People that own aquariums should consider their maintenance on a regular basis. This is usually not a very tough task but will give newcomers a problem in the early stages. Some of the steps that are included during maintenance are taking the fish out, primary preparation and washing of the aquarium. After washing the tank, the fish can be put back in safely. There are various important facts to consider when it comes to aquarium maintenance.
Almost all essential details of maintenance are bordered on stability of the tank. The most important thing is to ensure that the fish are healthy and all things are running efficiently. This will mean there is no need for any major changes. Even in instances when hardness or pH are slightly out of range, this can be assumed because it will have no negative effect on the well being of the fish. Only changes that are major need to be attended to at once.
Change of water is among the major practices that are involved. This always needs to be done after every about two weeks. There will be no need to change the entire volume of water. Just about 10 to 15 percent will be enough. One way to achieve this is to extract the water as the gravel is vacuumed. This will eliminate all foods that are uneaten as well as other residues that settled on the substrate.
It will be important to scrutinize the parameters of water in the tank and also the replacement water. In instances when tap water from the municipality is used, it should be noted that the water has a lot of chlorine. Water that has chlorine will lose air fast. The chlorine can be neutralized using water conditioners. For water that contains ammonia, this will need to be gotten rid of. This can be done by nitrifying bacteria.
Water from the municipality also has various other elements like phosphates, iron and heavy metals. To find out the composition of the water in the locality, the local water company should be contacted. This information helps to prevent fish from being exposed to dangerous chemicals. Well water is harder than tap water but is devoid of chlorine.
It is not possible to see water chemistry. Therefore, it is advisable to check the tank chemistry regularly as the water is getting changed. The most vital parameters are nitrites, nitrates, salinity and pH. The pH should be in the range of 6.5-7.5 for the majority of species. This can be adjusted if out of range.
Proper filter function is important. Change of filters should be done after every month. This time may be less if the fish load is higher. If particles are trapped within the filter, they are likely to decompose and thus affect their composition.
You should check daily that all components are running just fine. The fish need to be keenly observed as they feed. Potential problems are indicated if there are changes in behavior. As a weekly routine, fish need to be counted. Dead fish will decompose and increase ammonia composition.
Almost all essential details of maintenance are bordered on stability of the tank. The most important thing is to ensure that the fish are healthy and all things are running efficiently. This will mean there is no need for any major changes. Even in instances when hardness or pH are slightly out of range, this can be assumed because it will have no negative effect on the well being of the fish. Only changes that are major need to be attended to at once.
Change of water is among the major practices that are involved. This always needs to be done after every about two weeks. There will be no need to change the entire volume of water. Just about 10 to 15 percent will be enough. One way to achieve this is to extract the water as the gravel is vacuumed. This will eliminate all foods that are uneaten as well as other residues that settled on the substrate.
It will be important to scrutinize the parameters of water in the tank and also the replacement water. In instances when tap water from the municipality is used, it should be noted that the water has a lot of chlorine. Water that has chlorine will lose air fast. The chlorine can be neutralized using water conditioners. For water that contains ammonia, this will need to be gotten rid of. This can be done by nitrifying bacteria.
Water from the municipality also has various other elements like phosphates, iron and heavy metals. To find out the composition of the water in the locality, the local water company should be contacted. This information helps to prevent fish from being exposed to dangerous chemicals. Well water is harder than tap water but is devoid of chlorine.
It is not possible to see water chemistry. Therefore, it is advisable to check the tank chemistry regularly as the water is getting changed. The most vital parameters are nitrites, nitrates, salinity and pH. The pH should be in the range of 6.5-7.5 for the majority of species. This can be adjusted if out of range.
Proper filter function is important. Change of filters should be done after every month. This time may be less if the fish load is higher. If particles are trapped within the filter, they are likely to decompose and thus affect their composition.
You should check daily that all components are running just fine. The fish need to be keenly observed as they feed. Potential problems are indicated if there are changes in behavior. As a weekly routine, fish need to be counted. Dead fish will decompose and increase ammonia composition.
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