I wanted to bring nature indoors so I decided to give fishkeeping a try! Here’s what I learned during my first year in the hobby:
- Buy the biggest tank you can afford (and have space for)
Small tanks are more sensitive to changes in its parameters and will require more maintenance
- Cycle the tank before adding fish
This takes a few weeks and affects water quality and fish health. See a video here or read an article here
- Water quality is key
I use drinking water for my tank or tap water that has been stocked for a while. I’ve been using API’s stress coat and stress zyme since the beginning!
- Hang on back filters (HOB) are convenient but may require more maintenance than a sponge filter
I use HOB for my small tank, and a sponge filter for the larger one
- Use real plants that are compatible with your chosen fish
I have panda corydoras, bettas and some apple snails. Since the pandas are always digging, a planted aquarium wasn’t easy to maintain. Anubias on stones and driftwood, moss balls on ceramic sand are simple and look great! I’ve been using Seachem’s flourish advance to fertilize the plants since the beginning
- Do your research before buying fish
Some fish aren’t compatible with others, and have different environmental requirements so it’s important to get tankmates that can thrive together
- Keep fish food dry
When water gets into the dry fish food container, they get spoiled! I like Hikari, Azoo and Ocean Nutrition
Here are my favorite stores in Manila:
- Metro Pet, Ccv 15, Cartimar phone # 02 8831 3708
- Tyrone, Cartimar, click here to message him on facebook
- Pet City, Cartimar phone # 02 8556 4332
- Pet Essentials, Cartimar phone # 02 8697 3335
- Pets and Hobbies by Doc Boni, Cartimar, click here to message them on facebook
- Jerry, Sampaloc Manila, click here to message him on facebook or see his Shopee shop here
- Rai Betta, Bulacan, click here to message him on facebook