Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: 7 Key Issues WithFreshwater Aquarium Substrate

Making the wrong decisions with respect to
freshwater aquarium substrate can lead to
disaster and even the death of your fish. Here 7
issues are covered with advice given on the best
practice to carry out.;

Sometimes not enough attention is paid to the use
of freshwater aquarium substrate in the aquarium
set up process. It is more crucial than many folk
realize. Here are just 7 tips pointing out what
could go wrong if certain advice is not taken.

1. Always wash your freshwater aquarium substrate
thoroughly with hot water before you use it in
your aquarium.And ensure that the tank itself has
been thoroughly sterilized too.Beneficial
bacteria need to develop and thrive in the
substrate ensuring the fish have a healthy
environment and the nitrogen cycling process is
facilitated.

2. To give your aquascape a realistic look ensure
the level of substrate rises from the front to
the back of the tank. In addition put some
localized dips and rises in it as you get in
natural surroundings. Consider a combination of
rocks, pots (to act as caves/shelter) and other
decorations plus a range of different sized
plants to complete the realism.

3. Limestone in your gravel can cause your water
to harden and the pH to rise. Fish who prefer a
less alkaline environment and softer water could
suffer as a result. To check that there is none,
add a few drops of vinegar to a piece of gravel
and if it fizzes then there is limestone in it.

4. If your fish like to dig into the substrate,
do not use large particle size gravel. This would
be unfair to them. If you have bottom dwellers
then do not use sharp, rough edged gravel pieces.
They can get injured. Find out about their
behavior before you buy them.

5. Never place rocks on top of your substrate.
Always bed them into the bottom of the tank and
fill around it. This is more secure, especially
if you have other rocks and decorations on top of
them. And it may stop your fish from being
crushed.

6. To take into account an under gravel filter
you will need to have a depth of about 7 cms,
give or take a centimeter. If sand is used as a
substrate then if you are using an under gravel
filter don't forget that it will probably need
additional maintenance than usual. It will clog
up more frequently.

7. When filling your tank, first of all place a
piece of brown paper over the gravel substrate.
To stop the substrate being greatly disturbed use
a cup to pour the water into and it will flow
gently onto the paper when full. Continue filling
until it is safe to remove the cup and the fill
completes. Slowly take the brown paper away. This
method stops you disturbing the substrate layer.

So now you have been given 7 tips regarding
freshwater aquarium substrate. Take note of the
advice given, carry these out actions and you
will have removed several potential problems you
may have otherwise had.

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maintain a beautiful aquarium, have the
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about freshwater aquarium substrate in your
aquarium at
http://www.fresh-water-aquariums-guide.com/freshwa
ter-aquarium-substrate/

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