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A widely cited guideline for tropical freshwater fish is to provide approximately 30 square centimeters of surface area for every 1 centimeter of fish length (e.g., a 60cm x 30cm tank has 1800cm² of surface area). Overcrowding is a primary cause of stress and disease[5][26].
Cloudy water is typically caused by one of three things: a bacterial bloom (common in new tanks), suspended particles (from gravel dust), or an algae bloom. The solution is usually to reduce feeding, perform regular partial water changes, and ensure your filtration is adequate[7].
Yes. According to veterinary sources, quarantining new fish in a separate, dedicated tank for at least 2-4 weeks is the single most effective way to prevent introducing devastating diseases and parasites into your established main aquarium[14][16].
For any aquarium, the most critical parameters to test for regularly are **ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH**. In a properly cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite levels should always be zero, as they are extremely toxic to fish[12][27].
This is almost certainly "Ich" (or White Spot Disease), caused by the external parasite *Ichthyophthirius multifiliis*. It is one of the most common diseases in aquariums. Treatment typically involves using specific anti-parasitic medications and sometimes gradually raising the water temperature to speed up the parasite's life cycle[8][42].
To provide a natural day-night cycle and help control algae growth, aquarium lights should be on for a consistent period of 8-10 hours per day. Fish require a period of darkness to rest[41][49].
Contrary to what many beginners believe, larger aquariums (20 gallons or more) are significantly more stable and easier to maintain. The greater volume of water dilutes toxins more effectively and slows down harmful chemical changes, making them more forgiving of minor mistakes[12][36].
It is critical to remove the deceased fish from the tank immediately. A decomposing body will release a large amount of ammonia, which can quickly pollute the water and harm the remaining healthy fish[7].
Scientific and veterinary sources agree that the primary causes of stress are poor water quality (ammonia, high nitrates), overcrowding, frequent and sudden changes in water parameters, aggressive tank mates, and a lack of hiding places[9][16].
No. You must choose species that are compatible in three key areas: temperament (peaceful fish cannot be with aggressive ones), size (large fish may eat small fish), and environmental needs (they must share the same requirements for water temperature and pH)[5].
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