Top 10 Mistakes New Fish Keepers Make (Don't Let It Happen to You)!

Hello Everyone,
In this video we discuss mistake snew fish keepers make.
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Here are the videos referenced in this video:
Beginners Series: • Beginners Guide to The...
Nitrogen Cycle: • The Nitrogen Cycle - F...
How to Feed Fish: • How to Feed Your Fish ...
How to Save Money on Filter Media: • Hang on Back Filter Me...
What you Need For Your Aquarium: • Beginners Guide to The...
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#aquariums #fishtank #aquariumfish #fish #fishkeeping

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Amazon Affiliate Link for Fritzyme 7: amzn.to/4amcb2Y Here are the videos referenced in this video: Beginners Series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZDQdWmGlLqDnKMsi=1r4SSj06tyZ3NNOW Nitrogen Cycle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnfTf2etjcygnKssi=DJg9Ac2v1Pb1HVt- How to Feed Fish: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2ndfayqac1gd5osi=FuN7W4JqLhW1NT8Q How to Save Money on Filter Media: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2GrgYmdbN6qfKMsi=jtqdn0MleQmpUL_B What you Need For Your Aquarium: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYSblYSqrLaXsNksi=YWVpbrafHe1O2AvX Our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch Want to become a Prime Timer and see behind the scenes fish room videos? Consider becoming a member: kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin Do you want a subscription to the best fish magazine in the world? Check this out - a special offer for Prime Time Aquatics viewers! www.amazonasmagazine.com/primetime For the latest short form content check us out on: Instagram: primetime_aquatics Facebook: primetimeaquatics1 Tiktok: primetime_aquatics

[@akasual7884]

Next topic pls do when you actually need water change while your filter can overhandle the tank and dont won't bothered to do water test ? Like any visible sign. I left my tank in my parent home and it was last 6 months without water change only toped up small water in the last 2 month. Its all fine even algae, just few unlike the first month that algae bloomed. I noticed 1 of my angelfish got 1 side grey eyes so I start 70% wc and have plan to give noted to my mom to do 15% wc just in case but I decided not to and just make her send pic every month or so since Im affraid the water source need to be RO and kinda heavy duty so I do wc with gallons of drink water/mountain water

[@JosephW3939]

The one tip I would give is having back up equipment… heater, air pumps, motors for canisters, etc. I’ve had multiple occasions where something failed and quickly needed a back up

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good one!

[@hummingbird3771]

OMG, newbies, YOU MUST GET PLANTS!!! Plants help with EVERY issue Jason mentioned, even overstocking (sightline breaks, stabilized water quality, etc.)!!! Plants preferentially uptake ammonia, the most toxic common aquarium killer, before nitrites and nitrates. I have 500 gallons running. After the first initial month of testing them, I ONLY top off the tanks. The best advice I can give is hornwort for new tanks ( and sudden spikes), and then something like jungle vallisneria, and sunset hygrophilia. Test your water till you understand, but choose EASY!!!

[@tapprs]

Not a mistake just a bit of advice. Sit back and watch the tank, watch the fish from a bit of a distance that they don't notice you. You will notice problems with aggression, sickness ect when they are behaving "naturally" without the excitement of thinking they are going to be feed.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Absolutely!

[@robinreid2055]

bonus tip... keeping the tank to clean. A semi dirty tank is better .

[@risenfromyoutubesashesagai6302]

It's fine when the tank is dirty. It's not when there's ammonia or nitrites tho.

[@edwinmejia2832]

I would say a new fish keeper doesn't need to take out all the decorations to clean them. I believe you do mention this along with so many other helpful tips in your videos you tag. But jeez was that something I learned the second time I decided to keep fish

[@MandyJane123700]

I did make the mistake of putting two of my tanks next to a window. It wasn't a problem until this winter, it got really cold where I live in Florida. I ended up putting a sheet of styrofoam (left over from some packaging) in the window to try to help insulate from the cold. It worked, mostly, but the heaters still had to work a lot to keep up.

[@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer]

Not researching fish drives me crazy. It often ends with people quitting the hobby and either rehoming or destroying their fish. Fish are the most abused pets. Impulse buys can wreak havoc.

[@teddysunrise6676]

Thanks so much for all the knowledge and info! Have really helped me and others in the hobby

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for being here!

[@Beb_73]

Hi 😊 2 tips I'd add although you kinda mentioned one already: 1. have a backup plan if introducing a new fish promptly wreaks havoc in a tank. I once added a female betta (supposedly calmer than males! Not that one...) and she went berserk on the rasboras in the tank, a 20g. In my country shops won't take fish back so I quickly had to purchase and set a new tank up, including accessories. 2. Chase a Ph value because a fish species lives in such conditions in the wild. Research is extremely important and helpful but so is common sense because if the fish you buy have been tank bred for generations then chances are they'd fare much better in your normal water parameters (and those parameters won't jump up and down every time you do a water change).

