Posts tagged Five
Aquarium Maintenance: Five Point Check
Aug 24th
Aquarium Maintenance: Five Point Check
Aquarium maintenance can seem daunting to someone who is new to the fish keeping world. However, it’s not as tricky as it may initially seem, and once you’re settled into a regular routine you’ll start to wander what all the fuss is about. This article discusses the five most important things to carry out within an aquarium maintenance schedule.
Water Tests
Nine times out of ten, it is extremely unlikely that you will be able to visibly see any problems with your water chemistry. This is why it’s so important to test your water regularly. Water testing kits can be purchased from any aquarium store, and the three main things you need to check are; Nitrites, Nitrates and Ammonia. These are chemicals produced by fish waste and can be harmful if left to get out of hand. Once you have your results, you can then act accordingly without having to rely on guess work.
Water Changes
A water change of around 25% should be carried out on every one to two weeks depending on your tank. Generally speaking, smaller aquariums will need more attention as it’s harder for smaller volumes of water to develop a natural cycle. When doing your regular water changes, never change more than 25%. You don’t want to remove the natural life in your fish tank, you just need to keep it under control by adding in some fresh water. Always de-chlorinate your water when taken from the tap as chlorine is very harmful to fish. Chlorine is harmful to fish so it’s important it is removed from any water going into your aquarium.
Filter Clean
The filter in your fish tank is crucial to ensuring that the water remains healthy for your fish. Having a certain amount of bacteria in your water is vital to creating a natural cycle, however this does need to be control and that is where your filter plays it’s role. As part of your maintenance routine, you should regularly check the sponge in the filter to ensure that it is not getting clogged up. If you can see a large build up of muck, wash it using water from the tank. However, make sure you leave some of the muck there as this will help maintain the water chemistry to a healthy level.
Plant Life
Having a good range of plant life in your aquarium will really help ensure your fish have a natural environment with which to live in. Plant’s produce helpful chemicals that will help keep you fish alive, however as with everything else the plant life in your tank must be maintained. Look for decaying plants and dead leaves and if you spot any, remove them from your tank. Dead plants will just rot in the water and this can produce harmful chemicals for your fish.
General Cleaning
If you have spent a good amount of money and time on your aquarium, it is probably the case that you will want to keep it clean and looking good. There are a few things you can do to help maintain a great looking aquarium. The most common problem in this area is algae. If you have your tank positioned in direct sunlight, the problem can be huge. try to position your aquarium away from direct sunlight. Regular glass scraping is a really good idea as this will help stamp out the problem before it gets out of hand.
Do you need more help and advice when it comes to aquarium maintenance? If so, visit Aquarium Group
RElated Fish Information so Fish me Today
- Australia: Oz: a climate change hotspot | Water Conserve
- 100 gallon aquarium guide | NJ Seal
- Whisper Ex70 Aquarium Power Filter
- Aquarium Stands – Fish Tank Stands and Aquarium Furniture
- Getting Started with Discus
Aquarium Maintenance: Five Point Check
Aug 24th
Aquarium Maintenance: Five Point Check
Aquarium maintenance can seem daunting to someone who is new to the fish keeping world. However, it’s not as tricky as it may initially seem, and once you’re settled into a regular routine you’ll start to wander what all the fuss is about. This article discusses the five most important things to carry out within an aquarium maintenance schedule.
Water Tests
Nine times out of ten, it is extremely unlikely that you will be able to visibly see any problems with your water chemistry. This is why it’s so important to test your water regularly. Water testing kits can be purchased from any aquarium store, and the three main things you need to check are; Nitrites, Nitrates and Ammonia. These are chemicals produced by fish waste and can be harmful if left to get out of hand. Once you have your results, you can then act accordingly without having to rely on guess work.
Water Changes
A water change of around 25% should be carried out on every one to two weeks depending on your tank. Generally speaking, smaller aquariums will need more attention as it’s harder for smaller volumes of water to develop a natural cycle. When doing your regular water changes, never change more than 25%. You don’t want to remove the natural life in your fish tank, you just need to keep it under control by adding in some fresh water. Always de-chlorinate your water when taken from the tap as chlorine is very harmful to fish. Chlorine is harmful to fish so it’s important it is removed from any water going into your aquarium.
