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Larger tanks are actually easier for beginners because water parameters are more stable. A 20-gallon tank is ideal for starting out - it's big enough to be forgiving but small enough to be affordable.

Avoid tanks under 10 gallons unless you're experienced, as small volumes are harder to maintain.

The nitrogen cycle is the biological process that converts toxic fish waste (ammonia) into less harmful substances. It's the most important concept in fishkeeping.

How it works:

1. Fish produce ammonia (toxic)
2. Beneficial bacteria convert ammonia to nitrite (also toxic)
3. Other bacteria convert nitrite to nitrate (less toxic)
4. You remove nitrates through water changes

To cycle your tank:

1. Set up your tank with filter running
2. Add an ammonia source (fish food or pure ammonia)
3. Test water daily with a test kit
4. Wait 4-8 weeks until ammonia and nitrite read 0 and nitrates are present

Never add fish until the cycle is complete!

Essential equipment for a freshwater aquarium:

• Tank - Glass or acrylic, 20 gallons recommended for beginners
• Filter - Sized for your tank (hang-on-back filters are easiest)
• Heater - If keeping tropical fish (5 watts per gallon rule)
• Thermometer - To monitor water temperature
• Water conditioner - To remove chlorine from tap water
• Test kit - API Master Test Kit is the gold standard
• Substrate - Gravel or sand for the bottom
• Light - Basic LED hood light is fine for fish-only tanks

The old "one inch per gallon" rule is outdated and often leads to overstocking. Proper stocking depends on:

• Adult fish size - Not purchase size! A 2" juvenile Oscar will grow to 12"
• Filtration capacity - Better filtration allows slightly more fish
• Fish activity level - Active swimmers need more space than sedentary fish
• Territorial needs - Some fish claim territory regardless of tank size

Use our fish comparison tool to check compatibility. When in doubt, understock - your fish will be healthier.

Successful community tanks match fish by:

• Temperament - Don't mix aggressive with peaceful species
• Size - Avoid fish that can eat tankmates
• Water parameters - Similar pH and temperature needs
• Swimming level - Mix top, middle, and bottom dwellers

Popular peaceful community fish: Tetras, Corydoras catfish, Rasboras, Guppies, Platies, and smaller Gouramis.

Use our comparison tool to check specific species compatibility before buying.

These are the key water quality parameters every fishkeeper must understand:

• Ammonia: 0 ppm (toxic at any level)
• Nitrite: 0 ppm (toxic)
• Nitrate: Under 40 ppm (less toxic, removed via water changes)

Test weekly with a liquid test kit (not strips). If ammonia or nitrite ever show above 0 in a cycled tank, do an immediate water change.

Tap water requires treatment before use. Municipal water contains chlorine or chloramine that will harm fish.

Always use a water conditioner (like Seachem Prime or API Tap Water Conditioner) that neutralizes chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals.

Ich appears as white salt-like spots on fish. It's common but treatable if caught early.

Treatment steps:

1. Raise temperature gradually to 86°F (30°C) over 24-48 hours
2. Add aquarium salt (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons) if your fish tolerate it
3. Increase aeration - warmer water holds less oxygen
4. For severe cases, use ich medication following package directions
5. Continue treatment for 3-4 days after spots disappear

Quarantine prevents introducing diseases to your main tank. It's the single best thing you can do to protect your fish.

Quarantine tank setup:

• 10-20 gallon tank (can be bare-bottom)
• Sponge filter (can seed from main tank)
• Heater matched to main tank temperature
• Hiding spots (PVC pipes work well)

Process: Add new fish to quarantine tank, observe for 2-4 weeks minimum, only move healthy fish to main tank.

Most aquariums benefit from 20-30% weekly water changes. This removes nitrates and replenishes minerals.

Adjust based on your situation:

• Heavily stocked tanks: 50% weekly
• Lightly stocked planted tanks: 10-15% every 1-2 weeks

Water change tips:

• Match new water temperature to tank (within 2°F)
• Always use dechlorinator
• Gravel vacuum while changing water
• Never replace all water at once

Algae is a symptom, not the root problem. Address the cause while cleaning:

Immediate removal:

• Scrape glass with algae scraper or old credit card
• Remove heavily affected decorations and scrub
• Vacuum algae off substrate during water changes

Address the cause:

• Reduce light - 6-8 hours max, no direct sunlight
• Don't overfeed - Excess food feeds algae
• More water changes - Removes excess nutrients
• Add fast-growing plants - They outcompete algae