[@danielleb4341]

I'm still very new to fish keeping and have made some of these mistakes. 😅 The current mistake I'm dealing with is not quarantining. I had a couple small tanks that I decided to combine into a 40 gallon to have a community tank. With the thought of making 1 of the empty tanks a future quaratine tank. They were both tetra species. But my embers needed a larger school so I added new ones to up their numbers. I keep Indian Almond leaves in my tanks and knew they had antifungal/bacterial properties and thought that would be enough. I was wrong. Thankfully I got meds and started dosing my tank before any of my older fish got too sick.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We’ve all been there 😀

[@b1oh1]

LESS IS MORE! What I mean by that is, generally speaking, don't do too much all at once. Fish keeping/aquariums are all about balance. Don't clean too much, don't medicate too much (do a lot of research before you medicate), don't use too much light, don't overthink planting/decorations, etc. Less is more folks!

[@paulkishazi9064]

Good info 👍

[@charmanethomas404]

Not understanding the nitrogen cycle. The first time I set up an aquarium years ago, I failed miserably. Geez. Can’t stress that enough! It takes time and patience for this to occur.

[@Dawingdingz]

One mistake I’ve made was using too much dechlorinator just to “be safe” about it. Ended up stalling my cycle because it killed my BB. Follow instructions even if it doesn’t “feel” like enough!!

[@TheKeegan55555]

Great info!

[@JoshV74656]

Newbie tip: When you do a water change unplug your heater. If any part of the heater is exposed to air and it heats up you are going to crack or explode it, bad day. After you refill the tank make sure to plug it back in.

[@Eden_Rivers]

I also say plants! They help with cycling a new tank and are so good at keeping that cycle stable. Also, fish like themand it's another satisfying thing to watch grow. Also, MTS (tank syndrome) is a real thing. Go slow. Tank your time. Don't buy too much too fast!

[@notreally5255]

quarantine should be number 1

[@joanvirgil6299]

Great information, as always. Question: What fish are in your lowboy?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We have two. Multi shell dwellers in the fish room and rainbow shiners, gold laser corys, and empire gudgeons in the gallery!

[@slamboy66]

TIP: choose your fish before the tank, then make sure you have a place for the required tank size.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes!

[@strangleholdoutdoors]

Haven't had a tank since elementary school. I was just a kid having fun with not much knowledge and still don't at 30 but would like to get started again. I have a tank but don't know what type of fish would be good for a beginner. Was also thinking maybe some freshwater shrimp but worried they will be to small for other fish

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

This may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4LdcqGkj7qqqbcsi=ENkmxislM6tsS3q6

[@c-jo-joritoe]

Hi Jason, I've started a new tank recently. I've turned the aerator, filter and (occasionally) heater on and added API quick start and water conditioner at the same time. After watching your videos, I've learned that I need to add ammonia for the beneficial bacteria to develop and also need to buy test strips. I'm planning on adding a betta fish a few months in the process, do you have any specific tips for this? Thanks mate, cheers from Australia.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for being here. If you add live nitrifying bacteria you can add the betta right away. The fish serves as the ammonia source for the bacteria you add!

[@jenniferatha2257]

I kept fish from 1961 until about 1990 and I had a place where there weren't windows in the room. Now I'm wanting to set up a tank to get my Grandaughter interested, but I don't really have a room without windows. I can set them up so they aren't directly in front of the windows, but they'll still get some indirect sunlight. I hope that is good enough. 😞

[@GarageGills]

Related to researching your fish…Make note of what size tank you need at maturity but also the amount of flow (water movement) the fish prefer and the height of the tank they do best in.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Absolutely!

[@frankiebanta5040]

Jason is it true that I can rinse out my filter media with sink water without killing the good bacteria?? Thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes - here’s why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX-Yd2unbMZ5fcksi=Dlm8kvhI4bKkErfl

[@MWilk098]

The one thing I wish people had warned me about was how weak mollies are from the big box stores.

[@jagan66jaguar71]

Great information Sir. ❤ From INDIA 🇮🇳🙏

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@sschario60]

Apathy, negligence, impatience, and disrespect. It doesn't help that beginner fish are, by and large, inexpensive. Cheap pets are sometimes thought of as disposable.

[@Ash_Sharn_vlogs]

I normally turn off filter when I’m feeding my fishes

[@mes-m9n]

Do you have experience with juvenile Frontosa? What do you recommended for food? Any brief care input is appreciated.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes, I feed them Northfin flakes of all types and Northfin cichlid and community pellets.

