The Ultimate Aquarium Safety Guide: Beginner's Guide to Fish-Keeping
Fishkeeping safety is a topic I’ve been eager to address for a long time. There are some things you should consider, even if you’ve been a fishkeeper for a long time. This blog may include tips you haven’t thought about before.
Your feedback is valuable! If you think I’ve overlooked any important tips, feel free to share them in the comments. For beginners, we’ve also developed a comprehensive fishkeeping series, which I recommend checking out. I’ll link the first video in the upper right-hand corner and in the description below. I recommend checking out that previous blog. Let’s get into it.
Starting with the Fish Tank Itself
- Is the fish tank level?
Ensure your tank is on a relatively level floor and a level stand. An uneven tank can lean excessively, leading to water missing on one side while the other side overflows. This imbalance stresses the tank’s seams, which may eventually leak or burst. To avoid this, always ensure your tank is level. - Fish tank stands matter.
Make sure your fish tank stand is adequate for the weight of your aquarium. Fish tanks typically weigh about 10 lbs per gallon, but adding rocks and decorations can increase that. For example, a 20-gallon tank could weigh a couple of hundred pounds. Cheap tables may not be the best option.
While sturdy furniture can sometimes support smaller tanks (under 20 gallons), we recommend using a stand designed specifically for your tank size, especially for tanks 20 gallons or larger.
If you’re thinking about building your own stand, ensure you have the skills to do so. Poorly constructed stands can be hazardous, especially for larger tanks.
- Consider placement.
If your tank is on carpet, narrower tanks or stands might not be stable. Heavy carpets and padding can make tall, narrow tanks like 55-gallon or 37-gallon tanks more prone to tipping. Be extra cautious about where you place such tanks.
When doing maintenance or decorating the tank, avoid leaning on it, especially if it’s narrow, as this increases the risk of tipping.
Equipment Safety
- Air pumps.
Keep air pumps higher than the top of the tank to prevent water from siphoning into the air hose, filter, or pump if the pump stops working. This precaution also helps avoid leaks and potential water damage. - Electricity.
Keep power strips and cords off the floor, away from potential leaks. Mount power strips higher to prevent electrical accidents. Always unplug heaters and filters when working in your tank to avoid shocks or damage to equipment. - Lighting.
Ensure lights are securely attached above your tank. If a light falls into the water, unplug it before attempting to retrieve it to avoid electrical hazards.
Handling and Maintenance
- Check your hands.
Before working in your tank, ensure you have no open cuts or wounds. Open wounds can lead to infections. If needed, wear gloves or wait until your wounds heal before maintaining your tank. - Watch out for sharp objects.
Avoid placing sharp rocks or wood in your tank, as they can damage fish fins or injure you during maintenance. When handling slippery, algae-covered rocks, be extra careful to avoid injury. - Inspect tank seams.
Regularly check the tank’s silicone seams for damage or wear to maintain its integrity.
Fish Behavior
- Larger, aggressive fish.
When dealing with larger or aggressive fish, use a net to gently move them away before placing your hand in the tank. Breeding fish often display increased aggression; use a net or divider when working in their tank to minimize stress and potential harm. - Siphoning water.
Never start a siphon by mouth. Use a hand pump to avoid ingesting harmful substances.
Chemicals and Medications
- Safety first.
Wear gloves when handling chemicals or medications. Keep them below eye level to avoid accidental splashes, and store them out of children’s reach. - Supervise children.
If children are helping with fishkeeping, always supervise them. Teach them safe practices to protect themselves and the tank. - Wash your hands.
After handling chemicals or working in the tank, thoroughly wash your hands to remove any residue.
Key Information
Category | Tips and Precautions |
Tank Placement | – Ensure the tank is level. – Use a sturdy stand, especially for tanks 20 gallons or larger. – Avoid placing narrow tanks on carpet. – Don’t lean on the tank during maintenance. |
Equipment Safety | – Place air pumps higher than the tank to prevent back-siphoning. – Keep power strips and cords off the floor and away from water. – Secure lighting above the tank to prevent it from falling in. – Unplug heaters and filters before working in the tank. |
Handling and Maintenance | – Check for open cuts on your hands; wear gloves if necessary. – Avoid sharp rocks or wood that can harm fish or you. – Inspect tank seams for damage or leaks regularly. – Be careful when handling slippery, algae-covered rocks. |
Fish Behavior | – Use a net to gently move aggressive fish before placing your hand in the tank. – Avoid disturbing breeding fish. – Use a hand pump to start siphons—do not siphon by mouth. |
Chemicals and Medications | – Wear gloves when handling chemicals or medications. – Keep chemicals below eye level to avoid splashes. – Store chemicals out of children’s reach. – Wash hands thoroughly after handling chemicals or working in the tank. |
Child Safety | – Always supervise children around fish tanks. – Teach them safe handling practices and keep them away from chemicals. |