Aquarium Essentials for First-Time Fish Owners

Fishkeeping is a fascinating, enjoyable, and very hands-on hobby, as it requires more than just feeding your fish and changing the water in your tank every now and again.

Having a fish as a pet requires different type of attention compared to having a cat, dog or reptile! 

Fish don’t provide the same cues compared to your other pets so it’s important to know how to give them the best husbandry!

Set Up

Planning for your new pet is essential to help get the water ready for inhabitants. Researching the type of tank you want, type of fish you want to keep and the compatibility is helpful for the longevity of the aquarium. Pick the place you want the aquarium to be. Take note of where the electrical outlets are and the sink/bathtub for maintenance. Set up the aquarium and filter before bringing home your fish to ensure the water is prepped and all the equipment is working.

All About The Water

One of the first things to know about acclimating your fish to their new tank is that the water in your aquarium must first be treated, because regular tap water contains high levels of chemicals which can harm your fish's protective slime coat, or even result in fish loss, if left untreated. We suggest that you use API® TAP WATER CONDITIONER™ treatment, or API STRESS COAT™ water conditioner, to make water safe for your fish.

Establishing A Natural Aquarium Cycle

Establishing the aquarium cycle, or known as the biological filter, in your tank may sound difficult, but it’s actually simple! Your fish need the good bacteria that the natural aquarium cycle provides, but because your water will be completely fresh when starting out, it will be helpful for you to add API QUICK START™ nitrifying bacteria to your aquarium. This product will add live bacteria and accelerate the aquarium cycle in your tank, as well as keep poisonous ammonia and nitrite levels low.

Water Testing

To know what's happening in your aquarium,  make sure to check out this blog about the Nitrogen Cycle and testing with API Freshwater (or Saltwater) MASTER TEST KIT tests key water parameters weekly in your tank. If certain levels are high and remain untreated, such as ammonia or nitrite (which are easily detectable with a test kit or aquarium test strips), this will result in fish loss. If your water tests show that any of the levels in your water vary from the norm, it is important to take steps to correct this as soon as possible for your fish's health and well-being.

Quick Water Solve

Does the water parameters show there is a elevated amount of ammonia or nitrite and pH is off? A 25-30% exchange with API STRESS COAT and API QUICK START helps dilute these parameters and continues the Nitrogen Cycle. 

Food

Appropriate nutrition is optimal for your fish health and immune system. Don’t forget to switch out your fish food every 60-90 days for peak freshness and nutrition. 

Still have questions or need help? Check out our API Assist tool for solving any water problems, or you may email us through our website or talk to one of our technical help representatives at 1-800-847-0659.