Friday, February 27, 2015

Essential Tips On Aquarium Maintenance

By Earlene McGee


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.

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.

When doing the maintenance, it will be important to check the parameters of not only the water in the tank but also replacement water. In the case where tap water is used, it should be checked for chlorine because such water tends to have high amounts of chlorine. Water that contains chlorine loses air really fast and will risk the lives of fish. This element is neutralized by the use of water conditioners. Nitrifying bacteria are use for the breakdown of ammonia in water.

Municipal water will also have other elements like iron, phosphates and a host of other heavy metals. The local water company should be contacted to find out the composition of the water that they distribute. The information will be important because the lives of fish should not be put at risk. If well water is to be used, it should be noted that it is harder than that from taps. However, it has no chlorine.

The chemistry of water cannot be seen with the naked eye. It will thus be important to check water chemistry on a regular basis while checking such parameters as pH, salinity, nitrites and nitrates. A pH of around 6.5 to 7.5 is expected for the majority of the species. If it gets out of range, it should be adjusted.

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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