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The husbandry concepts that decide whether a tank works — group requirements, quarantine, feeding, stocking and responsible practice.

Feeding (1)

FeedingFeed once a day, only what is eaten within a minute or two, and match the food to the species' diet and feeding zone.

Behaviour (2)

Group size and social requirementsMany aquarium fish are obligately social, and a group below their threshold produces sustained stress behaviour rather than merely a quieter tank.
Tankmate compatibilityCompatibility depends on water requirements overlapping, on adult size difference, on behaviour, and on the tank having the dimensions the combination needs. It is rarely a simple yes or no.

Maintenance (1)

Routine maintenanceA weekly partial water change with a substrate vacuum, a monthly filter rinse in tank water, and regular observation. Consistency matters more than intensity.

Acclimation (1)

Acclimatising new fishAdjusting a new arrival gradually from the transport water to the tank water, so the change in temperature and chemistry is not a shock.

Health (1)

QuarantineHolding new arrivals in a separate tank for two to four weeks so that any disease they carry does not reach the established tank.

Setup (1)

Setting up a first aquariumSet the tank up completely, cycle it without fish over several weeks, and only then add stock gradually — chosen to suit your tap water rather than fought against it.

Welfare (3)