Top tip

[Paul_MTS]

Thought this might be a good one, if every one adds a tip or two then it would be a good read for beginners to tropicals....like my self

so here's mine

If you have more than 1 outlet on your airpump and your not using all of them put a length of air line on the unused ones to make it quieter

 

[SimonA]

WAYNE'S MISTAKES MADE AND HELPFUL HINTS

Mainly for breading fish (some specifcly for betta's) and some stuff for general care of betta's but some are for just general care of fish.

 

[Guppylover]

Ok... here are my tips

1. You cannot rush guppies into breeding! Give them time... 2 months is the minimun time that my guppies start to breed after I bought them so less than that is too short.

2. If your fish are ok your tank is ok

3. Guppies and betta put together are a BIG no no! Unless you are 100% sure that the betta you have is nice, peacful, calm and gentle.

4. Tiger Barbs are bettas are also a BIG no no! Unless (again) you have a sufficient amount of tiger barbs that they will only bother each other... though sometimes this still dosen't work...

5. When buying guppies always get either a group of males or a good of females. If you want both types of genders get 2 females to a male.

Well that's my tips done.

 

[sunflower]

My tip is always create a drip loop with your light/pump/heater wires etc!

I've heard lots of stories where people have failed to do this and have blown their electrics!

Oh and also, make sure you always have a breeder/fry net handy! I'm so glad I did when I unexpectedly found two fry earlier this week!

 

[Phantom Thief]

It is better to underfeed than to overfeed.

P.T.

 

[Norf]

A fish is a fish... yes its sad if one of yours perish but life goes on.

Alan Tichmarsh (sp?) said the same thing about plants I think?

 

[endparenthesis]

Resist the urge to micromanage.

 

[plateletboy]

Always use half the amount a test kit says - It'll last twice as long!!

e.g API nitrate, 5ml tank water, 10 drops bottle A, 10 drops bottle B.

Instead use 2.5ml water, 5 drops, 5 drops........

Perfect results....

PB

 

[nutter]

Here is my tip

Fish keeping is'nt fish keeping, its water keeping and if you have that right everything else will follow

Nutter

 

[ketyana]

Never buy a species on the spur of the moment,

If you dont know what it is what it needs or what it is compatable with you are risking the well being of not only that fish but every fish in your tanks

Most fish shops will allow you to reserve fish (have not yet heard of one that will not) go home read, ask and read some more...........maybe then ask some more.

When you have the info, make the right decision and either look for another species or providing you can provide what the fish need buy and enjoy your new fish

 

[SimonA]

Most fish shops will allow you to reserve fish (have not yet heard of one that will not)

Pets at home dont so now you know of one that does not.

 

[ketyana]

LOL not sure I count Pets at home

 

[SimonA]

Also If you have a book that list info's about almost every tropical fish bring it with you when you go to the fish shop

 

[Nidge]

It is better to underfeed than to overfeed.

P.T.

I agree, a hungry fish is a healthy fish. It is one of the biggest mistakes made by fish keepers and something we are all guilty of at some stage.

There are alot of very good tips said already, Do plenty of water changes and try feed your fish live food even bits and pieces from your garden and you will see your fish blossom.

 

[Aquascaper]

When doing water changes use a syphon hose to put water back into the tank. That way there's no damage done to decor or substrate and you can 'wash' any accumulated debris off plant leaves, wood, etc.