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Well, I just started a week or so ago, so I've already made plenty of mistakes that I'm sure are common.
- You can't always trust the person in the pet store. They may not really know what they are doing. That's what this site is for. Barring someone who has either owned the store for some time or someone who has worked with fish for some time, you won't be getting good advice unless you're lucky. Always get a second opinion.
- Overfeeding seems harmless, but it's not. I made the assumption that it was to keep the fish from getting fat, but when's the last time you saw a fat fish? Apparently, which I learned a little too late, the food will break down into ammonia, which combined with the ammonia from the fish can raise your levels quickly.
- Have patience. I didn't. Your fishkeeping life will be a lot easier if you properly cycle your tank before getting your fish.
- Add fish just a handful at a time. For instance, a pleco which can be fine alone you can throw in (well, not literally throw), but fish that like to school or those that prefer a partner may not do so well by themselves. But! You don't want to add too many fish at once. You tank won't be able to stabilize as quickly and you increase your chance of fish deaths.
- Get an air stone. Even if you don't neccessarily need one, it's fun to watch the fish play in the bubbles, and there's nothing wrong with them getting enough oxygen in there.
- Don't leave the lid open if you have ferrets and a stand they are capable of climbing nearby. They will try to go for a swim.
That's all I've got for now, but as I make more mistakes, I'll tell you.
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