Level 2: Basic

Building Your Foundation

Now that your tank is stable and you’re comfortable with basic maintenance, it’s time to expand your knowledge and start personalizing your aquarium.

Tank Size, Stocking, and Compatibility

• Learn the “1 cm of fish per 1 liter of water” rule (rough guide, not absolute).

• Use online tools or apps to check fish compatibility before adding new species.

• Add fish gradually to avoid ammonia spikes.

Filtration Types

• Sponge Filters – gentle, great for breeding or shrimp tanks.

• Hang-on-Back (HOB) – good flow and easy maintenance.

• Internal Filters – compact and effective.

• Canister Filters – higher capacity, for larger tanks (explained more in Level 4).

Clean filter media in old tank water, not tap water, to preserve beneficial bacteria.

Live Plants: Your Tank’s Best Friends

Start with hardy, low-maintenance plants:

• Anubias

• Java Fern

• Amazon Sword

• Hornwort

Benefits of plants:

• Reduce nitrates

• Improve oxygen

• Reduce algae

• Make your tank look beautiful

Feeding & Routine Care

• Use a mix of flake, pellets, frozen, or live food

• Fast your fish once a week to avoid overfeeding issues

• Clean algae, trim plants, and change water weekly

Health Basics

• Watch for signs of illness: clamped fins, spots, gasping at the surface, hiding

• Have a quarantine tank for new arrivals

• Keep basic meds: anti-fungal, anti-parasite, salt, and a heater for sick fish

With your setup running smoothly, plants growing, and healthy fish, you’re ready to move into the Normal level and explore more complex systems and species.