It gets better, right?

[Wishful]

I'm about two months into setting up our tanks and am feeling rather frustrated. No huge problems, a couple dead fish that were sick when we got them, a nasty red algae breakout, some early nitrite spikes that were worrisome until we got the tank properly cycled (the second tank went beautifully on cycling btw-hurrah). But it just seems like every step is nerve wracking. There are SO many things to worry about!

I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance that once we've got the tanks
set up and running, have them pretty much stocked and the plants are established, it'll get easier. That I'll be able to spend more time enjoying my aquarium and less time testing, fixing, worrying, and correcting. Most sites say that it takes four to six months to really settle a tank in and alot of the early problems clear up over time and with a bit of experience. There's alot of misinformation out there on the net though, so I'd appreciate hearing from fish-folk with experience whether those sites are right.

 

[Jericho]

It does get easier. The set up is the most time consuming. When it all gets established, and it id diffrent for everybody, then it basicly gets down to weekly water changes and ealing with the occasional misshap.

 

[fishbreeder017]

Everything will be ok. Sounds like your tanks are almost ready.

 

[daveedka]

There are two factors playing into your frustration.
The first is the fact that you percieve there are a lot of things to worry about. When I first got into fish keeping, I knew nothing and I worried about nothing. Then I started learning and worrying. I worried more than one fish to death. If I had just relaxed a bit Things would probably have been fine.
After a while it occurred to me that If I just relaxed, and took the optomistic approach things would be less stressful.

So in a nutshell, learn everything you can about the tank, and assume none of the bad stuff is going to happen. Do water changes just a little bit more than you think are necessary, Test occassionally to make sure nothing stupid happened, and enjoy your fish. If something stupid does happen, Think about, take several deep breaths, post questions do research and then create a game plan you can stick to wothout dramatics. There really is not that much to do beyond the QT period.


The second factor is as you have mentioned. new tanks take a while to fully estabilish and settle in or Mature if you will. So yes after 6 months to ayear you will see less issue in the way of instability, but honestly once the cycle is complete your fish are safe as long as you do maintenance and are cautious not to change anything drastically. I don't consider a system worrisome after the cycle is set and stocking is complete. So really I'm done worrying and working extra hard the day my stocking is complete.
Dave

 

[Roan Art]

Amen, Dave.

He's right. Not only does it get less worrisome, but you stop sweating the little things. I have BGA (Blue Green Algae) in most of my tanks and it was driving me nuts. Could not totally get rid of it for many reasons, most of which being that I cannot increase the CO2 because rainbowfish are O2 intensive.

Finally I sat back, looked at the tank and realized that the SAE were keeping it in check. It's only in the front in the substrate . . . and it actually looks kinda pretty. Nice bluey-green color. Doesn't bother my fish at all.

Now, I kinda like it. It's gone from being a major stress to a "who cares" and I love it

Roan

 

[twig]

I hated my bga =P

When I first saw it I was like "wohoo! Green algae! That's better than the brown stuff I had" but it grew out of control so i was like wtf ...

A little increase in my nitrates fixed that.

These forums have a way of stressing someone out that's for sure. I would say not to worry about it and take each little problem a step at a time. Don't worry about the could-be's ... just worry about the nows ...

 

[Star_Rider]

I agree with what's been said.
the first 5-6 months or so is tough..getting the tank established and stabilized is the tricky part..the rest is a learning experience..

I took the plunge back into aquaria several months ago..I did a ton of research and got back into raising angels..I now have three tanks the smallest is a 20 with rams.

I liked it so much that i took the plunge into discus..I decided I needed a go at the king of the aqaurium..it's more work..but it's worth it.

the thing about aquariums..is the amount of hard work(hard to call it work when it's a hobby) is rewareded 10 fold when you sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor..it's a challenging hobby if you want it to be..with endless options..including raising fish.