5 Things I Wish I Knew YEARS Ago

‎ Cory shares 5 things he wishes he could tell every beginner who is just getting started with fish keeping. If you've ever felt discouraged in the hobby, these words of wisdom may be just what you need to hear to help you get through a rough patch.

WHO WE ARE
------------------------------------------------
At Aquarium Co-Op, we focus on your aquariums. We specialize in freshwater tropical fish, aquatic plants, and the overall betterment of the freshwater fish keeping hobby. Our goal is to help you with your first pet fish and graduate you to an advanced aquarium hobbyist. If you'd like to take it to the next level, subscribe to Aquarium Co-Op and check out our weekly videos.

Cory McElroy is employed by Aquarium Co-Op LLC. He also owns Aquarium Co-Op LLC. Therefore, all content is sponsored by Aquarium Co-Op.

0:00 - Intro
0:16 - You’re Going to Kill Fish
1:00 - Filtration is Important
1:48 - Everyone in the Hobby is Nuts
2:42 - Buying Way too Much Fish Food
4:18 - Every Aquarium is an Experiment
6:32 - Become a Channel Member

#Aquariumcoop #Aquariumfish #Fishtank

[aidenbryant]

When he said “All we wanna do is talk about fish but no one wants to listen” 😭😭 I feel that

[keith]

I started keeping fish over 30 years ago. I've seen a lot of changes and evolution in the hobby. I would advise newcomers against gadget clutter. The aquarium industry has produced some good new products, yet there is simply a lot of unnecessary, money-sinking products. Beginners may think they need to buy all this stuff that somehow will bring miraculous success. They've invested time and money, and they are lead to believe that if you really want to succeed you need this latest sprocket. You end up creating a bunch of aquarium clutter that practically needs a storage closet just for itself.

A close second is establishing realistic expectations of "aquascaping". Social media is filled with pristine, manicured, perfect aquariums. Beginners see that and make that the goal instead of successfully establishing and sustaining a small aquatic ecosystem. Successful aquariums that have longevity embrace ecological succession, respect the role of decomposition, and realize biological competition. Aquariums are dynamic, and nature is messy. Social media aquascaping images may give unrealistic expectations. Aquarium keeping is a science and an art. First, master the science that keeps the ecosystem going, then tailor the art of your layout to your aesthetics.

[predatorshelby]

Brand new to the hobby. Had my tank almost a month now. The hardest part and something that I've noticed is the need to have patience. I see all these lovely planted tanks and have to keep reminding myself my plants aren't going to grow overnight and just be patient.

[AudenLonginus]

I’m by no means a veteran, but one of the most important things I’ve realized is that you’re gonna spend a lot of money, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I work a part-time job, and I find myself spending a large amount of money on the hobby, whether it be on food, shrimp, etc. One of the coolest things about the hobby though is when you find out about new cheap methods. When I found out about poly-fil and used it in my filter I was absolutely stunned by how effective it was!
Another thing I’d say is to help other aquarium hobbyists, especially those who tend to overstock (like the people who put goldfish in bowls). Offer others advice from what you’ve learned, encourage them to do research, and stay friendly!

[renato]

I wish I'd known I would be entering into an endless cycle of "damn I'm spending too much-- ooh look, a fish! Damn, that was expensive-- ooh plants!"

[sarahwoodring]

My advice: don't panic! "OMG, that fish just flashed on the rock! What's wrong with my fish? Ich? The DREADED COLUMNARIS??? Better get all the meds! Salt! 80% water change twice daily! Throw all possible solutions at it and stress out my whole ecosystem!" Meanwhile, fish was just itchy, showing off, or trying to dislodge a poop.
Wait to address a problem until you're sure there is a problem. Keep a clear head and treat the easiest thing first. Just don't panic!

[subrag]

Grow houseplants on top of your tank, or in a HOB, or use floating plants. Having a lot of plants growing with access to the air is super easy and will help keep your water cleaner and your fish healthier.

[maryssahamilton]

Two things. 1 - buy second-hand stuff, especially if you're just starting out. This is an *expensive* hobby. 2 - Asking questions is great. The vast, vast majority of us are more than happy to help answer questions. It's incredibly daunting when you're just starting and information overload is a very real thing in this very complicated hobby. We were all there and we remember what it felt like so we'll absolutely help out. Even aquarists who have done this for years, decades even, ask questions.

[seizedcarcass]

My one piece of advice is don’t overcomplicate it. Get some easy plants and easy fish to start off and go from there.

[limeaid]

I wish I could tell teenage me to take water changes and tank maintenance as a meditative enjoyable thing. That mindset not only encourages me to do it, it also helps clear my mind and just enjoy the fish more

[jasonzitt]

I've been in the hobby almost 40 years. I think the number one thing is to remember that its supposed to be fun.

[mitzibel]

This is wonderful!
I would also tell newbies to take what is declared on forums with a grain of salt. There is a lot of accepted "wisdom" held as incontrovertible gospel that just isn't true, and the militant attitudes on some forums can chase a new learner away and perhaps turn them off the hobby entirely. Know that you're going to talk to a lot of people who sound like authorities but are full of it. When you find someone who truly does know their stuff (and that person will often be at your local fish store, where they will not only know the fish but also your local water), turn to them before you go to the internet.

[joshuawick]

My number 1- find yourself a spouse that doesn’t have to join you in the hobby, but they at least need to understand and acknowledge your passion!
* I got it right the second time around.👍🏻👍🏻

[marktracey]

I have keep aquariums for over sixty years and you have done more for this hobby then anyone else I am aware of. Keep up the good work!

[jmha]

Best guy in this hobby to learn from !

[HKLuterman]

Really liked the advice in this vid. And Jimmy's edits are super amusing.

[nicksfishroom]

Patience is the number one lesson the hobby has taught me. 45 years into the hobby I still find the idea that often the best thing you can do to your tank is nothing.
The urge to tinker and "work on my tank" is exactly what you shouldn't be doing. A lot of the time, if you've done the right stuff, the thing to do is wait and watch and keep yer hands off the dang tank!;)

[SifiFan]

I suffer from major depression, suicide thoughts, anxiety, the whole enchilada.. my tank helps me by giving me something to focus on, experiment, experience and totally enjoy. It's a new hobby for me and it has helped my situation. Loss of a fish or shrimp hits me hard often breaking down emotionally. Given that am not thriving in my life, I want everyone I'm in charge of to thrive. I'm engaged, learning and and enjoy sitting back and figuring these guys individual habits out.

[jonathancolton]

I’m a landscape architect and own a landscape design/ build company. When I thought of taking on fish ponds, I thought I would take on aquariums to learn water parameters and have some knowledge of how to build natural environments. Now I have my personal collection, chilids, nanos, tetras, shrimp and frogs. I have children the ages of 1 and 3; they have enjoyed the hobby as well with tanks on the floor at eye level for them. we have yet to build a pond!

[Tom_H]

"everyone in the hobby is crazy!" 🤣