There are many things that you should not put in a fish tank, such as soap, metal, plants, food, or other animals that are not compatible with your fish. These items can harm your fish, pollute the water, or disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. In this article, we will explain why these things are bad for your fish tank and what you should do instead.
Soap is one of the worst things you can put in a fish tank. Soap contains chemicals that can kill your fish, damage their gills, or cause skin irritation. Soap can also break down the beneficial bacteria that keep the water clean and balanced. If you accidentally spill soap in your fish tank, you should immediately remove as much of it as possible and do a large water change. You should also avoid using soap to clean your fish tank or any equipment that comes in contact with the water. Use plain water or vinegar instead.
Metal
Metal is another thing that you should not put in a fish tank. Metal can rust, corrode, or leach harmful substances into the water. Metal can also affect the pH, hardness, and temperature of the water, which can stress your fish or make them sick. Some metals, such as copper, zinc, or lead, are especially toxic to fish and can cause death. If you want to decorate your fish tank with metal objects, you should make sure they are aquarium-safe and coated with a protective layer. You should also test the water regularly for any signs of metal contamination.
Plants can be a great addition to your fish tank, as they provide oxygen, shelter, and food for your fish. However, not all plants are suitable for your fish tank. Some plants can be invasive, poisonous, or incompatible with your fish or water conditions. For example, some plants can grow too fast and take over the tank, some plants can release toxins that harm your fish, and some plants can die or rot in the water and cause ammonia spikes. You should always research the plants you want to put in your fish tank and make sure they are compatible with your fish and water parameters. You should also trim and prune your plants regularly to prevent overgrowth or decay.
Food
Food is obviously essential for your fish, but you should not put too much or the wrong kind of food in your fish tank. Overfeeding your fish can cause several problems, such as obesity, disease, or water pollution. Excess food can sink to the bottom of the tank and decompose, creating ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate that can harm your fish. Excess food can also attract unwanted pests, such as snails, worms, or algae. You should only feed your fish as much as they can eat in a few minutes and remove any leftover food. You should also feed your fish a varied and balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Other Animals
Finally, you should not put other animals that are not compatible with your fish in your fish tank. Some animals can be predators, prey, or competitors for your fish. Some animals can also introduce diseases, parasites, or toxins to your fish tank. For example, some animals, such as turtles, frogs, or crabs, can eat or injure your fish, some animals, such as snails, shrimp, or worms, can overpopulate or compete with your fish for food and space, and some animals, such as goldfish, bettas, or cichlids, can fight or bully your fish. You should always research the animals you want to put in your fish tank and make sure they are compatible with your fish and water conditions. You should also monitor their behavior and health and remove any animals that cause problems.
In conclusion, there are many things that you should not put in a fish tank, such as soap, metal, plants, food, or other animals that are not compatible with your fish. These things can harm your fish, pollute the water, or disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. You should always be careful and responsible when choosing what to put in your fish tank and follow the best practices for maintaining a healthy and happy aquarium.