Filter Clean
The filter in your fish tank is crucial to ensuring that the water remains healthy for your fish. Having a certain amount of bacteria in your water is vital to creating a natural cycle, however this does need to be control and that is where your filter plays it’s role. As part of your maintenance routine, you should regularly check the sponge in the filter to ensure that it is not getting clogged up. If you can see a large build up of muck, wash it using water from the tank. However, make sure you leave some of the muck there as this will help maintain the water chemistry to a healthy level.
Plant Life
Having a good range of plant life in your aquarium will really help ensure your fish have a natural environment with which to live in. Plant’s produce helpful chemicals that will help keep you fish alive, however as with everything else the plant life in your tank must be maintained. Look for decaying plants and dead leaves and if you spot any, remove them from your tank. Dead plants will just rot in the water and this can produce harmful chemicals for your fish.
General Cleaning
If you have spent a good amount of money and time on your aquarium, it is probably the case that you will want to keep it clean and looking good. There are a few things you can do to help maintain a great looking aquarium. The most common problem in this area is algae. If you have your tank positioned in direct sunlight, the problem can be huge. try to position your aquarium away from direct sunlight. Regular glass scraping is a really good idea as this will help stamp out the problem before it gets out of hand.
Do you need more help and advice when it comes to aquarium maintenance? If so, visit Aquarium Group
RElated Fish Information so Fish me Today
- Australia: Oz: a climate change hotspot | Water Conserve
- 100 gallon aquarium guide | NJ Seal
- Whisper Ex70 Aquarium Power Filter
- Aquarium Stands – Fish Tank Stands and Aquarium Furniture
- Getting Started with Discus
Fifty Five Gallon Fresh Water Aquarium
Jul 30th
Fifty Five Gallon Fresh Water Aquarium
A fifty five gallon freshwater aquarium is a good choice when purchasing a new tank, if nothing else, simply because of its size. These tanks are large enough to accommodative a variety of fish, but still small enough to keep in tight spaces in the home or office. Your local retailer can assist you with specifics in purchasing, but here are some suggestions for the basics. Purchase an acrylic tank, because they are lighter in weight and easier to care for than glass aquariums. Also the visibility is better in an acrylic tank. If you don’t already have a stand or a suitable replacement, keep in mind that you will need to purchase one. You will need a heater for temperature control, and a thermometer for checking the water temperature. It will take approximately five bags of rock or other substrate to line the bottom of the tank. Choose a bright color to add some interest to the aquarium.
In addition, you will need to purchase a filter for the tank. Filters can be complicated. Do a lot a research to find out what type of filter is suggested for the fish that you choose. There are filters that go beneath the substrate in the bottom of the tank, as well as filters that attach to the side of the aquarium. They also vary greatly in price. It is not necessary to buy the most expensive filter when setting up a basic freshwater aquarium.
The aquarium will also need lighting. Again, based on personal preference you can keep it simple or get very technical. Most fish will respond nicely to a basic light that is simply turned on for a few hours each day. An aquarium should contain some form of plants for added interest. The plants serve a place for the fish to seek refuge and feel safe. There are many varieties of freshwater plants that would work nicely in a fifty five gallon aquarium. Just be sure to purchase an aquatic specific species. If you don’t want the hassle of live plants, plastic is always an option. They have come along way with synthetic plants. In most cases the fish may not even notice the difference, unless of course they try to eat them.
Once your tank is established and you are ready to add fish, choose your fish carefully. Start with hardy fish, such as live bearers, gouramis, barbs, and danios. These fish are hardy enough to handle higher nitrate levels in the tank. Allow about thirty days for these fish to become acclimated to the tank, before adding any new fish. It usually takes about thirty days for the symptoms of ich or other fish illnesses to show up. It is important to make sure that all existing fish are healthy before adding any new species. The transportation of new fish itself is stressful enough, without having to add disease to the situation. When purchasing fish, it is important to remember that a fifty five gallon aquarium can handle about fifteen to twenty small fish total. This will allow plenty of growth room for the fish.
Find tips about guppy care and aquarium dimensions at Aquarium Fish Care.
