nip guppies tails being an hybrid of the guppy family they nip their tails, a lesson well learnt.