Aquarium FAQs for Beginners
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Aquarium FAQs for Beginners: Aquarium & Planted Tank Guide

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Starting an aquarium can feel confusing—fish count, plants, lighting, algae, and maintenance. That’s why these aquarium FAQs for beginners are designed to give you clear, practical answers before you get started. This beginner aquarium FAQ guide helps you understand fish stocking, plants, lighting, and maintenance the right way. To make things easier, we’ve answered the most common aquarium FAQs and also mentioned useful aquarium products where they naturally fit, so beginners know what actually helps.

1. How Many Fish Can I Put in My Aquarium? (Aquarium FAQs for Beginners)

The number of fish depends on:

  • Tank size (litres/gallons)
  • Fish species and adult size
  • Filtration capacity

A common beginner rule is “1 inch of fish per gallon of water”, but this is only a guideline — For more on safe stocking limits and how space affects fish health, check out these stocking density guidelines for aquariums.

Tip: Consider the mouth size and feeding habits of your fish. For example:

  • Big-mouth fish: Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)
  • Small-mouth fish: Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

Pro tip: Using a high-quality external filter like Fluval Canister Filters helps maintain stable water parameters and supports a healthy bio-load.

2. What Is Ongoing Maintenance Like? (Beginner Aquarium FAQs)

Aquariums don’t require daily effort, but regular maintenance is essential:

  • Weekly water changes (20–30%)
  • Cleaning filter media monthly (never all at once)
  • Removing uneaten food and debris
  • Checking water parameters
  • Replacing 50% of filter media every 6–12 months to ensure optimal filtration and prevent buildup of harmful substances

Pro tip: Keeping a simple maintenance schedule helps prevent sudden water issues and keeps your fish healthy and stress-free.

3. Can I Use Rocks and Wood from Outside? (Aquarium FAQs for Beginners)

Yes—but with caution.

Only use rocks and driftwood that are:

  • Non-toxic
  • Thoroughly cleaned and boiled
  • Free from metals, paint, or chemicals

Avoid limestone (raises pH) and unknown woods that may release harmful sap.

For safety and aesthetics, aquarium-safe driftwood and stones designed for aquascaping are always a better choice.

4. Do I Need CO₂ for a Planted Aquarium? (Beginner Aquarium FAQs)

Not always.

  • Low-tech planted tanks: No CO₂ required
  • High-tech aquascapes: CO₂ improves growth and coloration

Beginner plants grow well without CO₂ if proper lighting and nutrients are provided.

Advanced aquarists often pair CO₂ systems with Fluval Plant Lighting for lush growth.

5. What Kind of Lighting Is Required? (Aquarium FAQs for Beginners)

Lighting depends on the type of aquarium:

Fish-only tanks:

  • These tanks have only fish, no live plants.
  • Basic LED lighting is enough.
  • Purpose: To make the fish visible and the tank look nice.

Planted tanks:

  • These tanks have live plants.
  • Full-spectrum LED lighting is required.
  • Reason: Plants need different wavelengths of light (like sunlight) for photosynthesis.
  • Lighting duration: 6–8 hours per day is ideal. Too much light can cause algae growth.

Sunlight example: Just like plants grow naturally in sunlight, full-spectrum LED lights in planted tanks mimic sunlight, giving plants the energy they need to grow healthy and strong.

Fluval Plant LED Lights are ideal for planted aquariums, offering customizable spectrum and intensity.

6. What Are the Best Beginner Aquarium Plants? (Beginner Aquarium FAQs)

These plants are hardy and low-maintenance:

  • Anubias
  • Java Fern
  • Amazon Sword
  • Cryptocoryne
  • Java Moss

They don’t require CO₂ and grow well in moderate lighting—perfect for beginners.

Pair them with nutrient-rich substrates like Fluval Bio – Stratum Aquarium Soil which is infused with active bacterias, for better root development.

7. How Do I Get Rid of Algae? 

Algae is common in new tanks. To control it:

  • Reduce lighting duration
  • Avoid overfeeding
  • Perform regular water changes
  • Maintain good filtration

You can also use:

  • Algae-eating fish (Otocinclus, Siamese Algae Eater)
  • Aquarium-safe algae treatments

Fluval water care products help maintain balanced water conditions and reduce algae triggers.

8. How Often Should I Change the Water?

  • Weekly: 20–30% for most tanks
  • Heavily stocked tanks may need more frequent changes

Always use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and harmful chemicals before adding new water.

9. Can I Keep Fish and Plants Together Immediately?

Yes—but timing matters.

Plants can be added immediately
Fish should be added only after cycling the tank (2–4 weeks). Cycling allows beneficial bacteria to develop, preventing ammonia spikes.


Important: The type of fish also matters:

  • Small-mouth fish usually don’t harm plants, so standard aquarium plants are fine.
  • Big-mouth fish can destroy plants, so you need hardcore plants that can withstand nibbling or digging.

Examples:

  • Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
  • Anubias (Anubias barteri)

These plants are sturdy and can survive in tanks with big-mouth fish without being destroyed.

Using biological filtration products like Fluval BioMax helps speed up the process safely.

Final Thoughts

A successful aquarium is about balance-proper filtration, lighting, stocking, and maintenance. Beginners should focus on stability rather than rushing the setup.

If you’re looking for trusted aquarium equipment, filters, lighting, and water care products, Fluval offers reliable solutions for both beginners and advanced hobbyists.

Start slow, stay consistent, and enjoy the calming beauty of your aquarium.