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Inconsistent Information About Aquarium Care

Why Doesn't Everyone Give the Same Answer?

(The First Tank Guide)

Why do I get different answers to the same question from pet store to pet store and from web site to web site?

Often you will get different answers about caring for your fish and your fish tank from different people. This is because fish keeping is more art than science. Yes, science does play a role in the process, but paying attention to the needs of YOUR fish and YOUR tank will give you the best results.

Since different people have had different experiences with their fish tanks and what has or has not worked, they are likely to give different answers to questions, even when the question is worded the same way. Also, each fish and even more so, each fish tank, is an individual system, and each will have its own idiosyncrasies and variations. While some generalizations do apply across the board to all aquariums, not all do.

In almost all cases, I have found that people who stick to a very hard-line scientific approach to aquarium maintenance have lower success rates than those who pay attention to their fish and their fish's needs, and provide basic, quality care including providing sufficient space, not overcrowding the tank, and providing good filtration and regular filter maintenance and regular, frequent, small water changes. My tips on keeping healthy fish will help you maintain your aquarium well, and avoid having to ask as many questions.




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April 26, 2012
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"Since I have read your website I have been conducting weekly water changes on my aquarium (which has proven to be easier and less time consuming than twice a month)."
March 8, 2006
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