1. don't dose what you have no test for: supplements and tests for that supplement should always be paired. The majority of tanks need a numerical test for alkalinity --- and the buffer to fix it. Stony reefs need calcium and magnesium. Your salt MIX is a mix of elements in right proportions for seawater. Don't mess with that ratio.
2. don't make sudden changes: slow is generally better. Tissues need to adjust.
3. don't do it and THEN come here and ask if it was a good idea.
4. don't shop for fish: buy them thoughtfully, individually, research them, quarantine them before putting them into your tank. Window-shop, then go home and google what interests you---including its ADULT size. If a shop got one of a species, I assure you they can get another. It's not a race or a competition to grab what's new and pretty first. If it's sold, ask the shop to get you one...IF you've done your homework.
5. do plan to have your fish live and grow for 3 years (small species) or more than 10 years. Some fish (koi) live as long as 230 years, if that gives you a clue. This is like getting any other sort of pet: it's a longterm commitment.
6. don't get sold everything in the store: ask. Collectively, we've tried it all.
7. do not figure 'your' angel will be the one that doesn't eat corals. If you really love the angel, you may have to adjust what else you want to keep---or vice versa.
8. don't prioritize fish ahead of equipment to keep them healthy and alive. Sump, skimmer, live rock, refractometer, ro/di filter, and test kits. YOu wouldn't buy a plane and say, "oh, I'll get the altimeter later..."
9. don't believe the myth that ich is always present: that's hair algae. And don't believe ich ISN"T present in the store tanks. Take measures not to have it in YOUR tank. QT.
10. don't be too embarrassed to state what REALLY happened when you need help: the more info we have, (and believe me, we've been there!) the better advice we can give.
2. don't make sudden changes: slow is generally better. Tissues need to adjust.
3. don't do it and THEN come here and ask if it was a good idea.
4. don't shop for fish: buy them thoughtfully, individually, research them, quarantine them before putting them into your tank. Window-shop, then go home and google what interests you---including its ADULT size. If a shop got one of a species, I assure you they can get another. It's not a race or a competition to grab what's new and pretty first. If it's sold, ask the shop to get you one...IF you've done your homework.
5. do plan to have your fish live and grow for 3 years (small species) or more than 10 years. Some fish (koi) live as long as 230 years, if that gives you a clue. This is like getting any other sort of pet: it's a longterm commitment.
6. don't get sold everything in the store: ask. Collectively, we've tried it all.
7. do not figure 'your' angel will be the one that doesn't eat corals. If you really love the angel, you may have to adjust what else you want to keep---or vice versa.
8. don't prioritize fish ahead of equipment to keep them healthy and alive. Sump, skimmer, live rock, refractometer, ro/di filter, and test kits. YOu wouldn't buy a plane and say, "oh, I'll get the altimeter later..."
9. don't believe the myth that ich is always present: that's hair algae. And don't believe ich ISN"T present in the store tanks. Take measures not to have it in YOUR tank. QT.
10. don't be too embarrassed to state what REALLY happened when you need help: the more info we have, (and believe me, we've been there!) the better advice we can give.
