Any person that owns an aquarium should consider their maintenance as an important aspect that is to be done on a regular basis. Beginners may have a few problems when they are doing maintenance for the first time. Examples of the steps involved in maintenance are washing the tank and taking the fish out. After cleaning the tank, fish are taken back in. There are various important details when it comes to aquarium maintenance.
The biggest factor that is considered is stability of the tank. As long as all things are running in a proper way and the fish are healthy, there will be no need for any major changes. This is even if the hardness or pH is slightly off range. When it comes to maintaining aquariums, only the very major changes in tank parameters will need to be considered. These will need to be attended to immediately.
One of the major practices for any aquarium is water change. Water should be changed after every fortnight. During this time, there will be no need to change the entire volume. Approximately 15 percent should be changed. A way to achieve this is extraction of water while vacuuming the gravel. All foods that were not eaten will be eliminated while also getting rid of other residues.
It is advisable that one checks the parameters of not only the tank water but also the replacement water. If tap water is to be used, it should be remembered that it is likely to contain chlorine. The disadvantage of water that contains chlorine is that it airs out really fast. The use of water conditioners neutralizes chlorine. For the breakdown of ammonia from the water, nitrifying bacteria come in handy.
Water from the municipality will also be likely to have elements such as phosphates, iron and heavy metals. The composition of such water can be known by consulting the local water company. In so doing, you will know the kind of water the fish are being exposed to. Well water is another option that can be used. Such water has no chlorine but tends to be harder.
Water chemistry is not visible to the naked eye and therefore it is important to regularly check the chemistry as the water is changed. The pH, salinity, nitrates and nitrites are the most important parameters to check out for. The pH should range between 6.5 and 7.5. Adjustments are made if it is out of range.
Functioning of the filter is an important consideration as well. The inserts of the filter are supposed to get changed every four weeks. If the fish load is higher, the change is done after a shorter while. Particles that are trapped within the filter will decompose and thus affect its functioning.
Daily maintenance includes ensuring that all equipment is running well. In addition, the fish should be observed during feeding. Any changes in the behavior should be an indication of potential problems. Counting of the fish needs to be done every week. In the event of deaths, the smaller fish will tend to decompose faster. This introduces ammonia into the tank.
The biggest factor that is considered is stability of the tank. As long as all things are running in a proper way and the fish are healthy, there will be no need for any major changes. This is even if the hardness or pH is slightly off range. When it comes to maintaining aquariums, only the very major changes in tank parameters will need to be considered. These will need to be attended to immediately.
One of the major practices for any aquarium is water change. Water should be changed after every fortnight. During this time, there will be no need to change the entire volume. Approximately 15 percent should be changed. A way to achieve this is extraction of water while vacuuming the gravel. All foods that were not eaten will be eliminated while also getting rid of other residues.
It is advisable that one checks the parameters of not only the tank water but also the replacement water. If tap water is to be used, it should be remembered that it is likely to contain chlorine. The disadvantage of water that contains chlorine is that it airs out really fast. The use of water conditioners neutralizes chlorine. For the breakdown of ammonia from the water, nitrifying bacteria come in handy.
Water from the municipality will also be likely to have elements such as phosphates, iron and heavy metals. The composition of such water can be known by consulting the local water company. In so doing, you will know the kind of water the fish are being exposed to. Well water is another option that can be used. Such water has no chlorine but tends to be harder.
Water chemistry is not visible to the naked eye and therefore it is important to regularly check the chemistry as the water is changed. The pH, salinity, nitrates and nitrites are the most important parameters to check out for. The pH should range between 6.5 and 7.5. Adjustments are made if it is out of range.
Functioning of the filter is an important consideration as well. The inserts of the filter are supposed to get changed every four weeks. If the fish load is higher, the change is done after a shorter while. Particles that are trapped within the filter will decompose and thus affect its functioning.
Daily maintenance includes ensuring that all equipment is running well. In addition, the fish should be observed during feeding. Any changes in the behavior should be an indication of potential problems. Counting of the fish needs to be done every week. In the event of deaths, the smaller fish will tend to decompose faster. This introduces ammonia into the tank.
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