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5 Common Mistakes New Fish Keepers Make and How to Avoid Them
Starting a fish tank can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It can bring new life to any room and add a touch of nature to your home. However, setting up and maintaining a fish tank can be challenging, especially if you are new to the hobby. To help you avoid some common pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of the top five mistakes new fish keepers make and how to avoid them.
- Overcrowding the Tank
One of the biggest mistakes new fish keepers make is overcrowding their tanks. Overcrowding can lead to poor water quality, which can be harmful to fish. When setting up your tank, you should ensure that you have enough space for your fish to swim freely and enough room for your aquarium equipment. A good rule of thumb is to provide one gallon of water per inch of fish. This means that a 20-gallon tank can safely house about 10–12 small fish.
When selecting your fish, it is essential to research their adult size and behavior. Some fish grow larger than others, and some are more territorial. For example, goldfish can grow up to 12 inches long and produce a lot of waste. They require a lot of space and filtration, so they are not suitable for small tanks. Tetras, on the other hand, are small and peaceful, making them ideal for smaller tanks.
