Easy Tips For New Hobbyists

The hobby of keeping saltwater fish can seem like it's overwhelming at first. Many beginner hobbyists make poor decisions which can lead to many headaches in the future. Since it is easy to get confused and overwhelmed with all the information starting off as a salt water hobbyist; here are some basic tips and suggestions to follow.

1. Always do your research prior to buying any livestock or supplies. Plan out the livestock you want in your tank prior to buying it, especially if it's your first tank. It's always a good idea to get even a very brief general overview of the livestock you want in your tank(s).This will save you a lot of surprises in the future. Not all livestock are compatible with each other. Also, make sure the fish you want will not outgrow your tank. Before you buy products or supplies for your tank(s), read reviews and get opinions. Start a new thread right here on the forums of saltwaterfish.com and see what others have to say. Even though you'll get several different opinions, they could help you find the types of supplies that suit you best. For instance, let's take test kits as an example. There are several different brands on the market and they are all very different. This is because some are meant for the beginner hobbyists which are focused on convenience as opposed to accuracy. On the other hand, the ones meant for more advanced hobbyists may be more pricey and detail orientated which may present as a bit more difficult to use.
2. Don't always trust the advice any pet store or local fish store gives you. Even though there are plenty out there that are honest and reliable, unfortunately there are also that handful that are there just to sell you their fish and other livestock. As said in tip #1, always research what you want in your tank before you get it. Develop bonds and relations with your local fish and pet stores. If your in a new store and want to test the honesty and reliability of the store, go to a fish that you know can't be kept in a smaller tank (for example, a blue tang which needs a 6' tank- at least 130 gallons) and ask if it can be kept in your tank of 50 gallons. Be polite and courteous of course. A good, responsible local fish store will lead you to a better option. On the other hand, an irresponsible fish store that isn't interested in the well-being of your fish and just wants your money will lead you to the check out register. Ask lots of questions but don't make them too complicated or absent minded.
3. Have patience, patience, and more patience. This is the most important thing you could have in the hobby. Any hobbyist will tell you that. Don't try to rush important aspects of the marine aquarium such as cycling. It's better to spend the time on everything and get it right the first time than to rush things and have problems later, even though every hobbyist, even the absolute most advanced ones, will always make mistakes. No matter how hard you try, most of the time, a fish will die unexpectedly. You'd have to be extremely lucky for this not to happen one time or another.
4. Choose live sand as a substrate versus crushed coral or gravel. Some hobbyists may disagree on this, but most prefer live sand instead of crushed coral or gravel for several reasons. First, many species of clean up crew critters prefer sand over gravel. Also, some species of fish require it as a substrate because they like to bury themselves in it, the same reason why clean up crew critters prefer it over gravel. Second, a lot of sediment which cause ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates happen to pile up in the gravel or crushed coral, whereas in sand it sits on top and it's a lot easier to clean. Finally, clean up crew critters have an easier time getting to trapped sediment on a sand bed instead of on a crushed coral or gravel bed.
5. Feed your fish a variety of foods. Imagine if you where a fish. Would you want to eat the same food everyday? Probably not. And with all the products available on the market, doing that should be very easy.  Many hobbyists also supplement their fishes diet with algae sheets, and also certain vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, and other vegetable matter for herbivorous fish. But, as with everything, don't just throw things in the tank expecting them to eat it or enjoy it or for that matter, if ti's even safe for them. Consider soaking your fish food with a garlic formula. They often add nutrition and flavor for the fish to enjoy.

Following these easy steps and reading a lot about the hobby are ways to ensure that both your livestock and you will enjoy the hobby!