Cultivating a home aquarium is a rewarding hobby. You’ll have a small part of the ocean in your home, and you’ll love seeing the vibrant saltwater fish swimming around. But a thriving aquatic environment can turn into a disaster without the proper care.

Gerber’s Tropical Fish is here to explain the most common mistakes people make when caring for saltwater fish. The store in Ohio is the go-to source of fish tank supplies, freshwater and saltwater fish, aquarium plants, and water testing in the Cincinnati area. 

Here are the top three mistakes aquarium enthusiasts make with their saltwater fish tanks:

Overfeeding

Saltwater fish have very particular feeding needs. They don’t eat more than a small pinch of food once or twice a day. But when beginner hobbyists overfeed their saltwater fish, the extra flakes turn into nitrates at the bottom of the aquarium. Too many nitrates leave your saltwater fish vulnerable to disease. 

Crowding the Aquarium

New aquarium keepers sometimes get so excited about their hobby that they crowd the tank with more saltwater fish and plants than they can manage. Pace yourself—start off with a few saltwater fish at a time, and only introduce new additions once you’ve established a successful environment. 

Improper Tank Maintenance

The lifespan of your saltwater fish is directly related to your tank maintenance. But many aquarium keepers fail to develop the habits required for a healthy fish tank, which leads to bacterial outbreaks and poor water quality. Invest in high-quality water testing devices and cleaning supplies, and follow a proper maintenance routine to keep your saltwater fish happy.

Gerber’s Tropical Fish is dedicated to helping people in Dayton and Cincinnati care for saltwater fish. To learn more about setting up a fish tank, call (937) 297-0515. You can also like them on Facebook for more helpful tips and updates.