Purchasing a pet fish isn't about keeping the fish, but it is also about maintaining and caring for the aquarium that is a home for your fishes. Aquarium care is extremely important for the health and hygiene of your pet fish. If you don't take care of the aquarium, it will not only affect your fish's health, but it can also result in the early demise of your pet fish.

If you are a beginner, aquarium care might come off as a Herculean task. But don't worry, we have bought a short guide and FAQs on aquarium care for beginners for all those pet parents who wish a long and healthy life for their pets.

What is the best size of the aquarium I can get as a beginner?

A maximum of a 20-gallon aquarium will be good enough for a beginner. But, if you are too unsure about the size, get a small one of a 5-gallon aquarium.

Will my fish die if the tank is too small?

It depends on the size of your fish. If your fish is small and would remain the same size even after growing, then they can survive a small tank. But, if your fish is small and would grow in size later, then your fish might feel suffocation in a small tank that will lead to their early demise.

How many fish can I keep in a 20-gallon aquarium?

It is advisable that you keep up to 8 to 10 fishes in a 20-gallon aquarium because it will give them enough space to live comfortably.

Beginner's guide for safe, quick, and easy aquarium care

• Change the water and clean the aquarium every once in a while, but not too often

It is essential to clean the aquarium once in a while. Since fishes discharge their excreta in the water, you will need to clean the aquarium once or twice a month. If you don't clean it within this time range, the excreta present in the water might become harmful for the fish.

It is also important to note that you shouldn't clean the aquarium too often. Fishes need time adjusting to new water, and if you keep changing the water, they will never adjust to their aquarium. You can also add a fish tank filter as it helps to remove the extra waste as uneaten food and fish excreta from the water. It is not possible to clean water on a regular basis, especially during winters, so it is advisable to get a fish tank filter for better aquarium care.

• Place the toys and plants in a location that does not clog the tank filter

A fish tank filter is really essential if you want to keep your aquarium clean. But, to ensure that the filter does its job well, you have to keep the toys in a location far from the filter. The plants can clog the filter if kept too near, which can affect the hygiene of your aquarium.

• The water shouldn't be too hot or too cold while changing

Water change is necessary for your aquarium, but you also need to ensure that the new water isn't too hot or too cold. Extremes of temperature will not only affect your fish but can crack your fish's aquarium.

Ensure that the water is at room temperature while adding to the aquarium, then heat it up using your aquarium heater for a while. When the water reaches a level that is suitable for your pet, add your fishes to the aquarium so that they don't have to go through temperature fluctuations.

• Ensure that you don't overfeed your fish

Overfeeding your fish can result in an upset stomach that might result in an unusual discharge of excreta. Too much urine can result in yellow stains on the sides of the aquarium, dirty water, and unhealthy fish.

Moreover, if you overfeed your fish, the extra food left can also result in dirty water.

If your aquarium water is clean and hygienic, your fish will remain healthy and live a long life. If you follow these tips, aquarium care will be a piece of cake for you. However, if you are unsure about cleaning your tank, we suggest you go through our article about How to clean a fish tank. We hope that after following these tips, your aquarium becomes the best home for your fishes.