Your tips and tricks...post them here!

**~firefly~** · 11-10-2012, 09:55 AM

I thought it would be good to start a thread where everyone can post their tips and tricks when keeping fish and maintaining aquariums. Many of these I've either discovered here or just from experience.

TIP Use a toothbrush to clean algae from ornaments and rockwork. The bristles will get into any hard to reach spots.

TIP Here's a video someone else posted on AC - a handy way of adding substrate to an already established tank (no clouding!):

TIP When setting up a new aquarium, pack some screwed up newspaper over and around your substrate and decor before filling the tank with water. Take it out when it's 1/3rd full and carry on. This will prevent any disturbance of the new substrate and you will instantly have a crystal clear tank without clouding.

TIP Another posting from an AC member. Plants not doing so well? Here's a picture that'll help you work out the cause.

TIP Use a 5ml pippette to feed thawed frozen brine shrimp for controlled (and interactive) feeding.

**~firefly~** · 11-14-2012, 12:25 PM

TIP If you are faced with having to clean up an old, empty tank, you can use kitchen paper and vinegar as a "safe soak". Get a bowl of vinegar, dip kitchen paper in it and "wallpaper" it to the sides of the tank where any calcium or limescale has built up. So long as they're not too wet (you don't want them completely dripping) they will stick and you can leave them in place for several hours, or overnight. This should soften and remove any crusty parts of the tank, making it really easy to scrub off.

**ScottishFish** · 11-14-2012, 12:34 PM

Tip- don't put big fish in small tanks

**Zander** · 11-14-2012, 12:35 PM

Add a small amount of aquarium salt every time you add fish to your tank. I do it every time and I credit it as why I've never had ich to a single tank in my time keeping fish.

Also never buy fish when they've just arrived at the store. Ask when the fish you are going to buy arrived and make sure to buy them at least 2 days after that.

**imma24** · 11-14-2012, 01:55 PM

Tip: Make sure you own a siphon & algae scraper so you can keep your tank clean on your own before you decide to purchase fish to do the job for you and...fish don't eat poop

**KevinVA** · 11-14-2012, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by Zander

Add a small amount of aquarium salt every time you add fish to your tank. I do it every time and I credit it as why I've never had ich to a single tank in my time keeping fish.

How much is a small amount? Do you just add it and remove it with regular weekly water changes? Or will you add salt after the next water change?

**Zander** · 11-14-2012, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by KevinVA

How much is a small amount? Do you just add it and remove it with regular weekly water changes? Or will you add salt after the next water change?

I add just a couple tablespoons or so for a large tank. And no I don't add any otherwise in water changes or anything. I probably would if I had fish that preferred a little salt like Mollies though.

**Cliff** · 11-14-2012, 09:03 PM

The best tip that I have learned (the hard way) is to complete your own research first.

Everything will start to fall into place for you from there.

**Goes to 11!** · 11-14-2012, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by Cliff

The best tip that I have learned (the hard way) is to complete your own research first.

Everything will start to fall into place for you from there.

+1

Most useful tip ever, And not just for keeping fish.

**KevinVA** · 11-14-2012, 09:14 PM

Interesting. How long have you been keeping fish? Just want to gauge how well this works, by how long you've tried it. =]

This might be a good alternative to using something like Prazi as a preventative.