Help Me Please!! - Page 2 - Aquarium Advice

pitt420dude · 03-27-2008, 12:01 PM

Doesn't it stink that the hardest part of this hobby is the first few weeks, at least as far as keeping fish healthy are concerned. It really is quite a negative phenomenon.

The only way around it is to learn a lot and read and research before you ever get started. Well, that and patience, and the hardest time to have it is when you need it most (firt few weeks). It's equivalent to learning to snowboard on a double black diamond slope.

If you can't/don't want to return the fish, make sure you're Jonny-on-the-spot with those hefty PWCs.

Karegg · 03-27-2008, 12:22 PM

As they've said, be sure to do lots of water changes. As you cycle your tank (this means allowing beneficial bacteria to build up that will eliminate poisonous waste products that your fish produce), you are essentially poisoning your fish until the cycle completes, which can take anywhere from 2 - 8 weeks.

Generally it's recommend to cycle your tank before you get any fish, but if you can't take your fish back, they're just going to have to ride it out. Definitely help them out by providing them with fresh water consistently. When you do change the water, make sure that you've removed any chlorine or chloramine in the tap water you're using (this can be done by adding products you can get at your local fish store). These are also poisonous to your fish. Also avoid adding water that isn't right around the same temperature as the water already in there.

And, again, the most important thing you can do in this hobby is to research anything and everything before making a purchase. You may find a fish that looks amazing, but make sure it's compatible with your setup, fish, and other animals and plants you have in your tank. Always do your homework!

Good luck to you, and especially to your fish!

03-27-2008, 12:01 PM	#11
pitt420dude Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pittsburgh! Home of the 5 Time Superbowl Champs! Posts: 949 Images: 11	Doesn't it stink that the hardest part of this hobby is the first few weeks, at least as far as keeping fish healthy are concerned. It really is quite a negative phenomenon. The only way around it is to learn a lot and read and research before you ever get started. Well, that and patience, and the hardest time to have it is when you need it most (firt few weeks). It's equivalent to learning to snowboard on a double black diamond slope. If you can't/don't want to return the fish, make sure you're Jonny-on-the-spot with those hefty PWCs. __________________ Thank you so much for all your help. I'm now going green. LOOK! A NEW LEAF!!!!!

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03-27-2008, 12:22 PM	#12
Karegg Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: St. Louis Posts: 165	As they've said, be sure to do lots of water changes. As you cycle your tank (this means allowing beneficial bacteria to build up that will eliminate poisonous waste products that your fish produce), you are essentially poisoning your fish until the cycle completes, which can take anywhere from 2 - 8 weeks. Generally it's recommend to cycle your tank before you get any fish, but if you can't take your fish back, they're just going to have to ride it out. Definitely help them out by providing them with fresh water consistently. When you do change the water, make sure that you've removed any chlorine or chloramine in the tap water you're using (this can be done by adding products you can get at your local fish store). These are also poisonous to your fish. Also avoid adding water that isn't right around the same temperature as the water already in there. And, again, the most important thing you can do in this hobby is to research anything and everything before making a purchase. You may find a fish that looks amazing, but make sure it's compatible with your setup, fish, and other animals and plants you have in your tank. Always do your homework! Good luck to you, and especially to your fish!