Routine And Regular Maintenance For A Successful Aquarium
Keywords: secret, fishkeeping, maintenance, algae, cleaning, debris, test, water quality
The secret to successful fishkeeping would have to be routine and regular maintenance. The simple tasks involved will prevent the fishkeeper being beset with problems and ending up with a messy unhealthy environment for his/her fishes to live in.
Once established, your aquarium will require a minimum of time and effort to keep it looking attractive and its inhabitants healthy and colourful.
On a daily basis: check water temperature, check fish numbers and behaviour, remove debris such as dead leaves (if planted), check filters, air pumps are operating, feed fish.
On a weekly basis: test water quality, if necessary, partial water change, prune plants (if planted), clean condensation tray.
Every 2-3 weeks: Partial water change (approx. 20-30%), clean filters, clean tank, remove algae from front of glass, check if plants need thinning (if planted). It isn’t necessary or indeed wise to completely empty out and clean an aquarium. Regular partial water changes are far more beneficial in ensuring that both fishes and plants remain healthy.
Adding fresh water will dilute any pollutants that may be present, such as nitrates, and is best carried out along with a general clean up of the aquarium, in particular removal of debris and uneaten food from the gravel.
It is recommended that all electrical equipment in the aquarium be turned off before carrying out maintenance which involves putting your hands in the water! It’s also handy to have a couple of cloths ready to wipe your hands with as you dip in and out of the water.
It is best to remove any rocks out of the aquarium first so that the gravel is easier to clean, place them in a bucket out of the way. (Any buckets and other such equipment should be set aside for aquarium use only, to avoid polluting the aquarium).
A gravel cleaner can be used to clean the gravel thoroughly, without clouding the water too much. Siphon the dirty water into a bucket specifically kept for the job and then dispose of the water in an appropriate place e.g. the garden.
Regular cleaning of the gravel also ensures that it doesn’t get clogged up with debris, which is essential if an undergravel filtration system is to work efficiently. Internal filter sponges, or pre-filter media, should be washed in old aquarium water only! not in tap water, as chlorine would destroy the beneficial bacteria present on them; only wash them enough to free them of any clogging debris.
With the water level reduced, you can take the opportunity to clean any items in the aquarium deemed necessary, and remove any algae that may have built up on the front of the glass. (I use a washing up sponge for this, the type with a nylon scourer on one side, an old toothbrush is also useful for cleaning jobs).
You can leave the rear and sides for a more natural appearance, and for any algae loving fish to rasp on. Place any rocks back into the aquarium BEFORE refilling with fresh water. The fresh water should be treated with dechlorinator and be the same temperature as the existing aquarium water, which can then be siphoned into the aquarium.
When the aquarium is filled, replace the covers and lid, wipe the outside glass with a damp cloth, no detergent or cleaners! switch all your equipment back on and check that it’s all working. That’s all there is to it, but regularly done it will save a lot of misery and you will have an aquarium to be proud of and not one that you would rather hide away.
For more information about freshwater tropical fishkeeping please visit my site at www.freshwatertropicalfishkeeping.com for 30 years or more of fishkeeping experience.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Affordable Wedding Photography (1)
It also allows the photographer to snap virtually limitless numbers of photos rather than being tied to a certain number of rolls for budgetary purposes. Choosing the type of wedding photography and a photographer that fits your style is more involved than it was several years ago.
Where To Find A Free Online Car Auction (2)
It will be a challenge to find a completely free online car auction and this is normal - these sites should make a profit too. Here are some of the most popular - this should cut the time required to research and get you straight to the point.
Consider People's Job When Searching For The Proper Gift (3)
For example, a group gift is the proper option when it comes to someone who works in the computer area. Buying the latest technology for such a person is impossible if you do it on your own.
Parts Cleaner: Firbimatic Sealed Perchlorethlyne Cycle (4)
Solvent for this first step is obtained from a storage tank, known as Tank #1. The solvent spray removes up to 70% of the soil from the parts, and then is pumped into the still for the distillation process that separates oil from solvent.
