Part 5: Common Beginner Mistakes (And Easy Fixes)

Good news: once your tank is running, maintenance is simple. The goal is to keep water clean and fish healthy — without making it tiring.

1) Adding too many fish too fast

Why it’s a problem

A new tank needs time to grow “good bacteria.” Too many fish too soon = water becomes unsafe.

Easy fix

  • Start small
  • Add fish in batches
  • Wait 5–7 days before adding more

2) Skipping anti-chlorine (water conditioner)

Why it’s a problem

Tap water can harm fish and kill good bacteria.

Easy fix

Every time you add tap water, add anti-chlorine.
No exceptions.

3) Overfeeding

Why it’s a problem

Extra food rots and creates waste fast. This is one of the fastest ways to ruin water.

Easy fix

  • Feed only what fish finish in 15 seconds (rule of thumb)
  • If in doubt, feed less

Beginner rule: Slightly hungry fish are safer than overfed fish.

4) Turning off the filter for long periods

Why it’s a problem

Your filter is the tank’s “engine” and home for good bacteria. If it’s off too long, bacteria can weaken.

Easy fix

  • Keep filter running 24/7
  • Only switch off during maintenance, then turn it back on quickly

5) Washing filter media under tap water

Why it’s a problem

Tap water can kill the good bacteria living in your filter.

Easy fix

  • Rinse sponge/media using old tank water (from your water change bucket)
  • Gentle squeeze only — don’t scrub until “super clean”

6) Keeping lights on too long

Why it’s a problem

Too much light often leads to algae.

Easy fix (simple timing)

  • With plants: 6–8 hours/day
  • Mostly fish: 4–6 hours/day
  • Best upgrade: use a timer

7) Not doing water changes because the water “looks clear”

Why it’s a problem

Clear water can still have invisible waste building up.

Easy fix

Stick to the easy routine:

  • 20–30% water change once a week

8) Changing too many things at once

Why it’s a problem

Big sudden changes can stress fish and make the tank unstable.

Easy fix

Change one thing at a time:

  • Adjust feeding first
  • Then water change
  • Then filter cleaning (if needed)

Quick “Troubleshooting” Cheat Sheet (Diagram)

Cloudy water

✅ Reduce feeding + do 20–30% water change + keep filter on

Algae growing fast

✅ Shorten light hours + avoid direct sunlight + weekly water change

Fish not active / hiding

✅ Test water (ammonia/nitrite) + check temperature + check flow

If you tell our That Aquarium staff what you’re unsure of, we’ll be sure to help wherever we can!

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Author: Kelvin Phua

Illustrator(s): Rong Sheng