Many people who are starting a freshwater fish aquarium think that it is just a matter of going out and buying a fish tank and lots of plants and fish.
Folks, that's asking for a disaster and this will cut your new found hobby really quite short following disillusionment.
Start by avoiding the mistakes.
One point to bear in mind is the size of your initial tank.
Don't get the smallest you can get your hands on.
A small one yes, but not gold fish size please.
This is because any problems in the tank will have an impact on the whole area, whereas a 20 to 35 gallon tank is too large an area for the whole to be affected.
Here is one extremely important point to act upon with immediate effect following the purchase of your new tank.
When you've put water in the tank do not immediately fill it with your chosen fish as they will almost certainly end up very ill or worse.
This is because the water needs to be treated first in order to eliminate the harmful materials which endanger the life of the fish.
Continuing on the same theme, add only 2 fish at a time and certainly don't fill the tank with your chosen fish all at the same time.
Instead add them little by little.
Again, the water needs time before it's ready to accept more fish.
Particularly, the ammonia and nitrate levels within the water need to have fallen to zero before adding more fish.
Research the species of fish that you want to get as some are aggressive towards others and certainly do not overstock your tank with too many fish.
Don't overfeed your fish.
When starting a freshwater fish aquarium it's better to feed them once per day as this means less waste and if you have the correct filter system in the tank this won't be a problem.
If you have the incorrect filter system and it doesn't filter enough, this will indeed cause problems.
If in doubt for your particular circumstance then do ask at your local pet shop, they are usually very knowledgable and eager to help.
Don't forget the testing of the pH, hardness, ammonia, and nitrite levels of the water before adding fish and certainly continue testing after the start up stage about once per month.
Last but certainly not least is don't forget to change the water regularly because if you don't then your fish will be living in a sub standard environment.
If you ensure that you keep to these start up rules then you will be avoiding the common mistakes when starting a freshwater fish aquarium and your fish will live long and happy lives.
Happy fishing.