Getting A Good Currency Rate Means A Lot (5)
Having said that, I think that the clever ones mostly do notice everything and that is why they are better off because they keep their ear to the ground and do not miss out to make sure they secure the best deal available.
Protect Your Checking Account (6)
If you discover a problem it is important to contact the bank as quickly as possible. If you believe that someone has gained access to your account, tell the bank and follow their instructions.
Where To Find Cheap Car Auctions (7)
There are some down sides to the cheap car auctions. Some do not have the best verity and the quality may not be as high as some but they are still worth a very close look if you are in the market for a good car auction.
Choosing The Right Program To Promote (8)
Look for a program that is of high quality. For instance, look for one that is associated with many experts in that particular industry. This way, you are assured of the standard of the program you will be joining into.
How To Find The Right Online Car Auction (9)
With money matters handled it is best to see and testdrive the car before signing up the papers. If this is not possible, than ask for all information that you need to make sure you are really buying a good quality car.
Making Money With Clickbank Explored (10)
Every time a prospect is referred to a new merchant, their existing referral cookie is updated to reflect the association between the new merchant and the affiliate that referred them.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
What You Need To Know About Car Auctions (1)
They are fairly easy to use but there are a few traps for new players. Some people don't know about the fees involved in car auction there are fees for both sides of they sale in most cases.
Forex Trading Signals - How And Where To Get Forex Trading Signals! (2)
Besides, the free exchange of signals Forex only keep track of the four pairs of negotiation, namely: USD eur, ghp-USD USD-jpy and USD-en. Other currency twins are not available at all times, so you have to find different sources for those.
Swarovski Jewelry - How To Take Care Of Your Swarovski Jewelry (3)
Let me share with you some tips that you can apply at home to keep the brilliance of your Swarovski jewelry. A lot of things that I am going to suggest to you are very inexpensive items that you can find in your daily life.
The Ultrasonic Parts Cleaner Gains Popularity (4)
After initial exposure however, there is often a buildup of residue on the part that prevents further cleaning. Through cavitation, ultrasonic cleaners are able to displace this buildup and allow fresh chemistry to reach the part.
Can I Consolidate My Government Student Loan? (5)
This also applies to subsidized and unsubsidized Direct and FFEL loans, Federal Nursing loans, SLS and Health Edu Assistance loans. But if you have a student loan that is private then you won't be able to consolidate your federal loan.
Online Paid Survey Tricks And Tactics (6)
Usually it's the former, where corporations are getting your ideas and opinions on launching a new product. Having access to the internet has opened up a whole new ballgame in how these corporations go through and contact the consumer.
Choosing One Of The Many Tuscany Rental Villas (7)
Some of these privately owned villas will offer you a support staff for all your needs (as part of your miscellaneous fees, of course.) These support staff can do your everyday cooking, can help you set up parties or organize banquets for large meetings, can help you find excellent fishing spots and / or help you rent our recreational equipments to explore the area like ATVs or mountain bikes.
Consolidating Student Loans Under $10,000 (8)
So make sure you ask your lender before you consolidate if they can re-consolidate your loan later in the future. Not everyone lender will want to re-consolidate your loan so you'll need to get around 4 student consolidation loan lenders on hand in case you can't find a lender willing to re-consolidate your loan.
How To Discover Your Niche Market (Part 1) (9)
With these two ways of doing research, you're almost ready to develop your product that will take care of your target market's problems. But wait, don't develop your product just yet, there are three important areas you must check before you spend your hard earned money and time developing a product.
Forex Currency Trading -The Latest Vogue (10)
Such knowledge is always bound to stand by you in the long run. You should for instance always educate yourself about the currencies that you intend to trade. You should always know a lot of things in detail about the country whose currency that you intend to deal with in the forex market.
Permalink to Routine And Regular Maintenance For A Successful Aquarium