1. The most common mistake first-time aquarists make is buying a fish aquarium that is too small. A good starting size for new aquariums is 55 gallons.
2. Aquariums are extremely heavy when filled with water. Buy an aquarium stand for support and set it in a spot that can be permanent.
3. Placing aquariums in direct sunlight will encourage excessive algae growth and make tank maintenance difficult.
4. For freshwater fish tanks, the stocking guideline is 1 inch of adult fish per gallon of water. Measure fish by eventual rather than current size.
5. For saltwater fish tanks, the stocking guideline is 1 inch of adult fish per three gallons of water.
6. Read about the nitrogen cycle before starting an aquarium. Fish often die because a new aquarium has not been cycled.
7. Research and learn if fish will be compatible before stocking your aquarium. Some fish will fight each other.
8. Gradually introduce new fish to your aquarium. Float the carry bag on the water surface for 15 minutes to permit temperature adaptation.
9. Glass aquariums are less expensive yet more scratch-resistant than acrylic. Acrylic aquariums are lighter and more crack-resistant than glass and come in a greater variety of shapes.
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