8. Avoid Overfeeding Your Fish
Overfeeding your fish not only leads to poor water quality but can also stress your fish.
Leftover food can decompose, increasing levels of ammonia and nitrate in the water. Feed your fish only what they can eat in 2-3 minutes to avoid excess food waste.
If you’re unsure how much to feed, it’s better to underfeed than overfeed. You can always adjust the amount of food as you observe your fish’s appetite.
9. Test for Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates
In addition to pH, you should regularly test for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Ammonia and nitrites are toxic to fish, and if detected in your tank, you should take immediate action to address the issue.
Nitrates, though less toxic, can accumulate over time and negatively affect the health of your fish.
Keep a test kit on hand and use it regularly, especially during water changes. This will help you catch any potential issues early.
10. Use a Quality Aquarium Filter
A good aquarium filter is essential for keeping the water clean. It helps remove waste products, uneaten food, and organic debris, while also providing aeration to the water. Choose a filter that is the right size for your tank and maintain it regularly.
Clean or replace the filter media as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure your filter operates at its best. A clogged filter will lose efficiency and may even cause water quality issues.
11. Don’t Overcrowd Your Aquarium
Overcrowding your aquarium can lead to poor water quality and stressed fish. Each fish species has specific space requirements, so research your fish’s needs before adding them to the tank.
As a general rule, avoid adding more than 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. This will help maintain a stable environment and prevent problems with water quality.
12. Use Live Plants to Help With Filtration
Live plants not only add beauty to your aquarium but can also help with water filtration. Plants absorb excess nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, which can otherwise contribute to algae growth.
Choose plants that are compatible with your tank’s environment and lighting. Aquatic plants are especially helpful for new aquariums as they provide natural filtration while promoting a balanced ecosystem.
13. Keep an Eye on Water Hardness (GH and KH)
Water hardness, measured by GH (general hardness) and KH (carbonate hardness), also plays a role in the health of your aquarium. GH measures the level of minerals in the water, while KH indicates its buffering capacity.
Most fish prefer water with moderate hardness and buffering capacity. Invest in a test kit to measure GH and KH and make adjustments as necessary to suit your fish’s needs.
14. Create a Maintenance Schedule
Consistency is key when it comes to aquarium maintenance. Create a schedule for water changes, pH testing, cleaning, and filter maintenance. This will help you stay on top of your aquarium’s needs and prevent problems before they arise.
Set reminders or mark your calendar so that you never forget an important task. Regular maintenance will keep your aquarium thriving and your fish healthy.
Dica Extra: 1 Hour of Consultation with the Author
As a beginner, you might have questions or face challenges that are specific to your aquarium setup. To further guide you, I’m offering a 1-hour consultation where I’ll personally walk you through any difficulties you may encounter with your tank.
Whether it’s about water changes, pH levels, or any other aspect of aquarism, I’ll provide tailored advice and practical solutions to ensure your aquarium flourishes.
Feel free to reach out and book a session to get expert guidance!
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy aquarium is an ongoing learning process, but it’s one that’s incredibly rewarding.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to perform water changes correctly, monitor your aquarium’s pH, and create a stable environment for your fish.
Remember, small mistakes are part of the learning process, but by staying consistent and attentive, your aquarium will thrive.
Take the time to build good habits, and your aquatic pets will reward you with vibrant health and beauty.
Veronezi Santos — Between Rivers, Oceans, and Words
Veronezi Santos is a writer and professional fisherman, guided by a passion for nature.He has studied rivers and lakes across the Americas, Europe, and Africa, always in search of underwater life.
He specializes in freshwater marine fauna, with a focus on the fish of South Africa.He transforms scientific observations into engaging and accessible texts.His writing combines knowledge, field experience, and a deep love for biodiversity.
Starting your first aquarium is indeed a magical experience, but it’s clear that it requires a lot of care and attention. I found the emphasis on water changes and pH measurement particularly helpful—it’s something I hadn’t fully considered before. The explanation about how untreated tap water can harm fish was eye-opening, and I’ll definitely invest in a good water conditioner now. I’m curious, though, how do you know if you’re changing the water too frequently or not enough? Also, are there any specific signs in fish behavior that indicate poor water quality? I’d love to hear more about how to strike the right balance in maintaining the tank. Overall, this was a great read, but I’m left wondering if there are any beginner-friendly tools or apps that can help track water quality and maintenance schedules. What do you think?
Of course! Here’s the full response in English, written from the perspective of a professional aquarist:
You’ve raised some excellent questions — and it’s great to see this level of care and curiosity as you begin your aquarium journey!
💧 On Water Change Frequency:
Water changes are essential, but finding the right balance is key. Most well-established aquariums benefit from weekly partial water changes of 10% to 25%. Changing too much water too often, especially in a new tank, can disrupt the biological balance, while too little allows harmful compounds like ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate to build up.
🐟 Signs of Poor Water Quality in Fish:
Fish often show clear signs when water quality isn’t right. Look out for:
Gasping at the surface (may indicate low oxygen or high ammonia)
Erratic swimming or loss of balance
Lethargy or loss of appetite
White spots, frayed fins, discoloration (can be stress-related diseases)
Rubbing against surfaces (known as “flashing,” which can signal irritation from pH imbalance or toxins)
⚖️ How to Strike the Right Balance:
The key is to observe your tank holistically. With a properly cycled tank, a good filter, controlled feeding (avoid overfeeding), and regular water testing, your water changes become routine maintenance rather than a crisis response. I recommend testing ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH weekly, especially during the first 6–8 weeks.
📱 Beginner-Friendly Tools & Apps:
Yes, there are some great tools and apps to help track water quality and schedule maintenance:
Aquarimate – One of the most comprehensive apps. You can log test results, set reminders, and even track fish health.
Seneye – A physical device + app that monitors water parameters in real time (great for those who want automation).
Fishkeeper – A simple app ideal for logging water changes and keeping track of regular tasks.
MyAquariumLogger – Helps you maintain a detailed aquarium diary and monitor trends over time.
Setting up and maintaining a healthy aquarium is a balance of science and observation — and with time, you’ll start to “read” your fish’s behavior with ease. Keep asking questions and staying engaged: that’s what makes a great aquarist.
If you’d like, I can help you build a custom maintenance schedule based on your tank size, setup, and fish species — just let me know!