[@snickers882]

Does it hurt to run a secondary regular hangback fliter along with the sponge filter? I got a 20 gallon tank for 4 goldfish and maybe couple bottom feeders. And I bought the aquarium with a sponge filter and have the old tank that has a hang back filter. With the old tank I would change 60 percent of the water with bottle/jug spring water every 2 weeks and clean out the filter and decorations and stones. So I’m wondering if it would hurt to run both if I clean and change part of the water out anyways?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can run both. I wouldn’t clean them outside of just rinsing out the media.

[@snickers882]

Ok thank you!

[@robertwayman7974]

How many saltwater Sail fin Mollies would you recommend for a 75 gallon aquarium ? They keep reproducing as soon as I turn my back. Oh, you had to mention your bonus tip #11. Thanks !

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Maybe 20-25?

[@robertwayman7974]

Thank You

[@JosephW3939]

I’ve had that problem with cichlids. Started in a 75 had to move to a 125 had to move to a 200. Its a compliment that you keep a healthy tank lol

[@MariaRivera-pr3ot]

Hi Jason! I think my Betta fish has hemorrhagic septicemia will kanaplex help?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Unfortunately, probably not much will help when they get to that point. 😞

[@MariaRivera-pr3ot]

@ oh no well she still active and eating well has a lot of energy is not lethargic so hopefully it’ll last a little bit longer. Thank you for all your help.

[@beardedmotu2007]

Fish knowledge is key🗝️… but No fish are the same , it’s a different ecosystem … but the strong ones will always survive and thrive . Finicky fish , Monster fish 🐟, deep water fish , top water fish etc…bottom line is knowing what you are getting into. It’s a lot of work and a money 💰 racket but can be a money 💰 maker… Just do your best and don’t let it get over your head 🌊… So Keep On Keeping On 🐟💨‼️ TaNk you from the big Blue FRONTOSA crew 🐟 not the biggest ship, but I’m the Captain ZE HAHAHA … 💥™️🏴‍☠️👑‼️☝️🧩☯️💨 The One Piece is Real… 🐟 are ZEN 🧘 and make it Feng-Shui / Makes us proud and feel good.

[@fd4340]

Should you quarantine plants that you bring home from a pet store?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Maybe - if there were fish kept in the same tank?

[@fd4340]

@ not sure, unfortunately I would be referring to a local petsmart, so you never know

[@GodFirstGreatGod]

Worth rinsing, in case unwanted pest snail eggs are present.

[@AkbarZeb-p6f]

Yes, if you don't want potential d(f)uckweed or pest snails. Mollies eat duckweed though & pest snails do clean up excess food, so there's usually a solution for those problems.

[@JosephW3939]

Yes. A hydrogen peroxide soak works good too

[@lruddy8820]

maybe you can shed some more light on this but as someone who works in a pet store and has helped many people set up their first tanks ive noticed even if you add bacteria starter the cycle isnt starting until you feed that bacteria with some fish food, ammonia or something a long those lines, i know beneficial bacteria can become somewhat dormant for a little bit until they are in an environment they can thrive in so i find i mistake people make is they add bacteria to their tank which is life but dont give that life food, is this true or is this what i like to call "anecdotal assumptions"

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Absolutely - that’s why I recommend adding the Fritzyme 7, but also a small number of fish right away. They can’t establish themselves without an ammonia source.

[@Crazy_PurpleHaired_Lady]

💜💜💜💜

[@richardgiacomotti404]

👍👍👍

I've got a question about your affiliate link for the Fritz. It comes up as 16oz size. I used the link, but decided to get the larger size through the link on that page(or whatever it is from choosing a size). It didn't occur to me till later, but do you still get credit for clicking into your link? I know little about the monetized part of media thank goodness.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes we do - thank you!

[@mysterysnailtrails]

Doing research is important. Just dont believe everything you see online. Cross check between multiple sources. PTA and KGT are trustworthy. Still, double check all info.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes!

[@andytchir8601]

Don't be an experienced fish keeper and impulse buy an oscar lol I'd never do that 🤣

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good advice!

[@dmitrimikrioukov5935]

1 more mistake. Buying edible plants for goldfish to eat. This immediately gunks up the filter and spoils the water.

[@Sniffiez]

[@chevyfish4028]

Excellent information and advice.

[@charmanethomas404]

Oh yes, feeding too much will definitely cloudy and nasty looking water.

[@brandhark7935]

No way you’ve been keeping fish for 45 years! You only look like you’re 36!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I wish! 😀

[@Sygmir]

Dry your hands before touching anything electric. 😑

[@robinreid2055]

Duh!