Time consuming and expensive problems are able to be prevented by spending some thirty minutes on maintaining aquariums every week. The most important factor for maintenance is the stability of the tank. As long as the fish are healthy and all things are running well, one will not need to do any major changes. This is even if the pH or water hardness is out of range. When considering aquarium maintenance Dayton residents should note increase or decrease of major parameters. These need more immediate attentions.
A major component of maintenance is water change. Water needs to be changed every two weeks. In most of the cases, changing 10 to 15 percent of tank volume will be sufficient. An effective technique is to replace extracted water as the gravel gets vacuumed. This ensures uneaten foods plus other residues are eradicated.
Parameters of replacement water for the tank need careful checking. Water from taps is likely to contain chloramines and chlorine that are known to air out fast. Water conditioners can be used for the purpose of neutralizing chlorine in either case. Ammonia will however still be present in the water containing chloramines. Nitrifying bacteria that are present in the aquarium will help to break down the ammonia. This however happens very slowly and the fish may be affected by the time the breaking down has happened.
Water supplied by the municipal council has various other elements, iron and phosphates being the most common. The composition of tap water needs to be confirmed from the local water company. Well water is normally harder than tap water but is free of chlorine. Water that is filtered needs to be checked as well since the filter membranes may be damaged or they could need replacement.
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 proper function of filters is very important. Filter inserts need changing every other month. The change of inserts may however be done after a shorter period in the case of higher fish loads. Trapped particles usually decompose in filters as much as they do in the aquarium. Cleaning filters once monthly is recommended. If the filters have bio-wheels, they should never be touched during cleaning. They get cleaned with water extracted during replacement.
Daily maintenance includes making sure equipment is running well and ensuring fish is watched during feeding. Any changes in behavior are a good indicator of potential problems. Fish should be counted on a weekly basis. The death of fish is likely to lead to increase in nitrate levels.
There should be checking of expiration dates on boxes and bottles. Expired kits must never be used. This is because it is likely that they will give false readings which could lead to taking unnecessary action.
A major component of maintenance is water change. Water needs to be changed every two weeks. In most of the cases, changing 10 to 15 percent of tank volume will be sufficient. An effective technique is to replace extracted water as the gravel gets vacuumed. This ensures uneaten foods plus other residues are eradicated.
Parameters of replacement water for the tank need careful checking. Water from taps is likely to contain chloramines and chlorine that are known to air out fast. Water conditioners can be used for the purpose of neutralizing chlorine in either case. Ammonia will however still be present in the water containing chloramines. Nitrifying bacteria that are present in the aquarium will help to break down the ammonia. This however happens very slowly and the fish may be affected by the time the breaking down has happened.
Water supplied by the municipal council has various other elements, iron and phosphates being the most common. The composition of tap water needs to be confirmed from the local water company. Well water is normally harder than tap water but is free of chlorine. Water that is filtered needs to be checked as well since the filter membranes may be damaged or they could need replacement.
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 proper function of filters is very important. Filter inserts need changing every other month. The change of inserts may however be done after a shorter period in the case of higher fish loads. Trapped particles usually decompose in filters as much as they do in the aquarium. Cleaning filters once monthly is recommended. If the filters have bio-wheels, they should never be touched during cleaning. They get cleaned with water extracted during replacement.
Daily maintenance includes making sure equipment is running well and ensuring fish is watched during feeding. Any changes in behavior are a good indicator of potential problems. Fish should be counted on a weekly basis. The death of fish is likely to lead to increase in nitrate levels.
There should be checking of expiration dates on boxes and bottles. Expired kits must never be used. This is because it is likely that they will give false readings which could lead to taking unnecessary action.
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