For first-time parents, making mistakes whilst caring for their newborn is not unheard of. You can do as much research on parenting as you can, but putting the knowledge into action is a lot tougher than it seems.

Likewise, no matter how much knowledge you have about rearing ornamental fish, you may still make some of the most common mistakes of many aquarists. Fortunately, these mistakes can be avoided if you make the effort to be aware of them.

Setting Up In A Rush

If fish keeping is a new hobby to you, you should take the time to read up about aquarium before getting started. Do not start asking questions only after you have had your tank for some time. Rushing to set up your own little aquarium will almost certainly spell a quick and untimely end to your beloved fish.

Purchasing Fish

Before selecting new fish, take time to learn about their feeding habits and how to care for them. Refrain from buying a particular type of fish on impulse just because you like its pretty colours. Do not buy it either if the salesperson cannot provide you with critical information about it. Also, if you don not know if the new fish can reside peacefully with your current fish, the results can be death, injury or stress-related diseases for your fishes. Learn about the compatibility of various fish types you are considering for your aquarium. Lastly, when you select your desired type of fish, avoid buying fish that are in poor health by looking out for symptoms of common illnesses.

Overcrowding The Tank

Cramming too many fishes into an aquarium at once, especially in a tank that is not fully cycled, or has just completed the cycling process, is akin to sentencing the fish to a slow death. Even in a well-established system, placing too many new additions into the tank too quickly can cause "new tank syndrome".

Overfeeding

Unconsumed food usually lies at the bottom of the tank, creating nitrates which are harmful to fish, and overworking the biological filter. Many people often overfeed their fish. When they don't see the fish accepting the offered food, they will throw even more into the tank, thinking that the fish missed seeing the food. But you should only put in what the fish can consume in two to three minutes per feeding. You must learn and understand the composites of the food that you are feeding your fish by comparing their nutrients. Purchase only high quality feed.

Tank Maintenance

Adequate water filtration is critical for keeping an aquarium fresh. The lack of good water-flow throughout the tank might lead to problems such s low dissolved oxygen, and the build up of slime or other harmful algae which will compete with the dish for food and oxygen. A good water purification filter is an investment that will pay for itself in the long run. A properly maintained tank seldom experiences problems like high nitrates, bacterial outbreaks, or other water- quality issues. You should setup and follow a regular aquarium maintenance routine for the benefit of your fish.