Problems that consume time and are expensive are able to get prevented in aquariums by spending about thirty minutes every week to do maintenance. Tank stability is always the most important factor to consider. The health of the fish is very important and as long as they are healthy and all equipment are running well, no major changes will be warranted. It does not matter if the water hardness or pH are out of range. In considering aquarium maintenance Dayton residents ought to note increase or decrease of the major parameters.
Water change forms a key part of maintenance. This is supposed to be performed every two weeks. In majority of the cases, 10 to 15 percent of the volume of the tank will be sufficient. One effective method is to replace the water extracted as one vacuums the gravel. This will get rid of foods that are uneaten and other residues that have settled on the substrate.
The parameters of the water used for replacement and that in the tank should be carefully checked. Tap water is most likely to contain chlorine or chloramines which tend to air out very quickly. The use of a water conditioner neutralizes chlorine in either of the cases. Ammonia will however still be present in the water with chloramines. It is able to be broken down by nitrifying bacteria. These bacteria are always present in the aquarium.
Chlorine and chloramines are not the sole elements in tap water. Iron and phosphates are also contained in the water. Local water companies ought to be consulted in case one wants to know the exact elements in their tap water. Well water contains no chlorine but is harder. Even filtered water has to be checked since filter membranes could need changing before they expire.
The chemistry of water is not visible hence the need to check it regularly. This can be made a routine by checking on tank chemistry as the water is changed. The most important parameters to be checked are nitrites, nitrates and salinity in the case of marine tanks. The pH is what determines stability and the optimum level is 6.5 to 7.5 for most fish species. This may however be adjusted depending on specific requirements.
The function of filters is very important. Change of filter inserts should be done every month. High fish loads will however require more frequent changes. Trapped particles decompose in filters as much as they do in the aquarium. Cleaning the filters once every month is recommended. The bio-wheels should not be touched during the cleaning. Instead, they get cleaned using water that is extracted from the tank during changing.
The running of equipment and observation of feeding habits of fish needs to be done daily. In the event that the normal behavior of fish changes, it will be an indication of potential problems. The number of fish needs to be confirmed by counting them weekly. Dead fish will increase the level of nitrates in the tank.
The expiration dates printed on bottles and boxes need regular checking. These should not be used after expiration. When kits have expired, they will give false readings that may lead one to take unnecessary action.
Water change forms a key part of maintenance. This is supposed to be performed every two weeks. In majority of the cases, 10 to 15 percent of the volume of the tank will be sufficient. One effective method is to replace the water extracted as one vacuums the gravel. This will get rid of foods that are uneaten and other residues that have settled on the substrate.
The parameters of the water used for replacement and that in the tank should be carefully checked. Tap water is most likely to contain chlorine or chloramines which tend to air out very quickly. The use of a water conditioner neutralizes chlorine in either of the cases. Ammonia will however still be present in the water with chloramines. It is able to be broken down by nitrifying bacteria. These bacteria are always present in the aquarium.
Chlorine and chloramines are not the sole elements in tap water. Iron and phosphates are also contained in the water. Local water companies ought to be consulted in case one wants to know the exact elements in their tap water. Well water contains no chlorine but is harder. Even filtered water has to be checked since filter membranes could need changing before they expire.
The chemistry of water is not visible hence the need to check it regularly. This can be made a routine by checking on tank chemistry as the water is changed. The most important parameters to be checked are nitrites, nitrates and salinity in the case of marine tanks. The pH is what determines stability and the optimum level is 6.5 to 7.5 for most fish species. This may however be adjusted depending on specific requirements.
The function of filters is very important. Change of filter inserts should be done every month. High fish loads will however require more frequent changes. Trapped particles decompose in filters as much as they do in the aquarium. Cleaning the filters once every month is recommended. The bio-wheels should not be touched during the cleaning. Instead, they get cleaned using water that is extracted from the tank during changing.
The running of equipment and observation of feeding habits of fish needs to be done daily. In the event that the normal behavior of fish changes, it will be an indication of potential problems. The number of fish needs to be confirmed by counting them weekly. Dead fish will increase the level of nitrates in the tank.
The expiration dates printed on bottles and boxes need regular checking. These should not be used after expiration. When kits have expired, they will give false readings that may lead one to take unnecessary action.
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