Easy mistakes to avoid for a new aquarist?

revhtree · May 23, 2012

Please share your experiences and help new hobbyists avoid problems and disasters.

What are some easy mistakes to avoid for our new aquarist?

REEFKEEPER10 · May 23, 2012

Believing everything you read. There are so mean opinions about how to do this and that. That if you take every opinion to heart you will get confused and will have problems. It is best to get the general idea and make your on choice so it suits your needs.

sirevans reef · May 23, 2012

Start your tank with ro/di water and never use anything else. It may seem like a big expense to buy a ro/di unit right out of the gate but just think about how much dechlorination chemicals are every month.($6-$10) They may dechlorinate your water but they will also bring your tds (totally dissolved solids up). This is a bad thing as all the bad algae uses tds to grow and thrive. So save your self alot of time and extra money and only use ro/di water.:wink:

steamer51 · May 23, 2012

Research equipment before you buy to decide what you want so you only buy once. Check prices and brands to spend the least amount possible.

Knight_Fall · May 23, 2012

know what you want to put in the tank. if you are going to have a prodominately fish tank then you don't need to go crazy on lights, but if you intend to go corals you will want to make sure you have adequate lighting. talk to other people that are in the hobby and have been for a while so they can give you an idea on what you actually need. oh. and be prepared to spend some money. i knew that getting into the hobby but i have still spent more than i thought i ever would.

wysiwyg · May 23, 2012

dont buy a cheap protein skimmer save up the extra money to buy a really good one. cause you get what you pay for

REEFKEEPER10 · May 23, 2012

The one mistake I made was assuming that I could by equipment here and there. So I jumped right in with know clue that the stuff I was going to get later I needed now sort thing. Example: got a cheap seaclone 100 skimmer and was going to get a better one later. Well the $100 I spent is setting in my garage collecting dust and had to spend money I didn't have at the time on a better skimmer. IMO before you start a reef tank for the first you need a RO/DI unit, a good skimmer, good lighting, away to add movement in the tank via powerheads, wave boxes, ect... And to know that the equipment is the cheap part. By the time you finish stocking your tank you could be driving a new car. Lol

shred5 · May 23, 2012

Label containers so you don't mix up fresh water with saltwater or don't mix up medicine or chemicals.
Quarantine so you don't kill your whole tank.
Label cords so you dont unplug the wrong thing.

Set timers to remind you that something is done or as a reminder. I set timers so I don't forget to shut off ro water or remember to plug back in top off system after water changes. Remember to plug heaters back in etc.

From above remember to unplug top off system or shut down when doing water changes.

cdness · May 23, 2012

First don't always listen to the LFS. Be sure to back up their info with other sources

Do not use tap water for your tank... You never know what nasties are in it. RODI from the start.

Don't go overboard on equipment. Keep it simple and upgrade as you get more experience.

zoous · May 23, 2012

You need to have patience. Plan and start slowly. Cycling your tank with live rock can take at least a month. Add fish and corals carefully and slowly. Test your water frequently and make sure you have a good test kit. Of course read as much as you can about this fantastic hobby.

shred5 · May 23, 2012

zoous said:
You need to have patience. Plan and start slowly. .

Thats the biggest mistake right there.

feh · May 23, 2012

Research all animals before you buy them. Understand their needs, what fish and inverts they are compatible with, find out care level and make sure it fits your husbandry habits. Some fish have special needs in order to survive in our tanks. Some are prone or more prone to certain diseases, some require special diets, etc.

Tabasco1 · May 23, 2012

feh said:
Research all animals before you buy them. Understand their needs, what fish and inverts they are compatible with, find out care level and make sure it fits your husbandry habits. Some fish have special needs in order to survive in our tanks. Some are prone or more prone to certain diseases, some require special diets, etc.

This! I think this is one of the most posted issues for beginners. Getting an animal that has not been researched and then back pedalling to try to meet it's needs, trying to meet its needs and sending your tank into turmoil trying.

This goes hand in hand with being very patient. Go slow. Things are $$ enough as it is, I don't know how people rush!

shred5 · May 23, 2012

Tabasco1 said:
This! I think this is one of the most posted issues for beginners. Getting an animal that has not been researched and then back pedalling to try to meet it's needs, trying to meet its needs and sending your tank into turmoil trying.

This goes hand in hand with being very patient. Go slow. Things are $$ enough as it is, I don't know how people rush!

I agree I think the two should be even and tied for #1

velrui · May 25, 2012

take your time and do it right once, read and read and read ..

Cooper32803 · Jun 9, 2012

I learned this recently with a freshwater tank, but I am sure it can be said for saltwater...

Don't buy livestock at a chain pet store. They just want to make a sale and don't really care about where the fish are going and who the tank mates will be and what the repercussions of said tank mates are with your new fish. Half the time they don't know answers to any questions you may have on fish themselves and will probably just make something up. Go to a specialty store where the people are friendly and want to know about your tank and where the fish they are selling you is going.

Shawn D · Jun 10, 2012

Get a controller!!!Way to many stories of heaters getting stuck on,

Loki · Jun 10, 2012

+1 A controller! It is the best fail safe there is. Also it makes does tedious things and doesn't complain. Thus making the time you spend with you tank better.