Though this post might be more applicable to those who keep multiple tanks, tracking information about any number of your tanks can be helpful. Consider logging your observations and maintenance routines.
I posted back in 2015 about logging information when you do tank maintenance and logging general observations. I recommend that you do this for a variety of reasons. Keeping notes increases your potential to
- Discern patterns of fish behavior
- Solve water parameter problems
- Keep a consistent maintenance schedule
- Track filter cleanings
- Make correlations between your maintenance actions and tank results
- Generally remember things you’ve done
I am sure there are other great reasons to keep notes. The method you employ isn’t as important as having notes of some kind to refer back to.
I mentioned in that 2015 post that I use an app called Evernote. It’s available for both PCs and Macs, as well as portable devices like phones and tablets. Evernote is installed on my phone and on my laptops. I use it extensively and rely on it for way more than just my fish keeping efforts.
There are other apps and software available, but I like Evernote. Part of the reason is its overall utility. I use it for my job and to keep other notes. One great feature is a calendar that sends a reminder when some task needs to be performed. I use this to keep track of when my filters need cleaning. I have 11 different power filters running all of the time. Keeping track of cleaning them all in my head is nearly impossible.
Nonetheless, pencil/pen and paper work also. The drawback to that method is searching, or lack thereof. Who wants to manually plow through pages of hand written notes looking for something specific? Evernote has a great search feature that makes looking up words and phrases really simple.
User whatever method works best, but I encourage you to take notes. You will be surprised how much you will benefit from it in the long run.